Wrexham go into Sunday's derby against Chester City at The Deva Stadium having only found the back of the net on 22 occasions – easily the worst record in League Two.

But despite finding themselves bottom of the table and six points away from safety, 11 other teams in the division boast a worse defensive record than Wrexham.

And goalkeeper Ward said Wrexham had to rectify their goalscoring form in their battle to avoid relegation: "We will get out of it, I am sure we will," he said today. "But we have to start scoring goals and winning matches.

"We are about 10th or 11th for goals conceded.

"If we would have been up there with that scoring record at the other end we would be further up the table, and there wouldn't be a problem.
"Coming by goals has been a problem and it's important we find the back of the net, even if it is just one goal.

"You have got a chance of winning as long as you score more than the opposition. That's all that counts."

Wrexham have only been beaten once in their last eight outings, with two of those matches ending in victories against Milton Keynes Dons and Darlington – sides challenging for automatic promotion.

Acknowledging that it is a fiercely competitive division with some of Wrexham's relegation rivals picking up points, Ward said Wrexham have to strive for victories instead of draws if possible.

"We need to start turning draws into wins," said Ward. "Draws are good but there are definitely three points up for grabs.

"Bury won on Tuesday and no-one is really running away with it. Anyone can beat anyone.

"Dagenham and Redbridge have won five in a row so the form has been turned on its head.

"We've done well to get some good results, and we are not conceding too many, but we have to start scoring goals and winning games."

The experienced Ward joined Chester City last summer from Tranmere Rovers, taking up a player-coach role.

But Ward only made one appearance for Chester, as a substitute in a Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie before being allowed to join Wrexham in an identical capacity, on an 18 month deal in January.

And the 37-year-old, who has started every game since signing for the Reds, admits he is enjoying being back between the posts on a regular basis.

"I am looking forward to the game," said Ward. "This is a great derby because Chester is only up the road.

"I came to Wrexham from Chester so it will be a bit more special for me.

"I only played the one game but it will still be a bit odd coming up against them. I was at Chester as a player-coach and it as more of a hands on role.

"I enjoyed it there even though I was not playing because coaching is what I want to go into at the end of my career.

"But I did not realise how much I missed playing until I came to Wrexham.

"I have really enjoyed being involved week in, week out, and want to keep playing for as long as I can.

"I still get that buzz and love playing despite the precarious position we are in."

The much-travelled Ward admitted he has played in some explosive derbies in his career – including lining up for Cardiff against Swansea, and for Stoke City versus Port Vale.

With a big crowd expected at The Deva Stadium, Ward is looking forward to facing his former club.

"I don't see why I won't get a good reception, but it doesn't worry me," added Ward. "And there will probably be as many Wrexham fans there than Chester.

"I have played in some derbies before and they have been horrible.

Cardiff against Swansea was pure hatred one year at the Vetch FIeld.

There was all sorts going on and it wasn't nice.

"I did not look forward to those derbies as you could sense the hatred between the fans, and sometimes it spilled onto the pitch with the players.

"It will still be feisty and passionate on Sunday. It's a small crowd and I assume it will nearly be a full house so it should be a good atmosphere."