WREXHAM'S automatic promotion ambitions took a dent after losing 3-1 against Halifax Town at The Shay.

Notts County ran out 3-0 winners in their fixture at home to Wealdstone and the Magpies have taken over as National League leaders on goal difference from Phil Parkinson's men.

The Reds have a game in hand and it makes Monday's top of the table clash with County at The Racecourse even more crucial in the race for the title.

Wrexham have five matches remaining, one more than County.

It was a day to forget in Yorkshire for Wrexham, who were cheered on by around 4,500 travelling supporters, as the 28-game unbeaten run in the league came to an end.

Elliot Lee gave Wrexham the lead at the break with 12th goal of the season but it was a second half to forget as Halifax turned things around, scoring three goals without reply to secure victory

It was no surprise to see Parkinson name the same side that started the 5-1 win against Oldham the previous weekend, and the substitutes bench was also unchanged.

Wrexham made a decent start and played some good football without creating any opportunities despite forcing a couple of corners.

The first opportunity came to the Reds when an attack broke down but the ball ran to James Jones who couldn't keep his shot down from outside the area.

Halifax then had their first sight of goal when Wrexham lost the ball which was seized upon by Milli Alli who elected to go for goal instead of passing it and his effort was parried by keeper Ben Foster.

Although the Shaymen had grown into the game, Wrexham took the lead in the 32nd minute.

The ball was played up to Sam Dalby who held it up well and laid off to Lee who fired past goalkeeper Sam Johnson into the bottom corner from just outside the area.

There was another chance for Wrexham when Jones' effort was saved by Johnson while a cross fell to Jacob Mendy whose shot was blocked by a defender.

Halifax were presented with a chance to level when Mani Dieseruvwe dragged his shot wide from a good position inside the area but Wrexham ended the half strongly.

Jones' powerful drive was turned away by Johnson following good work by Dalby and from the resulting corner taken by Lee, Jordan Tunnicliffe's header hit the crossbar.

However, the Shaymen levelled three minutes into the second half.

Alli latched onto a loose ball and his low shot across Foster found the back of the net.

Wrexham responded with Jones bringing a good save out of Johnson but Halifax were the better side and Foster was called into action at the other end to made a superb block to deny Jamie Cooke.

And Halifax went 2-1 up in the 70th minute following poor defending by the Reds.

Alli was allowed to run unchallenged and the striker fired past Foster.

There was another chance for the Shaymen but Foster did well to save with the leg and thwart Tylor Golden.

However, Halifax got a third goal six minutes from time.

Dieseruvwe was given too much room in the box and the frontman fired past Foster and the Shaymen ran out winners.

Halifax Town (5-2-3): Johnson; Golden, Adam Senior, Stott, Jack Senior, Cappello; Hunter, Gilmour; Alli, Dieseruvwe (Harker 88), Cooke. Subs not used: Warburton, Keane, Harker, Arthur, O’Rourke.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Foster; Barnett, O'Connell, Tozer, Tunnicliffe (Palmer 71), Mendy; Jones (Davies 76) , Cannon (O'Connor 85), Lee; Mullin, Dalby. Subs not used: Howard, McFadzean.

Attendance: 7,863.