AARON HAYDEN enjoys contributing with goals but the Wrexham centre-back gets more satisfaction from keeping clean sheets.

The 24-year-old, who arrived at The Racecourse from Carlisle United in the summer, scored his fourth goal of the campaign in Tuesday's 2-0 win at Altrincham which leaves the third placed Reds just one point off top spot in the National League.

But a 10th shut out in 21 league games meant more to Hayden who will be looking for more of the same when Wrexham continue their promotion challenge against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Sunday.

"I am not counting how many goals to be honest, I am just focussed on the clean sheets," said Hayden.

"My missus will tell me!

"I scored quite a few at Carlisle and it is part of my game. I pride myself on it knowing that I am a threat in both boxes.

"I like to score but my job is to defend; most importantly, I like clean sheets and I am buzzing we kept a clean sheet in the last league game."

Hayden had already been denied by Altrincham goalkeeper Tony Thompson before he gave Wrexham a 24th minute lead from close range after Ben Tozer nodded down Jordan Davies' cross.

"There were a few phases of play, I was waiting for the ball to come back into the six yard box and Tozer put it in the right position," said Hayden.

"I just made sure I was there and got something on it.

"I think it went in off my shoulder in the end but all that matters is that it went in and put us 1-0 ahead.

"We got a little bit complacent then but after that we pushed on and got the second goal."

Bryce Hosannah made it 2-0 before the break and although Altrincham came more into the game in the second half, resolute defending by Wrexham secured the clean sheet that Hayden craves.

"It was a tough second half," said Hayden.

"I don't think we passed the ball as well but we were very resilient and made some good blocks.

"It was good defending and we kept a clean sheet which is the main thing."

Hayden has only missed one league game this season and was rested for the 5-0 FA Trophy third round win against Gloucester City on December 18.

"I always want to play, I always want to be involved, but the gaffer gave me a rest which I was grateful for," said Hayden.

"I used that time to rest myself and make sure I was fresh for Altrincham and the New Year."

The Boxing Day game against Solihull Moors was postponed due to Covid-19 cases in the Wrexham squad.

Phil Parkinson's side hadn't played la league game for more than a fortnight when the made the short trip to Altrincham and Hayden was pleased with the way the Reds performed on the return to action.

"We hadn't played a league game for 17 days so to go away from home, get a win with a clean sheet and score two goals, it is a good start going into the New Year," added Hayden.