games 16-24

match reports...

COMFORTABLE

Game 16 - Conwy (3-0) by James Dean

Pre-match background: After crashing 5-1 to Gillingham, and conceding a total of ten in our last five League games, a clean sheet would be nice, as would the continuation of our 100% record in the WPC.

Conditions: Clear and dry, but cold.

Selection: David Walsh, Deryn Brace, Kevin Hannon, and new Welsh international Neil Roberts make their first starts of the season. In all, nine changes from the Gillingham debacle, with only Jarrett and Chalk keeping their places.

Tactics: Is there ever any?

Ebb and flow: Any Wrexham nerves quickly settled by Barrett’s goal, but the side didn’t really push forward much until the second half.

Atmospherics: Not in the WPC, thank you very much.

Goals: Those of us lucky enough to go to the match as guests of Red Passion actually missed Barrett’s first, as we were asked to wait until the ball went out of play before going to our seats. Of course, the ball didn’t go out of play! However, I’m reliably informed that it was one of the best goals seen here in recent months, a screamer from well outside the area. 2nd was a Morrell header from a Neil Roberts cross, after which Roberts converted a good pass from Jarrett to make it 3-0.

Incident: Not exactly packed with it, apart from the goals.

Post-match verdict: Never looked in any danger, but didn’t seem that interested in pushing for bags of goals either.

Man of the match: Neil Roberts, new Welsh first teamer, after scoring and setting one up to cap a fine week.

FRUSTRATING

Game 17 - Chesterfield (1-1) by Paul Lawson and Richard Williams

Pre-match background: Paul - After a disastrous 5-1 drubbing away at the hands of Gillingham, Wrexham were hoping they could get at least a point at home to Chesterfield if not more and go a couple of places further up the table. Richard - Wrexham haven’t won a league game since the comfortable 1-0 victory over Oxford, left a dismal crowd at the Racecourse.

Conditions: Paul - A cool warm day with some hazy sunshine. Richard - A surprisingly bright and sunny day in North Wales, with a few clouds.

Selection: Paul - Dearden was back in goal for us after he missed the Welsh Cup match at home to Conwy United, McGregor, Hardy, Carey, Owen, Ferguson, Barrett, Chalk, Steve Roberts, Faulconbridge and Stevens, the subs were: Walsh, Connolly, Neil Roberts, Ridler and Russell. Richard - Kevin Dearden in goal, Steve Roberts and Brian Carey in the defence, Hardy and Macca as full backs, Ferguson, Owen, Chalk, and Paul Barrett control the midfield, with a new look Faulconbridge (a skin-head) and the influential Ian Stevens upfront.

Tactics: Paul - 4-4-2: Hardy pushed forward to left wing but was ineffective with his crosses unable to pick anyone out in the area. Richard - 4-4-2.

Ebb and flow: Paul - For me it was definitely a game of two halves. In the first half Wrexham dominated the first 10 minutes. They then sat back and allowed Chesterfield back into it who started putting a few chances together catching Wrexham on the break no fewer than 4 times. Gareth Owen later on for Wrexham had a great shot that was sailing into the top left-hand corner tipped over but the referee signalled for a goal kick. From then on it was all one way traffic right to the end with Wrexham having numerous chances to snatch a win but unfortunately it wasn’t to be. Richard - The Reds started the match in the usual fashion, but Kevin Dearden was left stranded when Chris Beaumont (who knocked Wrexham out of the F.A. Cup sixth round in 1997) made it 0-1 to the Spiretites halfway through the first-half. Wrexham then progressed after that, making some good football with Darren Ferguson being the play-maker for Wrexham, he has great vision and accuracy. Faulconbridge was taken off at half-time, I think he was a little tired, and the local hero, who achieved his first cap for Wales against Switzerland last week, Neil Roberts came on and dazzled the fans with a precise half-volley which smashed the back of the net, in the second-half. A game of two halves in some cases.

Atmospherics: Paul - Despite there only being a crowd of around 2600 there was a great atmosphere around the place especially at the Kop end with the Wrexham fans urging their side to push forward more in the second half when Wrexham were on top. It is true to be said that the Wrexham fans certainly outspoke their visitors mainly because there weren’t many Chesterfield fans there. I’d say probably less than 200. Richard - With an attendance of nearly 2600, it was a very dull atmosphere. I should think that the Marston’s Stand should be a home stand, because it makes a heck of a lot of noise, which will add pressure to every visiting teams.

