ANTHONY FORDE was delighted he returned to help Wrexham finish the job off last season and the wing-back hopes to play his part in another promotion campaign.

The 29-year-old arrived at The Racecourse in the summer of 2022 from Oxford United and was a consistent performer on the right flank in the first half of last season, helping put Wrexham in contention for the National League title.

Having been a regular in the side, Forde was given a leave of absence after wife Laura was diagnosed with a brain tumor before returning during the run-in.

Making his first start for nearly months against Yeovil on April 18, Forde scored the opening goal in the vital 3-0 win and Wrexham went onto clinch automatic promotion to the Football League in the next game by beating Boreham Wood 3-1 on a never-to-be-forgotten night at The Racecourse.

Injuries have restricted Forde's appearances so far this season but he started Saturday's 2-0 win over Gillingham, helping Wrexham extend the unbeaten run to 11 matches and climb up to second in League Two, and he is looking to continue the form he showed last term.

"It was frustrating to get a few little injuries early in the season but they have gone now and I am back into it," said Forde.

"I am delighted to be back in the team and I am looking forward to getting a run going again.

"I was happy with how it went last season.

"Obviously things happened off the pitch and I had to take some time off which broke up my season.

"I got back into it at the end of the season, I was able to play against Yeovil and got the goal but the main thing was to get promoted.

"I did everything I could to help the lads and it was very rewarding at the end of it.

"I am glad I contributed and was part of it, hopefully we can do the same this season."

Forde's return has been timely with Ryan Barnett currently out injured but he knows he will have to continue working hard to keep his place in the team.

"You need competition and we have got that all over the pitch," said Forde, who has made 11 league and cup appearances this season.

"It is great to have that because it's a long season.

"I will get my head down and crack on."

Wrexham, five points behind leaders Stockport County, are in a rich vein of form but Forde is not looking any further than Saturday's clash with eighth placed Accrington Stanley at The Crown Ground.

"We are on a good run and we have worked hard after a slow start," he added.

"Everything has got better and we are gelling, we have got the points we have got and I think we deserve to be where we are at the moment.

"We just need to make sure we keep being consistent.

"Accrington is a tough place to go, I have played there before.

"Away games are always hard and we need to make sure that we are ready for it in every aspect.

"We have had a good run and we need to keep it going as long as we can."