WREXHAM drew first blood but Tom O’Connor won’t be taking Solihull Moors for granted when the sides meet again this afternoon.

Phil Parkinson’s side came out on top in the first part of the festive period double-header, registering a 5-0 victory at The Racecourse on Boxing Day to extend the unbeaten run to 16 games in all competitions and maintain the title challenge.

O’Connor knows Solihull will be gunning for revenge at Damson Park but the midfielder is targeting another win to start 2023 on a high note.

“You saw in the first 20-30 minutes that Solihull are a good side,” said the Irishman.

“You do need to respect them.

“We will be going there expecting a response from them but we will be ready.

“It will be a tough game but hopefully we can put in a good performance and get three points which would be lovely.”

Wrexham took time to get going against Solihull last Monday but Ollie Palmer opening the scoring just before the break and the Reds run riot in the second half.

O’Connor felt Wrexham were good value for the win, with Solihull finishing the game with 10 men when former Reds’ midfielder Kyle Storer was shown a straight red card following a late challenge on Luke Young.

“I don’t think we started the best against Solihull but once we sorted our shape out and got the press right, we got on top and deserved the win,” said the 23-year-old.

“Even up to the red card we were on top and were going to score one or two more.

“It is not always easy against 10 men but we controlled the game well and saw it out.

“We ended up getting a few more goals and it was a professional performance.”

Wrexham maintained their 100 per cent home record, making it 15 league and cup wins at The Racecourse in 2022-23.

“It’s been a fortress alright,” said O’Connor.

“You can’t take any game for granted, every game is tough so fair play to the lads for the home record.

“Hopefully we can continue that in the new year.”

Wrexham have a healthy points return on their travels but O’Connor is looking for the away form to be even better in the race for the title, with the second placed Reds four points behind Notts County with a game in hand.

“Obviously when you have a 100 per cent home record, you have to look at your away record, there is nowhere else to look!” said O’Connor.

“If we can improve our away form we will be right up there.

“Our away form isn’t bad but when you are fighting for first spot, it has to be the best.

“There is not much room for error when you are fighting for first spot so hopefully we can get a few more away wins this year.”

Wrexham took 53 points from the opening 23 games and O'Connor wants to match that feat in the second half of the season.

“If we continue that form and finish on 106 points, and Notts County finish with with more points, you just have to hold your hands up," said O'Connor.

“But there is still a long way to go in the season and twists and turns to come so hopefully we can keep the good form going."