BRAD WALKER has been taken aback by the electric atmosphere at The Racecourse and is looking forward to playing in front of another big crowd against title rivals Salford City this afternoon.

Walker was in the side when Wrexham were beaten 2-0 by fellow high-fliers Leyton Orient last month in front of a season-high attendance of 6,428, missed chances proving costly as the Reds conceded two late goals.

Wrexham more than matched Newport as they were held to a goalless draw by the League Two side in the FA Cup earlier this month and Walker couldn't help be impressed with the noise levels created by another healthy following.

Walker wants more of the same in the top of the table clash with Salford but is aiming to reward fans this time with a win in Graham Barrow's first home match since he was appointed manager on a permanent basis.

"The games we have here against the big clubs, Leyton Orient and Newport, the atmosphere in them games I have never experienced," said Walker.

"The fans were unbelievable and hopefully we get the same against Salford but hopefully get a win this time.

"The crowd is our 12th man. When we are on the attack you just hear a big roar and it gives you that extra bit of energy.

"I thought we deserved to win against Orient and Newport comfortably but we just need to keep doing what we are doing.

"Every game in this league is massive. We are trying to get promoted and we need to win every game so hopefully we can do that against Salford."

Walker has played a key role in Wrexham's promotion challenge since joining on loan from Crewe Alexandra in August.

The 23-year-old is due to return to the League Two club after the home game against Dover Athletic on January 5 but he is eager to extend his stay at The Racecourse.

"I would definitely like to stay," said Walker.

"The backroom staff have been brilliant with me since I came here and Graham has been a massive part of that.

"I am just letting the clubs sort it out between themselves, I am just enjoying my football and working hard.

"The last few games I feel I have been doing really well and my performances are getting noticed, that is why I want to stay here, so I am hoping to continue to do so."

A win for third placed Wrexham would see them climb above Salford, who are second, and Barrow is relishing the first match of the season against the big-spenders.

"It is one that caught everybody's eye when the fixtures came out," said Barrow.

"You have seen managers like Justin Edinburgh and Graham Alexander dropping down, we are getting better players dropping down all the time because of all the foreign imports of coaches and managers.

"It will be a good game but it will be a tough game.

"I know Graham well, I have come up against him a few times and Salford have been a team that people talk about because of all the connections and the TV last year.

"We will give them that usual special welcome I imagine our crowd; the players have just got to respond to the crowd, that is the main thing."

Wrexham are six points behind leaders Leyton Orient, with a game in hand, and Barrow is targeting victory today in front of another big crowd.

"It is what I started playing football for," added Barrow.

"It is why I carried on coaching and managing but it is just the one game.

"There are lots of other games but it would be nice to win a big game."