SOUTHEND United’s winning run was ended by high-flying Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground this afternoon.

The Shrimpers headed into the game having triumphed in their last three games.

But a second half volley from Ollie Palmer was enough to secure the big-spending Welshmen all three points.

The win saw second placed Wrexham move to within a point of table-topping Stockport County.

However, Phil Parkinson’s side were far from fluent against the Shrimpers and the first half was short of action as Kevin Maher’s side dug deep to contain their high-flying hosts.

The Dragons ultimately resorted to unleashing efforts from long range with Max Cleworth firing over from 25 yards before Blues replied with Jack Bridge seeing his effort from a similar distance well held by Wrexham goalkeeper Christian Dibble.

In reply, the hosts soon came close to taking the lead with Tyler French forcing Steve Arnold into a smart save with a 12 yard volley before Jordan Davies fired wide of the right post in the closing action of the first half.

But Wrexham started brightly after the break and broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when a deep right wing cross from Davies found Palmer who darted in to score with a close range volley.

Moments later, his strike partner Paul Mullin sent a deflected effort wide of the left post before Blues replied with their first change of the afternoon as the fit-again Will Atkinson replaced Leon Davies.

The substitution saw Jason Demetriou switch to right wing back with Bridge moving on the left to allow Will Atkinson to slot into his central midfield role.

Shortly after the change, Harrison Neal volleyed over from 25 yards after Bridge’s left wing cross had been headed out in to his path by Tozer.

Harry Cardwell then headed over a right wing cross from Demetriou before Demetriou saw a 20 yard shot tipped over the crossbar by Christian Dibble.

In a further bid to get level, Blues boss Kevin Maher made his second change of the afternoon in the 78th minute with Callum Powell taking the place of Cardwell in attack.

Matt Dennis then took the place of James Dunne in attacking change