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Player-manager Andy Morrell was pleased with Wrexham's second half performance at FC Halifax Town despite a 3-2 defeat.

Newly-promoted Halifax came back from conceding an early goal to beat 10-man Wrexham in the Conference Premier.

But Morrell refused to be too downbeat despite witnessing Wrexham's first league defeat of the season at the Shay.

"That's the best football I think we've played for a long time," Morrell said.

"With 10 men against 11 it was really difficult.

"If we play a tempo like that and the urgency for a full 90, I think we'll destroy teams in this league.

"The damage was done in the first half and we needed to get to half time at two-one.

"I am asking the same questions, why have we gone like that in the second half and not in the first.

"But I can't believe how good we were in the second half."

Simon Ainge's own-goal gifted Wrexham the lead on 22 minutes, but Lois Maynard replied with a header from a rebound off the bar, the first of three goals in nine minutes at the end of the first half.

Wrexham defender Stephen Wright was sent-off for bringing down Adam Smith and Josh Wilson converted the penalty.

Lee Gregory struck a third after Joslain Mayebi saved his initial shot and Halifax held on, despite Adrian Cieslewicz pulling a late goal back.