MIKE NEWELL insists there is enough character in the Wrexham camp to end the poor run of form.

Graham Barrow's side suffered a fourth defeat in a row as they were beaten 1-0 by Leyton Orient in the second round of the FA Trophy on Saturday.

Three successive league defeats had seen Wrexham's progress halted since stringing back-to-back wins together over Christmas, the highlight being a 5-1 thrashing of title rivals Salford, but assistant manager Newell is convinced the Reds will quickly halt the slide.

"I know we beat Salford 5-1 but for the lads to have got themselves into the position that they are in at this stage of the season, what I have seen in the last two weeks or so I don't think I have seen the best of them," said Newell, appointed Barrow's right-hand man in mid-December.

"Let's just hope it is a little bit of a lull because it has been a change in personnel, a change in manager, a few new faces come in.

"Once everybody settles down I don't think there will be any problems."

Newell believes the players are strong enough to bounce back from their barren run and get the promotion challenge back on track.

"Let's see how they react to this," said Newell. "I think there are enough strong characters in the dressing room.

"I said when I joined it was a bubbly place, there was a buzz about it, and I am convinced that there is a strength in character right through from the manager to the dressing room that will get us out of this spell that we have had."

Losing in the Trophy might be welcomed with Wrexham challenging for promotion but Newell wasn't happy.

"There is never a relief when you get knocked out of a competition," said Newell. "It hurts when you get beat.

"It might be a blessing in disguise, I don't know, but it doesn't feel like that at the moment.

"We just have to knuckle down and get back to basics because the basics are what got Wrexham in a really good position to challenge for automatic promotion and a play-off position."

On-loan striker Rekeil Pyke, who has recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in the goalless draw at Barrow on November 27 - Sam Ricketts' last game as Wrexham manager - remains positive despite the poor start to 2019.

"It has been disappointing but things happen, I have just got to try and get back on top now and put some performances in," said Pyke.

"I am just happy to be back playing games so hopefully I can get a start.

"I just want to be positive when I get on the ball and try and give the fans something to make them happy.

"A lot has happened since the injury but the lads are focussed.

"We just need to play with no fear and play with confidence because we are still in a great position."

Pyke is looking for a positive response at Fylde on Saturday.

"You want to win every game so it is unfortunate we have lost," said Pyke.

"We just need to bounce back next week and focus on the league.

"We are a good team so we can turn it around; we just need to put the ball in the back of the net which is the main thing."