Goals: Paul - Despite many chances for Wrexham it was Chesterfield who took the lead. A cross from the left was flicked on and Beaumont looped his header over Dearden. The marking was abysmal with no fewer than six Wrexham players in the area and not one of them could help the goalie. I’d say bad luck Dearden. Wrexham didn’t equalise until 11 minutes in to the second half when substitute Neil Roberts lashed in a cracking volley nearly taking the net off its hinges from the edge of the area. It flew in to the top corner. It was then that I realised not only had the sun come out but so had Neil Roberts. Richard - Chris Beaumont put Chesterfield ahead, with a cruel deflection off young Steve Roberts (I think!) Neil Roberts, scored in the second-half with a fantastic half-volley screamer which nearly broke the net. Brilliant.

Incident: Paul - For me it was the referee and his assistant that ruined a perfectly good game of football. I felt sorry for both sides. There was one specific incident that the ref. failed to spot and that was a tug by Carey on Beaumont from inside the area. Chesterfield in my opinion should have had a penalty. Richard - Not much, another shaky referee for Wrexham, making some stupid decisions.

Post-match verdict: Paul - Good game of football, a few uncharacteristic errors by both sides, Wrexham just lacking that extra bit of pace which if they had that would certainly make them a force to be reckoned with in the league. Richard - Yet again Wrexham let themselves down, they could have easily beaten Chesterfield who didn’t look the team that got to the quarter-finals in the FA Cup two years ago. This was the second draw in four games, they should be kicking themselves for not giving 100% today.

Man of the match: Paul - I’ll give it to Gareth Owen - an outstanding performance unlucky not to be selected by the sponsors. Richard - Brian Carey/Darren Ferguson - Brian really justified himself to be one of the best headers in this Division alone, a true leader to the Robins’. Darren Ferguson has shown his true ability, making some magnificent passes and crosses. Should stay with Wrexham on a permanent basis.

UNLUCKY

Game 18 - Wigan (1-1) by Craig Heard and Richard Williams

Pre-match background: Craig - After a couple of not so good results such as Gillingham, the reds find themselves against one of the top teams in the division, would it be another stuffing? Richard - Anxious faces grew more and more on the loyal supporters of Wrexham FC. They haven’t won a league match since Oxford a month ago. But, our local hero is match fit and will trouble Craig Faulconbridge to win a place in the strike force along with Ian Stevens.

Conditions: Craig - Very cold but dry with the new stand gleaming in the light from those very, very bright floodlights. Richard - A damp and cold Tuesday night, very dark.

Selection: Craig - McGregor. Carey, Roberts and Hardy at the back. A five man midfield that included two, yes that’s two wingers in Chalk and Connolly. In the middle was Owen, Ferguson and Barrett, and the lone striker in Neil Roberts. Richard - Dave Ridler is fit, but Mr. Flynn has faith in the young and trustworthy Stephen Roberts who has impressed Brian on a number of occasions. Faulconbridge out, Roberts in, an excellent midfield of Paul Barrett, Karl Connolly, Martyn Chalk, Darren Ferguson, and Gareth Owen.

Tactics: Craig - 4-5-1 The midfielders took it in turns to help out Roberts up front and the two wingers showed their pace although their crossing wasn’t spectacular but Ferguson’s passing was excellent. Richard - The 4-5-1 formation is being put into practice.

Atmospherics: Craig - Not much to talk about as the Wrexham crowd was quite low which isn’t very suprising however Wigan enjoyed cheering every time they were given a decision. Richard - Not a lot, though the Kop was a bit more crowded than the dismal crowd last week.

