AKIL WRIGHT says the Wrexham players proved they weren't affected by rumours surrounding the future of manager Sam Ricketts with their performance at Maidstone United.

Ricketts, appointed Reds boss on a three year deal in May, is bookmakers' favourite for the vacant managerial position at Shrewsbury Town.

John Askey was sacked by the League One club last week but Ricketts revealed that had been no contact from the Shrews and he played down speculation linking him with the job following Saturday's 1-1 draw against Maidstone.

Wrexham dominated the first half but although Maidstone took the lead after the break, Brad Walker equalised to earn a draw which leaves the third placed Reds unbeaten in 11 games and just one point off top spot.

Wright felt Wrexham, whose promotion challenge faltered badly last season when manager Dean Keates left to take charge of hometown club Walsall in March, showed they were focussed on the job in hand.

"Like the gaffer said to us in training on Friday, it is just rumours," said Wright. "Concentrate on the league, concentrate on the game, and we did that.

"It happens and we have just got to stay focussed on our job which is to win and maintain our position in the league.

"We lost two points at Maidstone but it is a point and the lads put in a great performance.

"That news wasn't in our minds at all, it was just about the game."

Although disappointed not to win, Wright was pleased to extend the unbeaten run ahead of Saturday's top of the table clash against leaders Leyton Orient at The Racecourse.

"I did alright but the goal changed the game," added Wright.

"We got back into the game and I think we were the better side for the majority of the game, especially first half, and we deserved three points. They didn't trouble us at all.

"It was a disappointing draw but the positive is we didn't lose. A point is not the end of the world

"It is a massive game for us on Saturday and hopefully we can get three points."

Wright was recalled in place of Walker who came off the bench and earned a share of the spoils with a deflected shot which found the back of the net.

It was Walker's third goal in five games and with Luke Young and Luke Summerfield starting to find the net in recent weeks, he believes the midfielders have a belief they can be regulars on the scoresheet.

"I think it was just a confidence thing," said Walker.

"Youngy scored a wonder goal at Dagenham, that was his first and that set him off.

"Summers got his penalty, I got my penalty and now we are playing with confidence knowing that we can score goals.

"Long may it continue."

Walker played down the clash with Leyton Orient as a title decider but he knows the importance of Wrexham clinching victory.

"I don't think we can get too carried away because it is still November," added Walker.

"But it is a big game and we have got to approach it like we approach any game.

"If we can get the win which we are all hoping for, that is a bonus for us but it is too close to be putting it up there as a title game."