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A well-earned victory against our fierce local rivals in their own backyard was the boost fans, players and everyone connected with Wrexham FC needed.

This game had more riding on it than local bragging rights. Chester are on a dangerous slide in the league which saw manager Bobby Williamson sacked last week. Despite a big improvement in recent months we were still adrift at the foot of the table.

Our players needed to lift their game after Mansfield and that is exactly what they did. Still missing three key players in Roberts, Sonner and Steve Evans, our only change was Paul Hall coming in for Silvio Spann. Little’s choice turned out to be inspired.

Neither side really tested each other in the early stages, the tension and nerves perhaps affecting both sets of players. After a little over 20 minutes however, both sets of fans experienced a despair and elation turnaround within 60 seconds.

Former Wrexham transfer target Kevin Ellison’s corner was swung in only for Gavin Ward to punch the ball in the wrong direction for an own goal… or so we thought. Premiership referee Andy D’Urso ruled that Ward had been fouled.

Ward took the resulting free-kick as the Chester players and fans were only just coming to terms with the fact that their ‘goal’ hadn’t stood. The long-ball found Proctor who in turn found Hall as he broke from his marker. From 12 yards out he fired home to send the large Wrexham contingent, who just seconds earlier had feared the worst, ecstatic.

The advantage ours, we controlled the game for the rest of the half with Chester stunned. Despite our relative comfort there was always a chance Chester would rally under temporary manager Simon Davies.

They did put us under pressure for a spell and should certainly have equalised through Ellison. With so much time, in isolation, and only yards out, somehow his shot was kept out by Ward.

Ironically given their ‘Chester reject’ tags (both had been let go to join us for free) Ward and Bolland were having inspired games in shutting out their old club. A few points to prove perhaps?

Just as it seemed Chester were gaining in confidence they suffered a massive blow when Chris Holroyd had a goal disallowed for offside. As in the first half, within a flash we’d used their disappointment to our advantage.

A throw from Carl Tremarco into the area wasn’t dealt with. Broughton appeared to be fouled but there was no time to appeal for a penalty as Proctor had lashed home a terrific volley, over his shoulder, with his back to the goal. It was a fantastic strike worthy of winning any game not least an important derby.

Chester continued to plug away and had chances but there was no doubt as to where the three points were heading. Eventually D’Urso called time on another memorable victory over our bitter rivals.

 Chester’s dismal run is extended because of us, our good form continues, Paul Hall earns cult hero status, and we close in on our relegation rivals. This has been a very good weekend to be a Wrexham fan.

Let’s hope the celebrations continue after our poorly scheduled trip to Wycombe in two day’s time!

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Most Wrexham fans left the Racecourse disappointed and frustrated in equal measure as we played out another dull game ending with honours even. This was billed as ‘must win’, a chance to make up some ground on the team directly above us in the relegation zone, Mansfield Town.

Despite claims from Brian Little that we would be seeking to attack rather than contain the opposition from now on, the starting line-up did not reflect this. Nicholson was replaced by Proctor and an injury to Steve Evans forced the return of Richard Hope, not just to the defence, but as team captain too. They were the only changes for this St. David’s Day clash.

We had a bit of early possession and the odd half chance mainly from set-pieces but Mansfield slowly crept into the game. Our defence looked less assured in the absence of Evans, and Hope looked fairly uncertain at times which was worrying with the dangerous Michael Boulding hovering around.

The second-half looked like it would be just as uneventful as the first despite Proctor’s volley with his back to goal, which was easily dealt with by the experienced Carl Muggleton.

The scoring opened on 53 minutes when from nowhere the visitors took the lead. A shot from Keith Briggs was deflected by Michael Boulding sending the ball in completely the other direction. Unfortunately it gave Ward no chance beating him and giving us a mountain to climb.

Despite an immediate rally of encouragement from the home fans the mood started to turn. Time ticked away and with every misplaced pass in midfield, or poor clearance by the defence, the Racecourse faithful vented their frustration. Silvio Spann was a particular target, somewhat harshly given there were a number of equally other poor (possibly worse) performances to choose from.

An effort from Mike Williams sailed closely over the bar and with an hour gone Little was forced to make changes. Aiston replaced Mike Williams and Paul Hall replaced Chris Llewellyn. The Llewellyn change led to booing from a large section of the crowd, which was puzzling given Llewellyn’s totally anonymous performances in recent weeks.

After being under the cosh for a while we earned some respite with a free-kick just outside Mansfield’s area. With 20 minutes to go Proctor stepped up to put us level with an accurate low shot much to the relief of the home fans.

Rob Duffy was thrown on for Broughton whose efforts again brought us little going forward. With the crowd on side again Wrexham kept pushing without looking likely to snatch another goal. Mansfield came closest at the death with Arnold and Boulding spurning chances.

It’s fair to say the away side were happier with the point at the final whistle. We stay stuck at the bottom of the Football League having missed a great opportunity to further our survival attempt.

Picking up only two points from a possible nine, following three home games, makes this whole week seem an opportunity lost. The performances have certainly suffered with the absence of Roberts, Sonner and now Evans too.

We now have a week to prepare for the away leg of our derby with Chester City, who bar one or two decent results, have been on the slide since before Christmas. We can take something from that game but only if we offer increased creativity in midfield and going forward. The return of all or any of the above three players would help our cause immensely, so let’s hope for some speedy recoveries…

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Supporting Wrexham Afc