GATESHEAD were unable to stop the march of National League leaders Wrexham as they crashed to a 3-1 defeat at the Racecourse Ground.

The Welsh side are now firmly established as one of the favourites to win promotion to the Football League this season, and the Heed had no answer to their incisive attacking play.

Wrexham claimed an 18th-minute lead when Paul Rutherford dribbled his way into the area before slotting a cool finish under Gateshead goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.

The Dragons doubled their lead midway through the second half when former Hartlepool United midfielder Brad Walker drilled home his second goal of the season.

Gateshead briefly threatened a recovery when Luke Armstrong pulled a goal back with 12 minutes left, but Wrexham made the points safe in stoppage time as Rekeil Pyke restored the hosts’ two-goal lead.

Gateshead: Pears, Barrow, Williamson, Olley, Tinkler, Kerr, Hunter (Mellish 46), White, Boden, Armstrong, Rigg (Molyneux 58).