SHAUN PEARSON has described tomorrow’s first match of 2021 as a “big opportunity” as Wrexham aim to kick-start their season.

The Reds’ return to action for the first time in nearly three weeks against bottom of the table Dover Athletic at The Racecourse.

It is one of only two games in the National League due to other teams’ involvement in the FA Trophy and Wrexham, who have slipped to 16th but only three points away from the play-offs, would improve their position significantly with victory over the Whites.

Captain Pearson wants to make the most of their big chance to climb the table.

“Saturday is a big opportunity for us,” said Pearson.

“There is only one other game in the league and if we win, we move up maybe seven, eight, nine places potentially.

“It shows you how tight the division is and it can completely change the look.

“Obviously a defeat would look terrible but a win makes it look a bit brighter and you are just outside the play-off places.

“It is a big game and hopefully we can get a result.”

Wrexham last played when they lost 2-0 at Stockport County on December 28, with two matches since then postponed due to positive Covid-19 tests in the Reds’ camp.

Although they don’t have a game next Tuesday, Dean Keates’ side then embark of a run of midweek fixtures and Pearson hopes to make winning a habit.

“I think it is going to be like that for the rest of the season,” said Pearson.

“After next Tuesday, I think there are only two or three spare Tuesdays so the games will come thick and fast.

“We have got a fairly decent sized squad and everybody will probably play their part at some point.

“You are going to get injuries and people missing through different things.

“I am looking forward to it and hopefully we can pick up as many wins as we can.”

The enforced break has denied Pearson, who has made three appearances since making his comeback from foot surgery, the opportunity to build up match fitness.

“I want to get back playing and try and get back up to speed as quick as possible, and play as many games as I can,” said Pearson.

“I feel reasonably good but as much training as you do, you don’t quite get the same as what you do from when you play games.

“Hopefully we can get some more games under our belts and we don’t have too many more call-offs.”

It is not as though Pearson has been able to keep things ticking over with training sessions.

Like his team-mates, Pearson has had to self-isolate due to the positive tests in the Racecourse ranks but the centre-back says all clubs have had to deal with that during the pandemic.

“There’s nothing worse than having 10 days in isolation,” added Pearson.

“It is not always the full group depending on the situation and that is the fourth time for me personally but hopefully it will be the last.

“We are not the only team going through it. Players in other teams are having similar situations, some not so many and some more than others.

“We just have to get on with it.”

Tomorrow’s game could be the last before the takeover of the club is completed.

Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are on the verge of completing a deal to become the new owners.

But when the actors take control at The Racecourse, Pearson does not anticipate wholesale changes immediately.

“Things are obviously going to change within the club, the structure and things like that,” added Pearson, who is spending a fourth season with the Reds after joining from Grimsby.

“I don’t know what the plans are.

“We have had a brief chat with a couple of people but not much more than that.

“I can’t see there being massive changes this season if I am being honest.

“I would imagine they will be gearing up towards the summer and preparing things moving forward but I would imagine the first port of call would be a chief executive and other decisions will come after that.

“That is me guessing but we will see when it goes through.”