County went into the Easter programme in the knowledge that, they couldn't afford any slip ups.

The only real surprise saw a first team return for Michael Malcolm. Matt Hamshaw and Liam Dickinson were on the bench.

It was Malcolm's inspiration that set up the first real effort of the game when he ran some 50 yards, beating a number of Red shirts before finding Bramble in space, however the big man was unable to control the ball and it was a good chance wasted.

Malcolm was involved in the opening goal when he put in a deep cross that Ashley Williams easily converted with a header on the line.

Williams was again involved seconds later when he directed a good head in on goal from a Jamie Ward free-kick, this time though former County keeper, Michael Ingham was on hand to make a comfortable save.

There were two close calls for penalties when Adam Griffin and then Tes Bramble were clattered in the box, but these were waved away to the disgust of the home faithful.

This was all County as they carved out chance after chance, Ward and Malcolm in particular looked sharp. Bramble, who had got into some good positions squandered an easy chance when Griffin handed him a golden opportunity to double the lead, but from inches out he lost control and another chance went begging.

In a rare Dragons attack, it took a wonderful reflex save from James Spencer to deny Matt Derbyshire an equaliser. However just moments later they had it when Simon Spender blasted a first time volley inside the area, beyond the desparing James Spencer.

County were back on top moments later when Michael Raynes raised above a sea of bodies to convert a good Jamie Ward free-kick, the relief was plain to see.

Second Half

The only change after the break saw Liam Dickinson replace Tes Bramble.

The game started to open up as both sides carved out a number of good opportunities. The best chance came when Griffin crossed and met the feet of Dickinson whose effort was matched by Ingham. Seconds later a good ball from substitute Boshell found Ward in space and Dickinson effort went agonisingly wide.

A blatant hand ball from a Wrexham defender again drew calls for a penalty decision, which was again turned away by the referee, to the disgust of players and fans alike.

A good ball from Boshell again found Jamie Ward in space and the Villa mans effort went just wide.

In the end, despite some late Wrexham pressure County held out for three vital points.

County: Spencer, Briggs, Williams, Raynes (Beharall 73), Robinson, O'Connor, Ward, Taylor, Griffin, Malcolm (Boshell 67), Bramble (Dickinson 45).

Subs: Smith, Hamshaw.

Wrexham: Ingham, Pejic, Lawrence, Spender, Danny Williams, Sam Williams (Crowell 79), Ferguson, Mike Williams (Alex Smith 79), Holt, Derbyshire (McEvilly 61), Walters.

Subs: Jones, Roche.

Man of the Match: Jamie Ward. Looked busy all afternoon.