Wrexham were close to a ‘perfect away performance’ in their Vanarama National League match at Gateshead.
Manager Dean Keates and his players earned a goalless draw and Chris Holroyd was desperately close to heading the winner.
“It was a textbook header back across the goal and just bounced wide,” said Keates. “Overall, it was close to being a perfect away performance.
“We soaked up pressure and our goalkeeper had only one save to make.
“Defensively we were organised and disciplined. Nine times out of 10 we had first contact with balls played into our area.
“It’s the best we’ve started for a long time. We had one cleared off their line and we clipped the crossbar early on.
“We gained a point and kept a clean sheet in what was our game in hand. Now we focus on Guiseley away on Saturday.”
Wrexham are close to strengthening their squad with a signing today and Keates said: “Everything is agreed and we are confident it will be completed.”
Scott Quigley went off with a hamstring problem during the match against Gateshead and Keates said: “It was a little bit tight from the weekend, but Scott felt he was okay.
“He felt it during the game and came off.
“It might be just tightness. We’ll assess how is in terms of the Guiseley match over the next few days. All being well it settles down over the next few days.”
Wrexham still have the option of loan signings after today’s transfer deadline (11pm) and they may move for a striker if needed.
Quigley had scored three goals in two matches, but went down after 29 minutes at Gateshead and was replaced by Akil Wright.
Holroyd and Shaun Pearson both the woodwork during a frustrating night on Tyneside.
Wrexham stuck with his starting line-up from the 2-2 draw against Tranmere after James Jennings recovered from a minor injury suffered in that game.
Wrexham created four chances in the first three minutes. Scott Boden’s effort was cleared off the line, while Pearson’s header hit the bar.
Keates’ team are third in the table, three points behind leaders Macclesfield on level games. They go to struggling Guiseley on Saturday and could go top if Macclesfield and second-placed Aldershot slip up.
The Silkmen travel to Maidstone United, while the Shots entertain Gateshead.
Gateshead: Montgomery, Barrow, Kerr, Byrne, Fyfield, York, Johnson (McNall 68), Burrow, MacLaughlin, Penn, Fox. Subs not used: Preston, MacLeod, Williams, Greenwood.
Wrexham: Dunn, Roberts, M Smith, Pearson, Jennings, Rutherford, Wedgbury, Kelly (Mackreth 66), Holroyd, Boden, Quigley (Wright 30). Subs not used: Dibble, Hurst, Raven.
Referee: S Lucas (Lancashire)
Attendance: 658 (139 away).
