DEAN KEATES described Wrexham's first half performance against Stockport County as the worst display of the season.

Wrexham ended 2020 with a 2-0 defeat against County at Edgeley Park, leaving the Reds 12th in the National League.

It was a disastrous start to the contest as Wrexham conceded both goals in the opening 15 minutes and Stockport could have scored more before the break.

Jordan Ponticelli squandered a good chance for the Reds at the start of the second half and Stockport had more opportunities but neither side could add to the scoreline.

Keates was not happy with what he saw in the opening 45 minutes.

"It was nowhere near good enough," said Keates.

"First half, that was the worst we have played by far this season.

"Ten minutes in the second half we were on the front foot and showed a bit of urgency, tempo and created a great opportunity to get ourselves back in the game but we didn't take it.

"After that it became very open. We were throwing bodies forward trying to chase a goal down to give us a chance and a foothold in the game.

"But we were leaving ourselves open at the back so they created chances on the back end of that."

Wrexham were back in action after a nine day break but although some players missed training sessions in the build up to the County clash, Keates was not using that as an excuse for the poor first half performance.

"I am not giving anybody an excuse," said Keates.

"One or two have not been in training for a fair bit for reasons out of our control but there is not a get out of jail card on the back end of that.

"It was not good enough."