BRYCE HOSANNAH wasn’t expecting to start Wrexham’s midweek win but the wing-back will be ready to answer the call again if selected for Sunday’s FA Cup first round home tie against Oldham Athletic.

Hosannah replaced Callum McFadzean who missed Tuesday’s clash with Maidenhead United because of personal reasons and the 23-year-old helped the second placed Reds win 1-0 to close the gap on leaders Notts County to one point.

Making just his first start at The Racecourse this season, Hosannah enjoyed playing in front of a near-10,000 crowd and he will relish playing in front of another bumper attendance in the cup against Oldham if he keeps his place.

“I think Callum’s wife went into labour so I literally only found out I was playing an hour-and-a-half before kick-off,” said Hosannah.

“Even if you are not playing, you prepare like you are going to play every game so when I was told, it was fine for me.

“Obviously it was good to be back out there and made my first start at The Racecourse this season.

“It is a great ground to play in, especially under the lights; I always enjoy it.

“The support is unmatched, especially at this level, and you want to play in front of them as much as possible so it was good to get the opportunity and it will be another big crowd on Sunday.”

Aaron Hayden put Wrexham ahead with his eight goal of the season in the 30th minute and the Reds had chances to extend their advantage in the second half.

Although Maidenhead goalkeeper Alexis Andre Junior made some brilliant saves and leading scorer Paul Mullin missed a late penalty, one goal proved to be enough as resolute defending kept the Magpies at bay.

Wrexham have registered bigger home wins this season but Hosannah wasn’t complaining with the 1-0 victory.

“We had a lot of chances,” said Hosannah. “Their goalkeeper played really well.

“We said at half-time, it it’s going to be 1-0, then that’s what it is going to be. As long as you get the three points.

“I felt we defended well and I can’t remember Mark Howard having a save to make.

“The scoreline could have been better - on another night it could have been three or four - but it was a solid win, the performance was controlled.

“As a team, I think we’d much prefer winning 1-0 rather than a 7-5 against Barnet when it was a bit all over the place.

“If you don’t concede you have always got a chance of winning.”

Wrexham closed the gap on Notts County who were held to a 1-1 draw by Bromley but Hosannah is not getting carried way with nearly two-thirds of the season remaining.

“We shouldn’t concentrate on them too much, just concentrate on ourselves,” added the former Leeds man.

“Make sure the performances are good every game and the results will take care of themselves.

“It is still early in the season, there are a lot of games to play but as long as we are up there, that is all that is important.”