Wrexham have been going toe-to-toe with Notts County for the vast majority of the campaign, with both teams now sitting on 100 points, 25 points clear of third-placed Woking.
However, given that only one team is automatically promoted from the fifth tier, it is still all to play for, as anything can happen in the playoffs, and the Red Dragons will need to respond after a poor showing at the weekend.
Phil Parkinson’s side got off to the perfect start away at Halifax, with Elliott Lee scoring just after the half-an-hour mark, but they threw their lead away in the second half courtesy of a brace from Millenic Alli, and a late goal from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.
It was a rare bad day at the office for Wrexham, as they had been on a remarkable 28-game unbeaten run in the league heading into the match, last losing against Monday’s opponents, Notts County, way back at the beginning of October.
The Red Dragons have the best home record in the league, having only dropped two points at the Racecourse Ground all season, and now, more than ever, they need to perform, given how close it is at the top end of the table.
In truth, it seems unfair that one of Wrexham and Notts County may not be promoted this season, as the latter have also been incredible throughout the campaign, matching the Welsh side’s goal tally of 106, while they also have the best defensive record in the division.
Not only that, but the Magpies have been impeccable on their travels, picking up 48 points from 21 games, last being defeated away at Dorking Wanderers way back in September.
Luke Williams’s side went on a 25-game league unbeaten run earlier in the campaign, before it was brought to a halt by Dagenham & Redbridge at the end of February, losing 2-1 at Meadow Lane, but they have since managed to bounce back.
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In their last seven league matches, Notts County have won five and drawn two, and they have not conceded a goal in their last three outings, most recently defeating Wealdstone 3-0 at home.
Macaulay Langstaff was once again on the scoresheet, with the striker breaking the National League goal record by netting his 41st of the season, seven more than Wrexham forward Paulq Mullin, despite the fact he does not take penalties.
Rob Lainton is unlikely to return before the end of the season, having sustained knee ligament damage, so Ben Foster is set to start between the sticks for Wrexham, having played the previous three matches.
There are no fresh injury concerns for the Red Dragons, but Parkinson may choose to make a few changes, after the disappointing result on Friday, and Jordan Davies could come into the midfield, replacing James qJones.