THERE was New Year cheer for Wrexham who beat Solihull Moors 2-1 to close the gap on National League leaders Notts County.

Phil Parkinson's side went into the game at Damson Park sitting second in the table, five points behind County but with two games in hand after the Magpies drew 2-2 with Oldham the previous day.

And a 2-1 win over Solihull, who were thrashed 5-0 at The Racecourse on Boxing Day in the first meeting between the sides over the festive period, not only completed the double over Moors but leaves the Reds just two points off the top of the table.

Wrexham started and finished the first half well, taking an 11th minute lead through Jordan Tunnicliffe's first goal for the club, but Moors were dangerous on the break and had chances to level.

The Reds enjoyed the better of the second period and got the second goal needed to put the game to bed when Tom O'Connor scored a brilliant free-kick.

Solihull scored a late goal but Wrexham were not to be denied another huge win in the race for the title and the Reds are now unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions.

It was no surprise to see Parkinson name the same side that started the big win against Solihull seven days earlier, and the substitutes were also unchanged.

Moors manager Neal Ardley made two changes to his team with Ben Coker and Justin Donawa replacing Kyle Storer, who was suspended following his dismissal at The Racecourse, and Fiacre Kelleher.

Donawa fired wide for Moors with just a minute on the clock but Wrexham responded with Tunnicliffe heading off target from Luke Young's corner.

Only a superb save by Mark Howard prevented Solihull from taking the lead, with the goalkeeper managing to tip Donawa's shot over the bar after Solihull got in behind the Reds defence.

However, Wrexham took the lead in the 11th minute.

The Reds retained possession following a corner and Elliot Lee sent in a cross to the back post where Tunnicliffe headed home.

Howard was again called into action to made another superb save as he palmed away Andrew Dallas' header while Wrexham were forced into a change after 22 minutes with Callum McFadzean replacing Jacob Mendy who limped off injured.

Moors were enjoying their best spell of the game and Callum Howe's header was cleared off the line.

Wrexham weathered the storm but Moors had another chance when Ryan Barnett broke through but the winger was denied by Howard.

The Reds hit back with Paul Mullin and Lee combining well after winning the ball back, with the latter's goalbound effort deflected out for a corner by Howe.

It remained 1-0 at the break and Wrexham captain Luke Young cleared the bar with the first sight of goal in the second half.

Mullin fed strike partner Ollie Palmer whose low shot was comfortably saved by Ryan Boot and Howard was also equal to the task at the other end when he kept out Josh Kelly's low drive.

Wrexham enjoyed a spell of pressure with Mullin's shot deflected wide of the mark and Lee winning another corner when his effort was blocked by a Moors man following good build-up play by the Reds.

A second goal was needed to make the game safe and it came in the 65th minute.

Mullin was fouled outside the area and O'Connor curled the ball over the wall into the top corner with his 25 yard free-kick, giving Boot no chance.

O'Connor failed to hit the target with another free-kick and with Wrexham well on top, Boot made a double save to deny Palmer and Luke Young.

Boot was also on hand to save Lee's header but Solihull pulled a goal back at the start of injury time when substitute Bartosz Cybulski converted a low cross from close range.

There was no equaliser though as Wrexham held on to secure another big win.

Solihull Moors (4-4-2): Boot; Clarke, Howe, Gudger, Coker; Barnett, Maycock, Jones, Donawa (Cybulski 68); Kelly (Whelan 78), Dallas. Subs not used: Moulden, Riley, Shambrook.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Howard; Forde, Hayden, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, Mendy (McFadzean 22); Young, O'Connor, Lee (Jones 80); Mullin (Dalby 90), Palmer. Subs: Lainton, McAlinden.

Attendance: 3,915 (1,304 from Wrexham).