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Ollie Palmer's early second half goal was enough to beat Southend as Wrexham kept the pressure on leaders Stockport.

Palmer netted Jordan Davies' cross at the far post two minutes half-time in a tense game at the Racecourse.

Christian Dibble made superb save to deny Jason Demetriou an equaliser.

Palmer nearly scored a spectacular second in stoppage time when with keeper Steve Arnold upfield for a corner, but the striker's effort from his own half went wide of the post.

Wrexham's win takes them within a point of Stockport, who lost 2-1 at home to Boreham Wood in Saturday's late game but Dave Challinor's side have a game in hand.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said:

"It was a hard game but I thought it would be. Southend have had a decent run and they're a better team than their league position suggests.

"It was tough at times but we kept at it. We were patient and in the end we got our rewards with an early goal in the second half.

"We had to be strong and resolute - it can't always be champagne football."