Wrexham were taken to extra-time by Altrincham in Tuesday's Setanta Shield third round tie at Moss Lane and eventually booked a place in the last 16 following a 2-1 win.

Although he was not being disrespectful to Altrincham, centre-back Westwood insists there has to be an improvement against the likes of the Robins if Wrexham are going to be successful.

"We won but in the dressing room afterwards we said we did not take enough initiative or play enough football," said Westwood today. "We were patchy after a good first 20 minutes.

"Altrincham had a decent record but if we are going to achieve what we want to achieve – automatic promotion – we need to go to places like that and come out with comfortable wins.

"We have still got a lot of work to do.

"We have got to do what we did in the first 20 minutes for the whole 90 minutes. "Although we drew after 90 minutes, the main thing is we got through.

"A draw away from home is not too bad but we know what our aim is this season and to do that we have to get decent results at the Altrinchams."

Assistant manager Terry Darracott singled out Westwood for his performance at Altrincham, saying the 22-year-old had been outstanding.

That was one of a number of impressive displays by Westwood since he joined the Reds last month.

Pleased his performances have also struck a chord with supporters, Westwood said the priority is for Wrexham to keep winning.

"It is always nice to hear positive comments," said Westwood, after hearing Darracott's verdict. "But I would rather play poorly and the team win than the other way around.

"As long as we are picking up wins, which are the most important thing, that is all I am concerned about.

"I don't read too much what people think about you, but it is always good to hear they think you are doing well.

"If you know fans think you are doing well it does help you settle."

After enjoying an excellent start to his Wrexham career, Westwood – who has signed a short term deal until January – is not resting on his laurels and is aiming to be a consistent performer.

"That is five games I have played since I joined and I feel I have been in good form," he added. "Long may it continue.

"But you have to make sure you don't switch off or get complacent, and I've got to build on this.

"The best players are in the Premier League and the reason they are is because they do it week in, week out. They have four or five bad games out of about 50 a season so the aim is to be consistent like that."

Wrexham have been a model of consistency in the Blue Square Premier since Dean Saunders took charge, winning all four matches.

That leaves the Reds just five points away from leaders Kettering with a game in hand, but the Reds are without a game this weekend following their early exit from the FA Cup.

Although he would like the good run to continue, Westwood – who had been without a club since being released by Stevenage Borough at the end of last season – said the free weekend would aid the Reds' recovery after being taken into extra-time in midweek.

Wrexham return to action on Saturday next when they travel to Weymouth, and Westwood added: "We have been on a good run in the league since the gaffer came in so we are disappointed there is no game.

"But we went past the 90 minutes on Tuesday so it gives us longer to recover.

"If we had a game we'd have to recover quicker so it is a chance to make sure we are up and ready for our next match.

"We have been working hard on the training ground but the management know when to push you and when to ease off.

"I feel okay, just a bit stiff yesterday after playing 120 minutes.
"But I just want to play in every game."

- Buckley & District Reds are holding a Race Night at Buckley Cricket Club on Saturday, starting at 7.30pm.

It is open to anyone, families are welcome and there will be food laid on.

The proceeds from the night will be donated to the Wrexham FC Centre of Excellence at Colliery Park.