NEIL ASHTON feels the experience in the Wrexham squad will be vital if his former club have to tackle the play-offs.

Wrexham go into today's clash at mid-table Barnet sitting fifth in the National League, six points behind leaders Leyton Orient with four games to go.

Outsiders for the title, Wrexham should secure a play-off spot with the Reds currently nine points ahead of Ebbsfleet, the side immediately outside the top-seven.

With the likes of Shaun Pearson, Luke Summerfield, Mark Carrington and James Jennings in Bryan Hughes' ranks, Ashton feels that bodes well if Wrexham have to try and secure promotion via the play-offs.

"They have got to keep a positivity around the squad and I am sure the manager is trying to do that," said Ashton.

"They have got some really good players in there, and experienced players as well which is crucial coming to the business end of the season so fingers crossed results pick up.

"If it is to be the play-offs, there is some experience in the squad who the young lads can lean on for any advice, and they can get a little bit further than they have in previous years."

Wrexham, under Hughes, the club's third manager of the season, were leaders at the start of March but a dip in form means the Reds' title challenge has faltered in recent weeks.

But the Reds remain well placed going down the final straight.

"Of late the results have not been what Wrexham would have wanted and there has been a lot of chopping and changing since Christmas time," said Ashton.

"The stability from the playing side of things has been up and down. It looked really good when the new manager first came in but results have not really kicked on from then but they are still in the play-offs."

Ashton, who arrived at The Racecourse in 2010, helped Wrexham reach the play-offs three seasons in a row during his five-year stay.

Beaten in the semi-finals by Luton in 2011, Wrexham secured a club record 98 points the following season but they were pipped to the title by big-spending Fleetwood and the Hatters again ended the Reds' promotion dream in the play-offs.

But Wrexham went one better in 2012-13 as they clinched fifth position and overcame Kidderminster in the last four to advance to the Wembley final where they lost 2-0 to Newport County.

There is no magic formula for the play-offs but Ashton believes heading into them with some form is a big help.

"When I was there it was a two legged affair and the year we achieved 98 points, we went out comfortably to Luton," said Ashton.

"The year after when we scraped in, we ended up in the final after cruising past Kidderminster who finished comfortably in second.

"Sometimes you see teams who get in with a game or two to go, they carry that momentum whereas teams who have been in there for a while might take their foot off the gas, and it is not always easy to put your foot back down and be firing on all cylinders again.

"I am sure whoever goes into the play-offs with a bit of form behind them will have as good a chance as anyone who is miles ahead in second place.

"You have just got to see how it goes, see how the draw lies and hopefully Wrexham, if they are in the play-offs, go in with a bit of momentum."

Wrexham are spending an 11th season in non-league and Ashton would love to see his former club clinch promotion.

"It is a club dear to my heart," said Ashton. "I spent five great years there and I would love nothing more.

"I am sure everyone at the club is striving and fighting to get promoted, and get the club back into the Football League where they belong."