Ebb and flow: Craig - End-to-end stuff with Wrexham looking good in most areas but Wigan looked dangerous on the break with their blistering pace. Connolly seemed to have some of his old form back and started to run at players. Ferguson looked good in the middle with some good passing and Neil Roberts worked very hard on his own up front. Richard - Wrexham started the match steady, with a few good chances coming from Neil Roberts, the lone striker. Darren Ferguson made a number of pin-point crosses and accurate passes, not easy for the Wigan defence to cope with. Wrexham deserved to take the lead into half-time but the substitute Roberto Martinez scored a stunning 30 yard strike which beat Kevin Dearden. Wigan made quite a lot of subs early on, Simon Howarth coming off, and the keeper, Roy Carroll, who was injured at the helm of Neil Roberts, Wrexham should have really made more of their chances, but went down 1-0 at the interval.

Goals: Craig - Wigan’s Roberto Martinez scored from a stunning strike which couldn’t of been stopped, but Wrexham equalised when Connolly was chopped down in the box and Neil Roberts deservedly smacked the ball in to the net. Richard - Martinez scored during the first-half, but Neil Roberts smashed in a penalty in the second-half, with some good play from the midfield trio of Ferguson, Barrett, and Gareth Owen.

Incident: Craig - Phil Hardy had a shot at goal!! and wasn’t far off, but why does he always look so nervous when he has the ball? Wigan hit the bar about four times but every one seemed to take deflections off Wrexham players. No sendings off which was good news for Wrexham’s disciplinary record, which has seen us labelled the dirtiest team in the Second division. Richard - Not much, Roy Carroll took five minutes to be stretchered off.

Post-match verdict: Craig - Considering who we were playing it was a point gained rather than two lost, but I still felt we could of got all three points. Overall a very promising performance and hopefully the sign of better things to come. Richard - Wrexham should have hammered Wigan, who, to be honest, looked abysmal, but only got the single point, changes have to be made in the forthcoming, and tricky games, such as Stoke and Burnley, both away.

Man of the match: Craig - Could have gone to a few players such as Ferguson whose passing was excellent and Connolly who seemed to have some of his old pace and skills that has deceived so many defences over the years but my MOM goes to Neil Roberts whose workrate was tremendous. Richard - The whole team looked good, but Darren Ferguson stuck out from the rest, a brilliant passer of the ball, and should stay at Wrexham until the end of the season, at least.

BLITZED

Game 19 - Stoke (0-2) by Matthew Kelly

Pre-match background: We had embarked on one of those runs where dismal displays and ineptitude to defend were regular occurrences. Also there was a lot of rumours floating around about Pryce Griffiths selling the club and a big money consortium coming in and pumping their lovely money into Wrexham F.C. But we had heard this before, so nobody was getting too carried away about it!

Conditions: It had been raining before kick-off, which made the pitch very greasy and led to many players from both teams falling over when the game kicked off, by which time it had stopped raining. The rain fast appeared again in the second half in a very torrential way, and many Wrexham fans began praying for the pitch to become waterlogged and hence the game would be abandoned. Sadly, God wasn't on any Welsh person's side that day.

Selection: Spink was brought in to replace the younger Roberts and obviously taking his place in the back four. Faulconbridge was on the bench, much to my surprise.
Tactics: We seemed to play a haphazard formation, in other words, we were all over the place for many stages of the game. Although formally it was virtually a 4-4-1-1 formation with Connolly sitting behind Neil Roberts in a support role for most of the game.

Ebb and flow: This was just one of those games that was literally end to end in that Wrexham would attack and lose the ball in the area then Stoke would attack and nearly score. This happened a few times, it was just that Stoke looked more likely to score when they went forwards. Inevitably when Wrexham were 2-0 down in the last quarter, we suddenly started battling hard, too little too late though.

Atmospherics: The 400-500 Wrexham fans were in good voice early on and even after we conceded the first goal. However, in such a big stadium which wasn't even half full, the atmosphere tended to drift out of the corners of the ground where there are huge gaps. The Stoke fans were very quiet until the goals arrived and even then they only managed to get to grips with 'Delilah'. Jacko wasn’t in customary form as he was singing in concert that evening, so we lacked our customary choirmaster to get everybody totally going.

Goals: 1st) From a corner, Stoke crossed the ball to the edge of the box where O’Connor blasted it in to the corner of the net through a group of players. 2nd) The Wrexham defence went missing in action and Kavanagh scored in a one on one with Dearden which was the first one he had lost all day.

