PHIL PARKINSON hailed "one of the biggest wins of the season" as Wrexham edged past Southend United 1-0 at The Racecourse to keep their National League automatic promotion hopes alive.

The second placed Reds, the highest scorers in the division, weren't at their best against the mid-table Blues but Ollie Palmer's 14th goal for the club in the 47th minute secured a vital victory in the push for the title.

It became an even more important win as leaders Stockport County lost 2-1 at home to Boreham Wood in the tea-time kick-off, keeping Wrexham one point behind the Hatters.

"I said to (assistant manager) Steve Parkin, that is one of the biggest wins of the season," said Parkinson.

"It was just a little bit lethargic out there, we struggled to really get going in terms of the pace and the intensity we normally play at.

"But when you are not quite at your most fluent as a team, it is important you still get the result and that is what we have done."

Wrexham, beaten only once at home all season, were below par but victory was all that mattered to Parkinson in the quest for a return to the Football League.

"We had to be strong and resolute, it can't always be champagne football, fives and sixes," said Parkinson.

"Sometimes teams come and do a good job against you, and you have got to make sure that in those games, you have got the ability to grind out a win. I thought that is what we did.

"You have got to win all types of games in football, all different challenges get thrown at you and that was one.

"We were a little bit lethargic in the first half, we weren't quite at our sharpest, but when you have periods where you are not quite at your best in terms of slickness of the play, you have got to be strong defensively and make sure you come in at half-time 0-0 at the very worst.

"We did that and then we got the goal, and we were lifted after that."

Palmer got the winner when he slotted home from Jordan Davies' cross.

"Ollie is a talisman for us at the top of the pitch and he got his goal," said Parkinson.

"A terrific cross from Jordan and a real moment of quality, and it separated the two sides on the day."

Wrexham were without centre-back Aaron Hayden who picked up a hamstring injury in the midweek 6-1 win at Weymouth and is a doubt for the final three games.

"Aaron's got a tendon injury in his hamstring," said Parkinson.

"We weren't too concerned after the game but it has proven to be more serious than we thought.

"Aaron is facing a few weeks at the very least out and we will see how it progresses but when that happens, you have got to deal with it and I feel we have got the squad capable of coping with that.

"Aaron has been magnificent for us and he is hurting a lot because no player wants to miss this stage of the season but it's the way football goes sometimes."

Tyler French replaced Hayden in defence and produced a man of the match performance.

"Tyler is a good player," added Parkinson.

"I have said it many times he has been unlucky not to be involved more, he has got good character and he is relishing being back in the side.

"I am pleased for him and disappointed for Aaron because he has been good for us but, as we have seen with Rob Lainton getting injured and Christian Dibble stepping in, you have got to have players ready and waiting and when they get the chance, take it like Tyler's done."