FIACRE KELLEHER is chasing back-to-back clean sheets - regardless of the make up of Wrexham’s defence against Sutton United.

The Reds ended an unwanted run of conceding four goals a game as they prevented Barnet from beating goalkeeper Rob Lainton on Tuesday night.

Wrexham’s luck was perhaps summed up in the goalless draw as right-back Reece Hall-Johnson and central defender Theo Vassell limped off injured with time running out. James Horsfield and Jordan Davies were thrown into action in the full-back positions with Jamie Reckord joining Kelleher in the heart of defence.

Asked if keeping a second shutout of the season but losing two defenders to injuries sums up Wrexham’s season, Kelleher said: “I think so. When you are finally starting to build relationships and you get injuries it’s not ideal because you have to start from scratch.

“But that’s football, it can happen at any time and we just need to get on with things and help the players that come in settle and keep clean sheets.”

Regardless of the disruption at the back, Wrexham, also missing skipper Shaun Pearson and the versatile Mark Carrington, picked up a first clean sheet since the 1-0 win at Yeovil on October 10.

Kelleher reflected: “It was much better. Anyone watching would have seen a more stable side, which looked more in control of the game.

“That was the main thing we were looking for after the last two games, which were to-and-fro and there was no control from us.

“It was a better game-plan as well, playing off Kwame and picking up second balls, which I think worked a treat, but we just couldn’t get that goal.

“It was really important as a defender to keep a clean sheet at the other end. Your confidence takes a bit of a knock when you concede four goals.

“We were very pleased with the clean sheet and we want to kick on from here now and really start to get three points every game.

“I think that’s been the tale of the games. Sometimes we aren’t in too much trouble and we switch off, so it’s about keeping the backdoor closed when we are in possession of the ball, staying focused on our job rather than watching play.”

The defensive solidity gives Kelleher confidence heading into Saturday’s home clash with Sutton United, who climbed into third spot in midweek courtesy of a 2-1 win at Yeovil Town.

“We can go into that knowing we are back to what we were at the very start,” said Kelleher. “It’s all about building momentum. If we can stick to the game-plan and keep moving forward, I think we will be fine.”

While Kelleher’s main objective is to help keep opposition attackers at bay, he’s also keen to help ease the scoring burden on Wrexham’s forward players.

“We had a couple of chances and I think we looked dangerous from set-plays,” said Kelleher, who had a chance late in the first-half, his header looping high over Aymen Azare’s crossbar.

On his chance, Kelleher added: “I think I’ve got a bit of a soft neck. I need to start scoring because I’m going up there to get my head on it, but I’m not getting anything.”