ANDY MORRELL stressed the importance of Wrexham finding some form to take into the play-offs if they miss out on automatic promotion.

The Reds' hopes of clinching the National League title have taken a huge dent after suffering three defeats in their last four outings.

Third placed Wrexham are four points behind leaders Leyton Orient, who also have two games in hand, while a number of other teams are in contention for top spot going down the final straight.

Bryan Hughes' side have six games remaining and former Reds boss Morrell says stringing some wins together is key if Wrexham have to try and clinch promotion via the play-offs.

"It is crushing when you don't quite get there," said Morrell.

"But I think the group here, a fresh manager with fresh impetus and fresh enthusiasm to it, it doesn't really matter.

"It just matters that you keep the momentum going on the pitch and winning games because if you are winning games, you just keep winning games.

"Whether you are in the play-offs or whether that takes you up automatic, the momentum is with you."

Morrell missed out on automatic promotion with Wrexham in 2011-12 despite finishing the season with a club record 98 points as big-spending Fleetwood finished top.

The play-off bid was ended at the first hurdle by Luton - Wrexham went one better the following year and lost in the final to Newport - but Morrell doesn't think Hughes will allow his players to lose focus if the Reds don't win the title.

"When you are just pipped, you have got four or five games left and you are already in the play-offs, it is whether you can keep that momentum up," said Morrell.

"With the new manager here, I don't think he will allow that to happen.

"If Wrexham keep playing well, they will have every chance of going up because nobody will want to play Wrexham in the play-offs, especially with the following they have."

Teams who finish second or third will avoid a preliminary round play-off tie and have a home game in the semi-finals.

"The play-off system is different now and the higher you finish, the better it is for you," said Morrell.

"One less game if you finish second or third and you get a proper look at the opposition, and so on.

"It's key that you don't look too far ahead, don't worry about Leyton Orient - they have got the Trophy to worry about as well - just concentrate on your game and just try and get a win."

The play-offs are a lottery but Morrell added: "Just get on with it and enjoy it.

"A lot of things have happened this season that have gone against Wrexham with managers leaving, and to be where they are is a credit to everybody concerned.

"Just keep going and it might just happen this year."

Wrexham continue their challenge at Ebbsfleet United this afternoon and Morrell says the Reds just have to pick up wins to put the pressure on their rivals.

"I think Wrexham have done well, they have brought in a couple of fresh faces in to try and just kick them over the line, a bit more competition for places," added Morrell.

"It is looking to the next game, chalk that off and try and get three points.

"Just keep going, put as many points on the board and put as much pressure on the other teams as you can."

"You think 'if we win our game in hand', but that is not necessarily a given," said Morrell.

"And when you don't win, you have still go to make the ground up and then the pressure really mounts.

"I think it is always good to get the games played and get points on the board, and see where it takes you."