First-half headers by defensive duo Aaron Hayden and Bryce Hosannah saw Wrexham clinch all three points at the J.Davidson Stadium to end 2021 with victory away to Altrincham.
Hayden headed in his first goal of the season to break the deadlock, before Hosannah netted his first career goal. A fourth consecutive clean sheet then ensured Wrexham made the short trip back to North Wales with all three points - and moved up to third in the Vanarama National League table.
Phil Parkinson named just two changes to the side that played in the last National League clash against Weymouth, with Harry Lennon returning to the back three and Jordan Ponticelli leading the line with Paul Mullin.
It was an extremely professional performance by Parkinson’s side, who were playing league football for the first time after a 17-day absence due to FA Trophy commitments and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hayden managed to put Parkinson’s men into the ascendancy halfway through the first half, as a header back across goal by Tozer found his centre-back partner, and he managed to divert his effort past Thompson.
Wrexham doubled their advantage before half time, as an audacious header by Ponticelli bounced off the crossbar and into the path of Hosannah who headed home for his first goal for the club.
Altrincham had their chances to cause Wrexham problems, especially through set-piece situations and Ryan Colclough, but they couldn’t capitalise on those opportunities as they fell to defeat.
Jordan Davies nearly sent the Red Dragons ahead inside the first six minutes, as his powerful header was saved by Tony Thompson and his defence came to the rescue and managed to clear to safety.
The hosts' best first-half chance came from their first opportunity as Colclough forced a superb save from Rob Lainton as his free kick was tipped over the bar.
Wrexham threatened from set-pieces too, as a sumptuous out swinging free-kick saw Hayden peel off his man and his header was turned over the bar by the acrobatic Thompson.
Hayden got his goal just moments later though - Luke Young's clever reverse ball releasing Davies, who stood a cross up to Tozer at the back post, and Hayden was on hand to dive in and provide the close-range finish.
Moments after Wrexham took the lead, the hosts could have got themselves back on level terms, as an excellent free-kick this time by Senior went narrowly wide of Lainton’s near post.
Hosannah doubled the advantage on 38 minutes though - looping a header over Thompson and in, after Ponticelli had done well to steer Reece Hall-Johnson's cross goalwards and off the post.
The Robins still created chances and should have pulled one back before the break as Digie hauled Harry Lennon to the floor, unseen by the officials, but couldn’t direct his free header goalward.
The second half wasn’t quite as smooth for the Red Dragons, as Jordan Davies was forced off with a shoulder injury after landing awkwardly.
Club Captain Tozer nearly added a third, as he spun and fired goalwards from inside the penalty area, but it was again superbly turned wide by Thompson in the Altrincham goal.
Altrincham had possession at the other end, but could not make it count - a couple of false touches in the penalty area and a couple of wayward shots all they had to show for it.
The victory means Wrexham end 2021 sitting in third place, one point off joint leaders Chesterfield and FC Halifax Town.
Wrexham return to action on Sunday January 2, away from home against Notts County.
Altrincham: Thompson (GK), Moult ©, Porter (Mooney 81), Hancock, Colclough, Kosylo (Leitch-Smith 46’), Digie, Fitzpatrick, Senior, Mullarkey, Marriott (Furman 32’).
Subs not used: Densmore, Drench.
Bookings: Furman (76’)
Wrexham: Lainton (GK), Hall-Johnson, Hayden, Tozer, Lennon, Hosannah, Young ©, J.Jones, Davies(Cleworth 53’), Mullin, Ponticelli (Thomas 81’)
Subs not used: Dibble, Green, Angus.
Bookings: Lennon (13’), Lainton (89')
Attendance: 3,145 (1,166 from Wrexham).