COLE STOCKTON believes Wrexham's point against Gateshead could be vital at the end of the season.

National League leaders Wrexham went into the game on the back of four successive victories, with three coming under new boss Bryan Hughes, and Stockton's injury-time equaliser secured a 1-1 draw.

Although they never clinched another win in the push for promotion, Stockton insists drawing against play-off contenders Gateshead is not a bad result as Wrexham finished a run of three away games in a week with seven points from a possible nine.

"It is a brilliant time to score," said Stockton.

"It feels like a win but we will take the point and it has been a good week for us on away days.

"The fans were brilliant again, and if someone said we would have seven points at the end of the week then you would take it.

"It is a good point which we deserve and it might turn out to be a very good point in a few weeks time."

Stockton poked the ball home in the 93rd minute after his first shot hit the post amid claims from the Heed there was an infringement, something he completely refutes.

"I seen the ball roll onto the post but luckily it rolled back into my path and I got onto it quicker than the others," said Stockton.

"I got in front of the defender in the first place, made the first contact, and I got up before him, and I put it in the goal.

"No disputing it because they are alright tackling the others but they don't like it the other way!"

Stockton bagged his first goal since joining Wrexham on loan from Tranmere last month and he was delighted to get off the mark.

"I couldn't ask for a better way," said Stockton. "Last minute, away from home. It was good for all of us.

"It is brilliant for the momentum, the atmosphere about the place when we go again next week.

"It keeps us all positive and in great spirits."

Hughes has appointed former Wrexham boss Brian Flynn as his right-hand and the 63-year-old was at The International Stadium to oversee the stalemate.

Having come through the youth ranks at The Racecourse under Flynn, before enjoying a successful playing career, Hughes is pleased to be reunited with his former manager.

"Brian was always my number one choice to come in as assistant manager so I am absolutely delighted that we have got that one over the line," said Hughes.

"It took longer than what I was expecting but I am absolutely delighted he is here.

"His knowledge, experience, everything he knows about the club being so successful here, he knows me inside out giving me my opportunity as a player as a young boy coming through the ranks.

"I have always kept in touch with Brian and I am pleased now he is not too far away."

Hughes was without goalkeeper Rob Lainton, who picked up a shoulder injury in the midweek win at Boreham Wood, so Christian Dibble came in for his first league start of the season.

Luke Simpson, who counts Oldham, Watford, Accrington and Macclesfield among his former clubs, has joined the Reds until the end of the season and was on the substitutes bench at Gateshead,

"It was a late call," added Hughes. "Rob just wasn't right, he damaged his shoulder against Boreham Wood late on.

"It has always been on my mind to bring a third choice in, just in case something does happen to one of them, and obviously it did to Rob.

"We have brought Luke in to the end of the season, he will give us back-up and another body around the training ground."