WREXHAM boss Denis Smith says Saturday's 2-0 win over Peterborough was the ideal Christmas tonic after a turbulent few weeks.

With speculation about the club's financial position mounting and only two league wins in seven before the visit of Barry Fry's men, goals from Brian Carey and Hector Sam gave Smith the early Christmas present he was looking for.

And, with three tricky games over the busy festive period, the Wrexham manager knows his side need all the points they can get if they are to mount a serious promotion challenge.

Smith said: 'Generally, we have played reasonably well for most of the season.

'All the people who sniped at us will see this result and I think it will put everybody in the right frame of mind.

'I wasn't very complimentary to the play-ers during the break. But what we did after the interval was good. We defended well, got a clean sheet and a win and that's very pleasing for me.'

The Dragons now face two away trips over the Christmas period, starting with Grimsby Town on Saturday and a Boxing Day visit to struggling Stockport, before entertaining mid-table rivals Blackpool at the Racecourse on Sunday, December 28.

Wrexham and Grimsby have only met twice in the past 10 years, with both encounters producing 0-0 draws. However, Smith will be hoping for better luck against Stockport, who have won just one league game at Edgeley Park this season.

The Dragons will also be looking to gain a measure of revenge against the Hatters, having been overturned 5-4 in the LDV Vans Trophy three weeks ago.

With no reserve match taking place this week, Smith is hoping a trio of injured players will respond to treatment and declare themselves available for the Christmas period.

Defender Craig Morgan has stepped up his work as he recovers from a hamstring strain, with Chris Armstrong and Steve Roberts also making good progress with their knee problems.

Club captain Carey believes Saturday's success will help kick-start the Dragons' season. He also welcomed the FAW Premier Cup draw, which will see Total Network Solutions visit the Racecourse in next month's quarter-final.

Wrexham are defending the BBC Wales-sponsored trophy and the £100,000 prize money is a big incentive for the club.