THERE is a sense of relief that Wrexham have finally ended their barren spell.

Yes, it is early days, but the league table does not make pretty reading at any stage when you are bottom of the pile.

Manager Brian Carey refused to panic, but he knew the importance of ending a run of six defeats – four in League Two – when Wrexham hosted Lincoln City at The Racecourse on Saturday.

A favourable result was all that mattered, but Carey can be pleased with the way that his side went about their business.

Wrexham produced a solid, workmanlike performance and could have run out winners by a bigger margin, although 10 man Lincoln – themselves struggling at the wrong end of the table – did enjoy a late rally.

Although Neil Roberts had missed a 19th minute penalty, Wrexham stuck to their task and Marc Williams scored a well taken second half goal – his second in two games – to seal victory.

Having seen his side leak goals, Carey, fielding four teenagers in the side, decided to switch to a 3-5-2 formation and the change paid off.

Danny Williams was moved into the back line and the midfielder was excellent in his defensive role.

Midfielder Mark Jones found himself more involved in the system favoured by previous boss Denis Smith and the Wales international rose to the occasion.

Losing became a habit in recent weeks, and now Wrexham have to make winning a habit.

That means more of the same when the Reds, now off the bottom, entertain Chesterfield tomorrow.

The first meaningful attack saw Lincoln's Jamie Hand cross from the left touched over the bar by Anthony Williams on six minutes, but Wrexham countered and captain Richard Hope met Matty Crowell's corner but his downward header was easily gathered by keeper Alan Marriott.

Gary Croft's 20 yard free-kick was deflected narrowly wide at the other end, but Wrexham then began to stamp their authority on the game and take control.

Marc Williams headed a Crowell free-kick wide of the mark, but the Reds were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute.

Lincoln defender Nat Brown tripped Marc Williams in the area but Roberts' spot-kick was tipped around the post by Marriott who guessed correctly by diving to his right.

A close range Marc Williams header from Mark Jones' centre was saved by Marriott, but despite Wrexham having the better of the first half, it remained goal-less at the break.

Lincoln had an excellent opportunity to take the lead two minutes after the re-start.

Jamie Forrester played in Mark Stallard and the striker far too easily beat Steve Evans and Hope but his shot was blocked on the line by Mark Jones.

However, Wrexham took the lead after 51 minutes.

Hope fed Marc Williams and although the striker had his back to goal, he turned his marker and curled the ball beyond Marriott from 20 yards.

Lincoln were reduced to 10 men in the 61st minute when left-wing-back Gary Croft, who had only minutes earlier been shown a yellow card, was sent off for a late challenge on Mike Carvill.

Wrexham were in charge and Mark Jones' centre was dummied by Roberts and only a last ditch challenge by Lee Beevers prevented Marc Williams from scoring as he made an important block.

Jones only just cleared the bar with a long range effort and Marc Williams failed to hit the target following a flowing move that involved Jones and Robbie Garrett, back at Wrexham for a second loan spell.

Marc Williams could not direct his shot on target after meeting Jones' cross, while Carey made his first change as Matty Done replaced the impressive Neil Taylor with eight minutes remaining.

But Wrexham had to soak up some late pressure and Lincoln should have equalised two minutes down when Brown headed the ball down for substitute Paul Green but his close range shot was blocked on the line.

However, Wrexham held on to record an important win.