Incident: Owen’s three close goal attempts that (Ward made a great save from the first one), a Faulco header that Ward again saved incredibly. Connolly struck the upright and was unlucky not to score and Dearden made some fine saves to keep the score respectable.

Post-match verdict: We were very unlucky overall, as Ward in the Stoke goal made some outstanding saves to keep Stoke ahead. Although Dearden had to be on hand at the other hand to save us many times especially with the one on ones which he appears to be very good at stopping most of the time.

Man of the match: this was a tough choice. Owen played well and ran the midfield at times. Spink defended stoutly at the back and added some strength and Kevin Dearden made some great saves. For me, it was Kevin Dearden because if it had been Cartwright in goal it would have been at least 5-0. (Most amusing moments: Chalk's inability to control absolutely anything that came his way).

WOEFUL

Game 20 - Kettering (1-1) by Richard Williams

Pre-match background: A reasonable amount of Kettering fans flooded outside the away stands, hoping for an upset against the giant killers, Wrexham. The Robins have successfully got to the 3rd round of this competition in the last six years, and so could not be content for anything less than a win today.

Conditions: Dull and wet, a few outbursts of heavy rain in the first-half.

Selection: Dean Spink keeps his place alongside captain Brian Carey; Neil Roberts and Craig Faulconbridge start.

Tactics: 4-4-2, short passing.

Ebb and flow: Kettering, surprisingly controlled the first-half, making Wrexham anxious to get the ball, but when in possession, the home side couldn’t make any inroads into the well organised Kettering defence. Good passing and excellent crosses by Kettering caused Wrexham to slip up their defensive stance, and later conceded a ridiculous goal nearing the end of the first half. Wrexham played like a pile of crap during the first-half, and deserved to be 1-0 down. The usual passing to a player who is surrounded by two or three players was played, and that caused problems whenever trying to create chances.

Atmospherics: Cause for concern, a team in the second division should not be getting crowds of 2,500 in a home game.

Goals: The Kettering goal was totally was the fault of the keeper and the defence, no communication between the two, and then Wrexham grabbed a late equaliser when Neil Roberts buried a fair-given penalty past the despairing goalie.

Incident: Stewards and mascots falling over, and Kevin Dearden rushing out of his goal to avoid humiliation, and was booked.

Post-match verdict: An awkward replay at Kettering may put dreams of another brilliant cup run down the drain, but should have really punished Kettering who played as they should, a non-league side.

Man of the match: Dean Spink - successfully cleared any stray balls, and kept his nerve with awkward crosses, well deserved MOM.

AWFUL

Game 21 - Burnley (0-5) by Richard Watkin

Pre-match background: We hadn't won a league match since September 18th and had taken 6 points from a possible 27 points since Notts County. The talk outside the Racecourse that night was of going top of the league. Coupled with our abysmal performance against Kettering the morale on the terraces was indifferent to say the least. We were hoping this game would re-start the season.

Conditions: Typical hospitable weather when everything is going wrong. Driving rain in the first half, which mercifully stopped in the second half.

Selection: Deano went to Shrewsbury that day (probably wished he hadn't - they lost 1-0 to Chester) so the youthful Steve Roberts returned. Rooster was drafted in at the expense of Paul Barrett. Morrell was also favoured instead of Faulconbridge - who incidentally didn't even make it on to the subs bench.

Tactics: That revolutionary 4-5-1 with Morrell playing out wide. Andy did cause a few problems with continuing probing down the flank . Not much more to say as they clearly didn't work.

Ebb and flow: For 43 minutes Wrexham were containing their hosts comfortably. The midfield was picking up the scraps offered to them and utilising the ball well. The defence was being marshalled well by Brian and definitely the impressive Steve Roberts - the lad looks class. Even Phil who I don't rate was surprising me with a confident looking display. Neil was making his typical dogged runs upfront and causing particular problems with his pace and willingness to chase. It was to him our best chance fell when Morell swung in an inviting cross that the Welsh international just failed to connect with. After this 43 minute period we just all wanted to go home.

