WREXHAM midfielder Matt Crowell revealed that manager Denis Smith has challenged his players to remain unbeaten for the remainder of the season following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hull City.

The Dragons have 13 matches left to avoid relegation and the Wales under-21 international said the manner of the KC Stadium performance was something on which to build.

"We thought we played really well and deserved to get something out of the game," he said afterwards.. "With them being where they in the league and with us playing in midweek and then having this 'flu bug, the lads did really well and everyone is disappointed we didn't get at least a point, but we have to carry on fighting.

"At 2-0 down it looked as though we were down and out but we got back into the game with a great finish from Hector (Sam) and Darren (Ferguson) almost scored at the end, so it was close.

"It's the first game we've lost in a while and we were unlucky today so we've just got to keep going and hopefully we'll be all right."

Crowell said the midweek 'flu bug which affected eight players was unfortunate, adding: "It's about time our luck changed for the better.

"We are certainly due some better fortune and I'm sure we'll get some between now and the end of the season. The gaffer says we need to stay unbeaten to the end of the season and pick up as many points as possible along the way.

"We've got to start winning and it's a big game for us at home to Colchester on Tuesday."

Racecourse boss Smith confirmed he had considered seeking a postponement but said: "The league possibly would have docked us three points, so what was the point?

"They were not sympathetic when I spoke to them on Friday. They said we could call the game off and there would be an inquiry. If we had a groundsman who could play, or somebody in the office who could walk they were liable to fine us, but they've taken enough points off us already this season."

And Smith remained defiantly optimistic that Wrexham would win their battle against relegation.

"There's a lot of pride within this football club and a lot of people determined to show that no matter what people throw at us - we are expecting a plague of locusts next - that we can take this club on.

"We want to stay in this division and I think we've got enough to stay up. That's our first defeat in eight games and, considering what I was facing just before the start, it's great that people wanted to do it.

"It shows the spirit there is to get get us out of the trouble we find ourselves in, which is no fault of the players.

"The lads went out and gave me a performance and it's frustrating we've not got a result, but they can walk away knowing they gave everything."

Looking ahead, with successive home games against Colchester and MK Dons this week, Smith added: "We've got 13 vital games left. We are capable of going unbeaten for the rest of the season if I can get players fit.

"No matter what people throw at us, we're going to throw it back."