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.