MIKE FONDOP expected a spell out of the side when the goals dried up but the recalled striker hopes to keep his place for Saturday's top of the table clash against Leyton Orient.

Fondop scored five times in the opening six games but hasn't found the net since, with his last goal coming in the 2-2 draw with Bromley on August 25, and he has been predominantly used as a substitute recently.

Back in the team for Saturday's 1-1 draw at Maidstone United, Fondop didn't end his barren run but the former Guiseley and Halifax man was pleased with his contribution as Wrexham made it 11 games without defeat.

"I was really glad to be back in the starting XI," said Fondop.

"As a striker, when you go through these drought periods you know at some point you are going to be dropped to the bench, with the gaffer giving an opportunity to others.

"I wasn't upset about that because at the end of the day it is a team game, a team effort.

"For me it was just waiting for the right time to get back into the team and then make sure I do my thing.

"Obviously I wanted to score goals, and I will score goals, but if I am not scoring how can I contribute, which I think I did offensively and defensively."

Manager Sam Ricketts was surprised to see Fondop elect to lay the ball off to Rekeil Pyke instead of going for goal himself during the first half.

But Fondop insists Pyke had more of a chance to score, although his team-mate's effort was blocked.

"I knew if I had a shot, the defender would have blocked it because he was in the way," said Fondop.

"I could have gone for it but Rekeil was in a better position and I decided to pass him the ball.

"Fair play to a defender because he blocked Rekeil's shot but I think it was on target."

Despite dominating the first half, Wrexham fell behind after the break but salvaged a point when Brad Walker scored his third goal in five games.

Although Wrexham never won, Fondop was satisfied with a point at The Gallagher Stadium.

"It was really important to get a draw," said Fondop.

"The first half from us was amazing but we just lacked that bit in the last third because we had most of the possession.

"If we had scored in the first half then it would have been a different game.

"They scored a good goal but at 1-0 down we showed some fighting spirit to come back and to get a point away from home, you would take that.

"Obviously we were going for a win and Maidstone are down the bottom but there are no easy games in this league."

Wrexham are third in the National League, just one point behind Orient who are also in a rich vein of form.

Fondop is eager to start and feels Wrexham are more than capable of winning the huge game at The Racecourse where they are unbeaten this season.

"As a player, you want to play every game," added Fondop. "Everyone wanted to play against Maidstone and get a victory, obviously Orient are top of the table and the game means a lot.

"We are playing at home where we have got a good record so I am really looking forward to it.

"Hopefully we keep the run going and it would be a really good result for us if we win but it won't be easy.

"But the gaffer always says it is all about us and not about others."