Atmospherics: A disappointing 8,000-and-something attendance. The Wrexham fans did their best to support the lads but let’s be honest who can be bothered when your team are 3-0 down after 48 minutes having been at 0-0 10 minutes earlier. Clearly the Burnley fans were in boisterous mood due to the domination on the pitch. The most amusing chant of the evening was sung by the Burnley fans, which went "WE WANT FLYNN, WE WANT FLYNN" - comic geniuses.

Goals: Too many of them. Goal 1: Jimmy Mullin broke away, completely outpaced Carey (too easily in my mind) and slotted it over the advancing Dearden on 43 minutes. Goal 2: Following a rousing half time talk Wrexham came out and conceded another on 46 minutes. Micky Mellon picked up the ball on the halfway line, completely outpaced Carey (again) and calmly slotted the ball home. Goal 3: Those of you who went to Gillingham will recall Bob Taylor scoring with a header - the words deja vu are extremely appropriate. Sweeping move from a Wrexham corner, flighted cross to the back post, no challenge and it's 3-0. Game over and still 35 minutes left. Goal 4: Nobody challenged in defence and Mullin volleyed in from 6 yards to make it 4-0. Goal 5: By now it was farcical, simple cross and a diving header by Michael Branch.

Incident: Or lack of. We didn't make their keeper do anything until the 53 minutes when Macca had a shot. I enjoyed the battle between Steve Roberts and the friendly A. Cooke (of Newtown fame) - well done to Steve for denying him a goal and leaving him flattened at one point.

Post-match verdict: Terrible and abysmal - these are the polite terms used. Also extreme worry about the fact that we can realistically lose on Sky next week and become the laughing stock of British Football along with Chester and Shrewsbury. My two main concerns were that Carey had a stinker beyond belief and appears to have lost all his pace. Also, for somebody whose dad was apparently full of bite and venom during his playing days, Fergurson Jnr has none of it and is terribly one-paced.

Man of the match: No idea. To be honest I can't sarcastically give it to one of their players because nobody stood out. I suppose Morrell didn't put a foot wrong. Also praise for Steve Roberts, without him it could have been a lot lot worse.

ASTONISHING

Game 22 - Brentford (0-1) by Richard Williams

Pre-match background: A ridiculous result against Kettering and Burnley last week, made a decrease in fans. Wrexham haven’t won since Oxford last September.

Conditions: Dull and wet.

Selection: Dearden against his old club, Steve Roberts in defence instead of Dean Spink who has gone to former club Shrewsbury on loan, Ian Stevens and Neil Roberts upfront.

Tactics: 4-4-2.

Ebb and flow: Totally astonishing. Wrexham gifted Brentford time and space to create many chances, and scored a mad goal in the 22nd minute. Wrexham had no rhythm, no will to win, and no movement. Rooster had a couple of long range shots, but failed to score, no goals from open play since Chesterfield, four matches ago.

Atmospherics: A bit more atmosphere to try and lift Wrexham from their hammering at the hands of Flynnie’s former club Burnley.

Goals: Set piece, Dearden fumbled, and Brentford
scored.

Incident: None on the pitch, I was more interested in watching Rockin’ Robin on the sideline. Says it all really.

Post-match verdict: We fail to beat the bees' sting, and Wrexham slump to a third consecutive defeat, and the fans shouted throughout the match ‘FLYNNIE OUT’ which I think is justified after this performance. New purchases have to be made, or we’ll end up playing Division 3 football.

Man of the Match: Kevin Russell - Stormed through Brentford’s defence on a number of occasions, looked the only player to have a will to win.

CRUISING

Game 23 - Kettering (2-0) by Richard Watkin

Pre-match background: Wrexham went in to the game having lost at home to Brentford. The support for Flynn to move on was intensifying (Shrewsbury according to some newspapers wanted him). We were on national television and could easily disgrace ourselves. We needed a win from somewhere to provide some evidence of hope for the fans and the players.

Conditions: Cold and crisp November’s evening with a strong smell of burgers and Bovril.

Selection: Rooster retained his more advanced role after an impressive performance against Brentford. King Karl returned to partner Neil Roberts upfront.

Tactics: Surprisingly we played our revolutionary one-winger policy. Rooster was our winger and actually had a decent game.

Ebb and flow: Those who watched us play Chester will understand the similarity between the two performances . Two goals in quick succession and then a containing game with one or two clear cut chances without being in any real trouble.

