IT’S a rarity for Shaun Pearson to go one season without scoring so the Wrexham captain was relieved to get off the mark and ensure he was not goalless for a second campaign in a row.

The 32-year-old weighed in with goals for Grimsby Town before arriving at The Racecourse in the summer of 2017 and he was joint top scorer with six strikes as Wrexham reached the play-offs in 2018-19.

Unusually, Pearson failed to find the back of the net before the 2019-20 campaign was suspended last March because of the coronavirus pandemic and this season has been plagued by injury.

Having returned to the side at the end of March, Pearson was finally back on the scoresheet as his bullet header put Wrexham ahead in Saturday’s clash with Yeovil.

It was his first goal since he was on target in the 3-1 victory over Braintree Town on April 6, 2019, and only a world class save from Yeovil goalkeeper Adam Smith prevented him from doubling his tally as the Reds triumphed 3-0 to remain on course for a play-off spot.

Pearson was delighted to open his account following a barren spell for Wrexham.

“Not getting one last season was strange,” said Pearson.

“I think it was only the second season in my career where I have not managed to get a goal which is not like me.

“I am just pleased to get off the mark and I should have had two.

“It was an outstanding save, we were gobsmacked that he managed to keep it out.

“I headed it too cleanly. If I had mis-headed it slightly, it could quite easily have gone in either side but because I headed it so cleanly, it has gone straight back into his outstretched arm.”

Pearson felt his first goal in just over two years was coming and he is hoping there are more to come as sixth placed Wrexham, who have four games left, aim to secure a top-seven finish.

“I was close last week at Maidenhead with one,” said Pearson.

“It was funny because we were only talking about it before the game, a couple of the lads were giving me stick saying how I don’t score anymore so it was nice to prove them wrong that I have still got it there.

“I am hoping that now one has gone in, a few more will follow.”

Luke Young and Jordan Davies swiftly added to Pearson’s opener as Wrexham built up a three-goal lead inside the opening half an hour,

More chances went begging and Reds’ boss Dean Keates admitted after the game that he was disappointed his side didn’t win by a bigger margin.

Pearson echoed his manager’s sentiments but says it is a positive sign that Wrexham are creating so many chances.

“We were saying afterwards that it could have been numerous more,” said Pearson.

“But the pleasing thing is we are creating so many chances.

“Last week at Maidenhead was very similar and although we didn’t make the goalkeeper work, there were some terrific last ditch blocks which stopped us scoring more in that game.

“Hopefully we will continue to create chances in the coming weeks.

“We seem to be keeping it pretty solid and tight at the back so it is a good formula to win football matches.”

The competition for a play-off spot is fierce with five teams within six points of Wrexham.

Some of the Reds' rivals bidding to extend their season are in action tonight so Keates' side, who travel to Boreham Wood for their next game on Saturday, could slip out of the top seven.

But that is not something that concerns Pearson with Wrexham's destiny still in their own hands.

"It is going to be tight and after tonight's games, we could end up out of the play-offs," said Pearson.

"Other teams around us are playing and we aren't.

"We could end up being down in eighth or ninth and I keep telling the lads, you can't let that affect you.

"All you can do is look at the next game and concentrate on that.

"We know it is well and truly in our hands. We haven't got to win every game but if we win two or three more then we have got a really good chance of being in there."