WREXHAM HAVE LUKE OF CHAMPS

THE race for the Varanama National League could not be closer, with the top four teams separated by just one point.

WREXHAM moved up to second as Luke Young (above) and a Luke Summerfield penalty gave them a 2-1 win at DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE. Brad Walker’s own goal was the hosts’ only consolation.

Wrexham are now 11 seasons without Football League football and boss Sam Ricketts said: “It’s a magnificent start. I hope we can challenge but it’s just a third of the season so far.”

“You have to win when you’re not at your best and we dug in.”

Wrexham would have gone top had it not been for a last-gasp SALFORD equaliser by Rory Gaffney at home to BRAINTREE.

Gaffney had already scored in the first minute before two from Mohamed Bettamer turned things around for the Essex side.

Manager Graham Alexander said: “We’re still top of the league but we can’t close our eyes and ignore the issues. There are things to learn. We can’t always win 3-0 or 4-0. We didn’t play well.”

LEYTON ORIENT, relegated last year, are up to third following a goalless draw at home with HARTLEPOOL.

They were not helped by the second half sending off of Joe Widdowson after a tackle on Michael Woods.

Furious O’s boss Justin Edinburgh said: “It’s completely wrong. Joe’s in control, his feet never leave the ground. It’s a strong challenge, but I don’t know where the rules say you can’t tackle strongly.

“There’s no malice or recklessness. I’ve viewed it many times and slowed it right down. I’d be surprised if it’s not rescinded.”

HARROGATE needed a late goal from Kelvin Langmead to snatch a 2-2 home draw with DOVER, cancelling out Inih Effiong’s brace after Aaron Williams had put the hosts in front.