ROB LAINTON was the first half hero while Ollie Palmer scored a brace after the break as Wrexham turned things around to beat promotion rivals Chesterfield 2-0 at The Technique Stadium.

The Spireites dominated the first half with Wrexham outplayed and lucky to be on level terms on the break.

The Reds were second best as the Spireites created a host chances but Lainton was in inspired form for the visitors, making several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.

Wrexham needed a big improvement in the second half and nearly 1,900 travelling supporters saw their side put in a much better performance.

And it resulted it a brace from club record signing Palmer who took his account for the Reds to four goals since arriving at The Racecourse in the January transfer window.

Victory took Wrexham up to fourth in the National League going into a string of home fixtures.

Manager Phil Parkinson made one change from the side that came from behind to win 2-1 at Wealdstone at the weekend with left wing-back Bryce Hosannah preferred to Callum McFadzean, who dropped to the substitutes bench.

Leading scorer Paul Mullin completed his four-game suspension so Dan Jarvis continued supporting Ollie Palmer in the Reds' attack.

Chesterfield had the first sight of goal but Jim Kellermann's shot defected behind for corner which came to nothing.

The Spireites were on top as they enjoyed a good spell of pressure and Lainton pulled off a superb save, getting down low to palm away Calvin Miller's drive.

Lainton was called into action to make another smart save to deny Akwasi Asante and the Wrexham keeper was soon called upon once again.

Asante was one on one with the Reds' keeper who spread himself to make a brilliant block and Lainton also parried Tom Whelan's effort with Joe Quigley converting the rebound but the former Wrexham loan striker was in an offside position and the goal was ruled out.

Wrexham were on the back foot and being put under the cosh but there was a respite for the visitors who created their first chance in the 32nd minute.

And it was a good opportunity to score against the run of play as Luke Young's free-kick was headed down by Palmer and Aaron Hayden volleyed straight at keeper Scott Loach.

Ben Tozer's first long throw-in of the contest was cleared to Reece Hall-Johnson who fired wide and Hayden also failed to hit the target with a header from Young's corner.

Liam McAlinden replaced Dan Jarvis for the start of the second half and the attacking midfielder almost got on the end of Tozer's long throw-in when the action resumed.

Lainton made a comfortable save to deny Asante but Wrexham should have taken the lead after 53 minutes when Palmer blasted over from close range from Hayden's knock down.

Wrexham also had shouts for a penalty waved away when Hall-Johnson went down under the challenge of Loach but Wrexham went 1-0 ahead on 58 minutes.

Jordan Davies saw his shot blocked by Loach, Max Cleworth went up for the loose ball which fell to Palmer and the striker headed home from inside the six yard box.

Lainton made another fine save to keep out Whelan's shot from outside the area and Asante also fired straight at the Reds' keeper.

But Wrexham made it 2-0 after 68 minutes.

Davies corner led to a scramble and Palmer turned the ball home for his and Wrexham's second goal of the night.

There was no way back for Chesterfield and Wrexham secured a second away win in four days.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Loach; Williams (Rowley 80), Grimes, Maguire, Whittle; Mandeville (Khan 85), Kellermann, Whelan, Miller; Quigley (Denton 76), Asante. Subs not used: Wharton, Kerr.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Lainton; Hall-Johnson, Hayden, Tozer, Cleworth, Hosannah; Young, O'Connor, Davies; Jarvis (McAlinden 46), Palmer. Subs not used: Dibble, French, McFadzean, Ponticelli.

Attendance: 7,854 (1,852 from Wrexham).