For various reasons this was our first game since the away win at Notts County. We had not seen our two new players but from reports traveled in hope of a good performance and returning with at least a share of the spoils. It was a new look Racecourse with the new stand looking impressive from the outside, but less so from inside holding at best 1,500. To be fair it is now a neat ground for the lower divisions.
We had a following of about 500. The first half was played mostly in our half with Wrexham being quicker to the ball and having players spare in space, whereas we were lethargic and were rushing everything. Although as said it was all Wrexham, there was no real threat apart from one good save from Roger, and of course the goal which came as a result of a flat footed square defence. Half-time came with the scoreline 1-0, with some of the players looking as if they were still on the journey north.
For the restart Thomas replaced Coates who again seemed totally short of confidence. After a further 10mins Cusack replaced Savarese, who had found some space with his runs, but had not been found by his teammates. This change was greeted with a halfhearted chant aimed at John Hollins of 'you don't know what you're doing'. For a few precious minutes we upped the tempo with Thomas battling in midfield, but this was short lived.
Apart from a few glimpses of skill from Romo, the second half was as unforgettable as the first. The only chance of getting anything from the game came when we were up from our seats ready to shout goal as Casey? coming in from the left had an empty goal to aim at as the ball came to him on the corner of the six yard box managed to miss completely. The referee had been very whistle happy and very fussy booking 5 players?.
Howard getting a second yellow and being dismissed for reacting to a kick from one of their players while he (Howard) was standing over him after a tackle. Better refereeing could have stopped the situation from boiling over. Apart from the usual Freestone Bound & Smith and others in very short bursts, this was a totally inept performance ranking alongside some of the worst of last season.
We chose the wrong option on nearly every occasion and some of the play did not reach Sunday League level. Many throw-ins went to the opposition or at least put the receiver under pressure.
We waited for passes to arrive instead of meeting them, and lost out as defenders just stepped in front of the waiting players. This was a display of no passion, the bookings resulting from frustration and lack of self control. We hope others may have seen this game differently as that all we think is 200 mile round trip and 60 pounds wasted.
By Clive & Gareth Hughes
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