Andy Morrell sent Wrexham on their way to a vital home win over fellow promotion-chasers Scunthorpe with his 19th league goal of the season.

Morrell squandered the first good chance when his goalbound shot was deflected wide, but it was no surprise when Wrexham went ahead after 39 minutes.

There appeared minimal contact when Darren Ferguson brushed past Cliff Byrne in the penalty area but referee Mike Pike pointed to the spot and Morrell duly converted.

Scunthorpe went close when Alex Calvo-Garcia's shot was tipped over just before half-time and after the restart, Wrexham's Lee Trundle missed a gilt-edged chance.

But after Scunthorpe full-back Andy Dawson's dismissal for his second bookable offence, Trundle rounded goalkeeper Tom Evans to make it 2-0.

Matthew Sparrow ensured an anxious finale when he pulled a goal back with a fine 25-yard shot in the 83rd minute but Wrexham hung on.

Wrexham: Dibble, Roberts, Carey, Lawrence, Carlos Edwards, Whitley, Thomas, Ferguson, Paul Edwards, Morrell, Trundle. Subs: Holmes, Rogers, Russell, Pejic, Mark Jones.

Scunthorpe: Evans, Byrne, McCombe, Jackson, Dawson, Sparrow, Kilford, Calvo-Garcia, Brough, Carruthers, Featherstone. Subs: Beagrie, Parton, Lee Ridley, Hayes, Capp.

Referee: M Pike (Cumbria)