Wrexham have kept a clean sheet in five of their past six League One matches
Wrexham moved back into second place in League One as Jay Rodriguez's first goal for the club earned the hosts victory over 10-man Stockport County at the Stok Racecourse.
Stockport edged the opening stages in north Wales, but Wrexham were awarded a penalty - only their second in the league this season - just before the half hour mark as Ibou Touray was penalised for a handball.
Rodriguez's spot-kick was saved by Corey Addai, although the veteran forward lashed home the rebound from a narrow angle to net his first goal since joining from Burnley in January.
Arthur Okonkwo produced a fine save to keep out Callum Connolly's header from a corner shortly after the restart before Kyle Wootton's goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper in the build-up as County pushed for an equaliser.
Addai had to be alert to keep out Sam Smith's effort from a Wrexham counter attack at the other end before Ollie Rathbone headed wide from Ryan Longman's cross.
Substitute Jayden Fevrier then flashed a low driven shot inches wide, although Stockport were dealt a blow on 81 minutes as Brad Hills was sent off for a second bookable offence.
Smith then headed wide as Phil Parkinson's side saw out the final stages to secure a fourth 1-0 victory in five games and go three points clear of Wycombe Wanderers, although the Chairboys have a game in hand.
Stockport stay fifth, but are now nine points adrift of the automatic promotion places after losing for just the second time in 13 league matches.
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said:
"It was always going to be a feisty affair, there was an edge to the game.
"But we stuck to the task, we got the goal at an important time and should have had a penalty before that.
"I'm delighted for Jay [Rodriguez] to get his goal, he's worked tirelessly for the team, he deserved that moment."
Stockport County boss Dave Challinor said:
"I've just spoken to the officials, if you're going to get involved in situations, my argument would be 'what have you seen?'.
"Regardless of that, that's never been a penalty. There can be arguments potentially for the decision before, that's more of a penalty that the one he's given.
"I was a little bit disappointed with us - good control, but in terms of our chance creation, we need to be better."
