JASON OSWELL believes he can play a big part in Wrexham's faltering promotion challenge and the striker is optimistic his first Reds goal will lead to more in the run-in.

The 26-year-old has made nine league appearances since joining from Morecambe for an undisclosed fee in January but is yet to get off the mark for Wrexham.

Oswell, who bagged 29 goals in 47 games for Stockport last season, clearly has faith in his own ability as the frontman believes he can be a prolific scorer when he gets off the mark.

"It just hasn't fallen for me at the moment," said Oswell.

"But I feel like if I get a goal now, the rest of the season I could really push on. I feel like I can make a big impact.

"As a striker, you get that one goal and you are off the mark, everything changes.

"I have had spells like this in the past and come through them.

"It is a strange life as a striker. When you score one goal, everything changes.

"You relax a bit more and feel more comfortable. It will come, it is only round the corner."

Wrexham trailed 3-0 against Ebbsfleet at the break last Saturday and manager Bryan Hughes made a triple substitution for the start of the second half.

Oswell was one of the players who came on and although one good chance in particular went begging, he helped Wrexham pull two goals back before Ebbsfleet scored a fourth.

"I had three headers from corners; one led to a goal and one skimmed off my head and went through the back-post," said Oswell.

"It is frustrating for me and frustrating for everyone but I'm working hard and that is all you can do.

"I feel like I have contributed to the team when I have come on.

"I haven't scored and I have not been overly happy with how I have done but I have created a few goals, got a few assists and helped the team to attack.

"It is up to the gaffer but I am hoping I will play a big part in the run-in."

With Hughes switching to a 3-5-2 formation at Ebbsfleet in a bid to get something out of the game, Oswell partnered Stuart Beavon in attack and he thought the duo hit it off.

"I felt that we linked up well and we were a threat," said Oswell, who is pushing for a starting place at home to Braintree tomorrow.

"We played a different formation which we may have only played because we were 3-0 down and we have got to attack a lot.

"The formation this week may be slightly different but I hope to play a role in that and I will be ready when I am called upon."

The Ebbsfleet defeat was Wrexham's fourth loss in five outings but the Reds remain fourth in the table with five games to go.

Rather than reflect on a disappointing sequence of results, Oswell is focussed on ensuring Wrexham secure at least a play-off spot.

"We have just got to put what has gone on behind us," said Oswell.

"We are still in a very strong position, results fluctuate every week and every game is hard whether you are playing against a team in the relegation zone or a team in the top three or four.

"Orient, Solihull and Salford have all got the same tasks but if you win all your games, you don't know what can happen.

"We are still in with a shout but the main thing is getting into the play-offs first and then seeing where we are at after that."

Wrexham, who boast the best home record in the division, will aim to get back on track with victory against relegated Braintree.

"After the little spell we have had, bouncing back at home in front of the fans and putting on a strong performance is going to be very important," added Oswell.