Atmospherics: The early killer goal silenced the home fans. Considering it was supposed to be their big game the attendance of 2,611 was rather disappointing. The Wrexham fans did their best to rise to the occasion of being live on television.

Goals: 10 mins. Steve Roberts opened up his account for the Robins with a well taken goal . A corner was swung in and an attempted clearance materialised at the edge of the box and Steve finished off with a rasping volley. Sky questions Roberts snr’s positioning but luckily the goal was given. 22 mins. Danny Williams this time added his name to the score sheet. Neil chested down a Phil Hardy cross and Danny picked up the pass and fired home from just outside the area. An absolutely supper strike for your first goal in a competative match. Again it could be argued that Karl was offside but again it wasn’t given.

Incident: Wrexham had the game won after 20 minutes . Just before the first goal we had a clear shout for a penalty but justice prevailed with Wrexham scoring from the next move. We had other clear cut chances in the second half but failed to convert any of them. The best chance that Kettering had was when early on in the second half they hit the post if that had gone in the result could have been a lot different.

Post-match verdict: An extremely “professional” performance, which is what you would expect from Wrexham against the non -league side. The early goals settled the team and the nerves of the away following. I was pleased that Sollitt their keeper was on the end of a beating as he hadn’t been exactly complementary about the team to the media. Let’s hope this is the start of a good run in the cup and league.

Man of the match: Toss up between the goalscorers but following the interviews after the match I will give it to Danny Williams who was clearly taught a basic interview technique at Liverpool - something Steve should learn! Personally I think we look more of a unit with Danny in the team.

PROMISING

Game 24 - Millwall (0-0) by Daniel Jennings

Pre-match background: After the Sky TV appearance on Wednesday against Kettering, Wrexham were aiming to follow up with their first league away win since August 31st.

Conditions: Dry and mild.

Selection: The same as at Kettering: Dearden, McGregor, Hardy, Steve Roberts, Carey, Ferguson, Owen, Russell, Williams, Connolly, Neil Roberts.

Tactics: After the fans got frustrated about playing only one winger, Flynn has now opted to start matches with the only recognised winger playing as a centre-forward. It’s still called a 4-3-3 though.

Ebb and flow: Millwall’s direct style suited Wrexham’s away game. No-one really took control of the match, although plenty of chances were created. Wrexham always looked dangerous on the attack but it was Millwall who piled on the pressure in a frantic finish.

Atmospherics: Millwall fans made a racket at the very beginning of the match but soon quietened down. Wrexham fans really got behind their team despite there only being just over 100 of them - especially in the second half.

Goals: None - but there were nearly two.

Incident: Right at the end of the first half the ball was whipped across the six-yard box and, after evading Roberts and Carey, Shaw headed the ball goalwards. Somehow Dearden got across and, at full stretch, pushed the ball away for McGregor to clear away to safety. When the ref blew up for half-time Dearden was cheered off the pitch - but did he really stop the ball crossing the line? Paul Shaw got sent off on 60 minutes for a second bookable offence but Wrexham still didn’t push Millwall as much as they should have done. They very nearly scored when Russell clipped the ball into the box and it arrived at the feet of Connolly via Neil Roberts. King Karl cleverly steered a cheeky chip past Tony Warner and just inside the far post. The Wrexham faithful went barmy for about 30 seconds before the sudden disappointment and realisation that it had been ruled out for offside.

Post-match verdict: Dearden - another blinder and made one of the greatest saves I’ve ever witnessed 9/10; McGregor - surprsingly quiet 6/10; Hardy - solid 7/10; Owen - his usual battling performance 7/10; Carey - nearly got caught out for pace on numerous occasions and looked edgy 6./10; Steve Roberts - looked comfortable and settling in quickly 8/10; Russell - not a right-winger but did his best 7/10; Connolly - looked to be getting a good link-up with Roberts 8/10; Neil Roberts - held the ball up well 9/10; Williams - the man we’ve been missing and has certainly tightened up the midfield since his return 9/10; Ferguson - looks a lot better in a central midfield role rather than just behind it - the position now occupied by Danny Williams 8/10.

Man of the match: Kevin Dearden