WINNING was all that matters as Wrexham beat Southend United 1-0 at The Racecourse to give their automatic promotion challenge another boost.

The game got the go-ahead after club staff and volunteers cleared snow off the pitch but the National League clash lacked quality.

However, an own goal towards the end of the first half secured victory for Wrexham who extended their lead over Notts County to seven points, although the Magpies were due to face Dorking Wanderers in the tea-time kick-off.

County will be aiming to close the gap to four points, and both teams will then have nine games left in the race for the title.

It was no surprise to see Parkinson name the same side that started the brilliant 4-0 win at Dagenham and Redbridge in midweek which extended Wrexham's lead at the top of the table.

Wrexham saw a lot of the ball in the early exchanges but had no scoring opportunities to show for their efforts despite being on top.

The first chance of the game fell to Wrexham in the 23rd minute with Palmer's header from Elliot Lee's free-kick parried by goalkeeper Steve Arnold.

Mullin's overhead kick went wide following Ben Tozer's throw-in as Wrexham continued to control proceedings without posing too many problems.

However, the Reds took the lead after 38 minutes.

Lee returned a throw-in to Tozer whose cross from the left was spilled into his own net by Arnold and the goal was given despite the keeper protesting that he had been fouled by Mullin.

It was nearly 2-0 when Tozer's throw-in fell to O'Connell at the back post and his effort was brilliantly saved on the line by Arnold and James Jones' follow-up was deflected behind for a corner which came to nothing.

There was another chance for Wrexham at the start of the second period when Lee threaded a pass through to Mullin whose shot was turned behind by Arnold.

It was an even half which lacked quality with Southend making a real fight of it.

Wrexham needed a second goal to make the game safe and it almost came on 76 minutes but Mullin put a free header over the bar at the far post from Lee's corner.

Too many misplaced passes meant the Reds were gifting Southend possession and the visitors had a rare chance when substitute Wes Fonguck fired wide.

However, the Reds held on to secure another important win.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Lainton; Barnett, O'Connell, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, Mendy; Jones, Cannon (Davies 68), Lee (McFadzean 85); Mullin, Palmer (Dalby 72). Subs not used: Howard, Cleworth.

Southend United (5-3-2): Arnold; Scott-Morriss, Hobson, Kensdale, Ralph, Bridge; Miley, Husin, Mooney (Fonguck 67); Wreh (Murphy 67), Cardwell (Powell 82). Subs not used: Lomas, Taylor.

Attendance: 9,770 (726 from Southend).