Thanks again to Rory Sheehan who will be providing match reports and feature articles
Histon 1 Wrexham 0
Wrexham crashed to a third successive defeat, this time away at part-time village team Histon. Though the Cambridgeshire side are the BSP’s surprise high-flyers, this defeat in the absence of manager Dean Saunders (away with Wales) caps another miserable week for Wrexham FC.
Seemingly with combating Histon’s direct style of play in mind, numerous changes were made. Darran Kempson returned with Mike Williams to complete a back four with no recognised full-backs. Jefferson Louis dropped to the bench as Steve Abbott made his first start for the club up front on his own. On-loan Manchester City goalkeeper Gunnar Nielsen also made his debut for the club.
The way the Dragons set about the game seemed to surprise the home side at first but, more familiar and comfortable with the playing style, the Stutes grabbed a hold of the game and Wrexham rarely threatened.
On half an hour Histon took the lead through Josh Simpson. It was another poorly defended set-piece that led to Simpson’s header giving Faroe Islands international Nielson no chance.
In now predictable fashion the Dragons failed to show signs of bouncing back while the home side showed no signs of wanting to play pretty football. The rainy conditions were unhelpful too as the game dragged on to half-time.
After the break Wrexham gave the away following renewed hope by putting pressure on the home side as Fleming and Collin went close. Obi Anoruo and Jefferson Louis soon replaced Nathan Fairhurst and Steve Abbott as Terry Darracott and Brian Carey looked to capitalise on this.
Shortly after, Sam Williamson was surprisingly chosen to replace Ryan Flynn leaving Wes Baynes an unused substitute. The Dragons still had much of the possession but were unable to create anything with it, Sam Aiston being guilty of some wretched final balls when there was plenty on for him.
Some desperate defending from the home side late on kept out close-range efforts from Williamson and Kempson but Histon were then handed the opportunity to put the points beyond doubt.
A poor challenge by Aurelien Collin on Jack Midson saw the referee award a penalty. Midson took it himself, but saw his attempt well-saved by Nielsen who’d had a good debut between the sticks. Stoppage time yielding nothing as the Dragons poor run was now stretched to one win in 13 games.
Most fans don’t know what to make of the current situation and what has been a roller-coaster season overall. The play-offs are now only a mathematical possibility but few who have watched Wrexham’s performances over the last couple of months will believe it’s possible.
There’s a month left to experiment and for Saunders to work on what’s gone wrong since February.
Meanwhile, there is still pride to play for at least. This starts with next Thursday’s home game against Barrow, when a few old faces in Dave Bayliss, Lee McEvilly and the ineligible Simon Spender return to the Racecourse…
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