STEVE WATKIN was no stranger to playing in-front of a packed out Racecourse but the former Reds' favourite recalls the big away followings that helped sweep Wrexham to promotion in the 1992-93 campaign.

Fresh from the biggest FA Cup giant-killing act of all time when Watkin scored the winner to sink league champions Arsenal in January 1992, the Reds made a slow start to their Division Four campaign the following season.

But a run of six successive victories around the Christmas period put Brian Flynn's side in the promotion picture and not only did supporters flock back to the iconic north Wales ground in their droves, but Wrexham fans headed here, there and everywhere to cheer their team on.

Support continued to grow both home and away as Wrexham challenged for a place in the third division heading into the business end of the season.

The coronavirus pandemic means games are currently being played behind closed doors so the stands were empty as Dean Keates' men continued their National League play-off push against Halifax at the Shay last night, a far cry from when Wrexham made the trip to west Yorkshire on Friday March 26, 1993.

More than 2,000 supporters headed across the M62 and Watkin scored the only goal early in the second half as Wrexham took another step closer to promotion.

"The away support that season was fantastic for us," said Watkin. "It really helped us on the way to promotion.

"Some of the away results we had in the latter part of the season were really vital to us going up, and Halifax was one of those.

"It was brilliant, Halifax isn't the nicest place to go on a Friday night!

"It was a big game for us and a big stepping stone to us going up as well.

"It gave us confidence for the rest of the season and we went on a good run."

Watkin struck in the 56th minute after strike partner Gary Bennett squared the ball to him in the penalty area.

It might not have been as famous as his winner against Arsenal but still an important goal.

"Benno crossed it for me," recalled Watkin. "It was one of the few because it was usually the other way around!

"I think it was a side-foot with my right foot."

Supporters were starved of success but Watkin, Bennett, Karl Connolly, Gareth Owen and co had revived the Reds' fortunes and promotion was achieved in front of another bumper away crowd as the Reds beat Northampton 2-0 at The County Ground on April 27.

"The support was brilliant all season and it just shows you how passionate the Wrexham fans are and what a big club it is in the lower leagues," said Watkin.

"We are all hoping Wrexham can get out of the National League and get some more good times like that."

Wrexham have continued to attract decent sized crowds despite spending 13 seasons in non-league.

Watkin, who comes from Acrefair, feels sorry for the current group of Wrexham players who are missing out on a rocking Racecourse and the big away followings he experienced.

"It makes such a difference," said Watkin.

"I feel for the lads at the moment playing in front of no fans, it can't be easy.

"Hopefully by next season the fans will start coming back in and it will help the lads at The Racecourse, and the away support is always good."