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GOALS in each half from Chris Holroyd and James Jennings fired Wrexham to an eventually-comfortable victory over Maidenhead United at The Racecourse.

But the Dragons, who are only behind leaders Sutton United on goals scored, only made the game safe after the visitors had Ryan Upman sent off on the hour mark following a rash challenge on Sam Wedgbury.

In a bright opening spell, the Magpies took the game to their hosts and forced three early corners, the last of which demanded a fine save from Chris Dunn to keep out Remy Clerima’s header.

The Wrexham goalkeeper was called into action again soon after to push away Harry Pritchard’s low drive, so it was very much against the run of play when the home side went ahead in the 18th minute.

And the Dragons enjoyed a huge slice of luck with Holroyd looking yards offside before he received Jack Mackreth’s pass and strode on to fire the ball past Carl Pentney.

The goal did little to settle Wrexham’s nerves and it was the visitors who continued to make all the running, Pritchard trying his luck from distance with an effort that Dunn could only push away before Jake Hyde broke clear but, with only the keeper to beat, contrived to steer the ball wide of the target.

With half-time approaching, the home side had a rare chance to increase their lead, Paul Rutherford setting up Holroyd for a shot that was beaten away by Pentney only as far as Wedgbury who thumped the ball over the bar.

The Magpies were thwarted again at the start of the second half when Harold Odametey seized on a halfchance to unleash a powerful goalbound shot that knocked Jennings off his feet as the defender bravely blocked.

At the other end, Scott Boden headed wide following a good run and cross from Mackreth and Wrexham’s prospects were hugely improved when United were reduced to 10 men on 61 minutes, Upward being shown a straight red following a clash with Wedgbury.

The second goal duly arrived on 75 minutes, Shaun Pearson heading a Kevin Roberts free kick on to Jennings who smashed an unstoppable shot past Pentney.