Thanks again to Rory Sheehan who will be providing match reports and feature articles
Grays 2 Wrexham 1
This defeat and performance illustrates how far Wrexham FC have fallen in just a few short years, losing to a struggling non-league club in front of just 746 spectators. Prior to this game Grays were vulnerable, a club in and around the relegation zone and in turmoil off-the-field. Nothing like a visit from Wrexham to give them the pick-me-up they needed then…
There were no changes to the Wrexham starting line-up, while Grays fielded former Dragon Stuart Elliott. They were also able to bring in loan debutants in the shape of forwards St Aimie, Rigg and goalkeeper Button all of whom played a part in our downfall.
Grays shaded the opening stages. Our centre-back pairing of Evans and Kempson seemed at odds with each other and the talented Miller for Grays gave Spender a torrid time. However, on the half hour mark, it was Spender combining with Mackin who produced an excellent opportunity for Whalley, but his header was over the bar.
For the umpteenth time this season Wrexham shot themselves in the foot by again conceding the first goal. A long ball from Button evaded Spender as St Aimie slipped in to slot the ball past Ward as half-time approached.
Just 5 minutes later Grays doubled their advantage when more atrocious Wrexham defending, from a throw-in, gave St Aimie ample opportunity slam home his second goal. Half-time came and went without any Wrexham changes.
To be fair Wrexham upped their game in the second period and were given a lifeline with an early free-kick. It was touched on to Levi Mackin who hit a screamer into the top corner which should have silenced his critics, if only briefly.
Wes Baynes replaced Neil Taylor though for all our endeavour up-field, Rigg and St Aimie were a constant test to our shaky backline. As the clock ticked on changes were belatedly made.
Nat Brown, back from injury, replaced captain Kearney and Proctor replaced Spender. The decision to bring on Proctor was made a mockery by Little as he kept Proctor out on the right and the ineffective Simon Brown up front!
The changes came too late to make an impression and a good header from Louis, met well by Button, proved to be our final opportunity. Grays held on throughout stoppage-time for what was for them, a well-earned victory.
The travelling Wrexham contingent vented their anger and frustration following another unacceptable result and performance. We have lost 4 out of our first 10 games. We have gone a goal behind in 8 of those games. We have yet to put back-to-back victories together under Brian Little, and with this game, missed our best opportunity to do so. We are mid-table, playing dreadful football and are woefully inconsistent.
On Tuesday a very capable Rushden & Diamonds side visit the Racecourse. Another defeat and dismal performance will crank up the already mounting pressure on Brian Little, and perhaps that on the clubs owners to make changes too, should things continue like this…
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