BRYAN HUGHES has urged his Wrexham players not to let the good work go to waste.

The Reds' promotion challenge has faltered in recent weeks with Hughes' side losing three of their last four National League outings.

Wrexham are third in the table with six games to go and Hughes is optimistic his players can put their blip behind them.

"That is the biggest thing," said Hughes.

"All the hard work that these players have put in over this long season, you don't want it to falter at this last hurdle.

"And I don't think we are going to falter.

"We have got good enough characters and we have got a good togetherness."

Wrexham were well placed last season but failed to finish in the play-offs following a woeful run-in after Dean Keates left to take charge of Walsall.

Hughes' side have surpassed the 2017-18 tally of 70 points and although they suffered another defeat at Hartlepool on Saturday, the Reds boss wants to get the loss out of the system at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

"People still worry about it because it is still fresh in people's minds," said Hughes.

"If you look at it in a club perspective, we are making progression.

"We are third in the league, we have beat our points tally from last season already on 72 points so there is a progression there with six games to go.

"I was disappointed on Saturday because I set high standards myself; I expect that from the players and when they are not bringing those high standards to the table it can be felt by everyone.

"Saturday was a big disappointment but you have got to learn from defeat and you have got to learn quick because games are running out.

"We have got to put things right on the training ground and hopefully take it into Saturday."

Hughes was not happy with the performance at Hartlepool who scored the only goal in the 25th minute from the penalty spot.

"We will do a bit of reflecting with the players, it is important that they see some of the things that went on and hopefully it won't happen going into the next six games," said Hughes.

"Everyone was disappointed on Saturday, no more than myself.

"But we will work hard this week and go again ready for Saturday."