Wrexham

Chester 1-2 Wrexham
Wrexham survived heavy late pressure to clinch a derby win at Chester Striker Neil Roberts gave Wrexham a 42nd-minute lead with a penalty and midfielder Mark Jones added a second on 52 minutes with an 18-yard lob. Chester had Ricky Ravenhill sent off after 25 minutes for violent conduct and Wrexham's Steve Evans was dismissed after a second booking on 77 minutes. James Hand's 81st-minute goal sparked a Chester revival as Wrexham's Danny Williams cleared off the line late on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chester: Danby, Linwood, Westwood (Marples 45), Artell, Wilson, Ravenhill, Hand, Martinez, Stephen Vaughan, Walters (Broughton 75), Blundell (Holroyd 75). Subs Not Used: Palethorpe, Rutherford. Sent Off: Ravenhill (25). Goals: Hand 81. Wrexham: Ingham, Spender (Mike Williams 77), Steve Evans, Pejic, Valentine, Mark Jones, Danny Williams, Crowell, Done (Newby 65), Llewellyn, Roberts. Subs Not Used: Michael Jones, Mackin, Johnson. Sent Off: Steve Evans (77). Booked: Steve Evans, Valentine. Goals: Roberts 42 pen, Mark Jones 52. Att: 4,206. Ref: U Rennie (S Yorkshire).

Sheffield Wed v Wrexham
Sheffield Wednesday have Lee Bullen back from his ban, but are missing Wade Small, Brad Jones, Deon Burton, Marcus Tudgay, Barry Corr and Drew Talbot. Graham Coughlan (severe cramp) is a doubt, but John Hills and Burton O'Brien should overcome minor knocks. Wrexham's Steve Evans is banned after a red card on Sunday, with Mike Williams or Gareth Evans to replace him. Midfielder Darren Ferguson could miss out (deeply bruised foot) while striker Lee McEvilly (foot) remains out.

Smith thrilled by Wrexham flair
Wrexham manager Denis Smith hailed his team's attacking prowess after the 4-1 Carling Cup win at Sheffield Wednesday. \"A 4-1 victory at a Championship side is superb,\" Smith told Sir Stanley. \"Wednesday have a great stadium and pitch and they play more open in this tournament - that gives us space and the lads showed their pace and skill. \"Chris Llewellyn had a great game and all the front four were outstanding, the fourth goal was special. If we keep that up we can go places this season.\" Smith was also keen to praise the youngsters in his squad. \"I'm pleased with the way they're developing,\" said Smith. \"Just look at someone like Mike Williams who came in for Steve Evans in the centre of defence. \"Wednesday had nine of the side that won against Plymouth on Saturday and they haven't conceded many this season, but we hit them with some fantastic breaks.\" Next up for the Dragons is the visit of Barnet on Saturday, and Smith is confident that his team can carry their form into the league game. \"On Saturday you will see two teams that like to attack, so I'm expecting a good, open game,\" said Smith. \"Barnet are on a high after winning last weekend and their Carling Cup victory at Cardiff.\"

Smith blames work-load for draw
Wrexham manager Denis Smith says his side's punishing schedule was to blame for letting slip a goal lead over Barnet in the 1-1 Racecourse draw. \"We looked leggy, I don't know if that's caused by three games in six days,\" Smith told Sir Stanley. \"We seemed most likely to win in the first half, but then it was Barnet. \"It means we'll be mid-table after missing next week's games because of international calls. We're proud of the call-ups but it makes things hard.\" One of his players on international duty will be Wales Under-21 midfielder Mark Jones, who scored another fine, long-range effort to open the scoring against Barnet. \"All Mark's goals are beauties,\" said Smith. \"There are other aspects of his game that he still needs to work on, but it would be difficult to find a better goal scorer. \"I was disappointed to lose the lead and disappointed with the manner of their goal. \"Matt Crowell got cleaned out in midfield and that left us a man short when the ball came into the box, there were a few decisions that I wasn't happy about. \"But overall I'm pleased to have come through August unbeaten, we're coping well.\"

Wrexham 1-1 Barnet
Tresor Kandol scored a second-half equaliser as Barnet secured a point in an ill-tempered draw with Wrexham. Six players were booked as the match struggled to find any rhythm. Wales Under-21 midfielder Mark Jones grabbed his third goal of the season for Wrexham in the first half with a long-range strike. Kandol scored just after the hour with a close-range header from Barry Cogan's centre, before Wrexham's Jon Newby forced a good save out of Lee Harrison. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wrexham: Ingham, Spender (Mike Williams 76), Steve Evans, Pejic, Valentine, Mark Jones, Danny Williams (Mackin 76), Crowell, Done (Newby 76), Roberts, Llewellyn. Subs Not Used: Michael Jones, Johnson. Booked: Danny Williams, Llewellyn, Roberts. Goals: Mark Jones 15. Barnet: Harrison, Hendon (Warhurst 45), Charles, King, Gross, Cogan, Bailey, Sinclair, Puncheon, Grazioli (Norville 77), Kandol. Subs Not Used: Flitney, Hessenthaler, Hatch. Booked: Gross, Kandol, Charles, Warhurst. Goals: Kandol 62. Att: 4,304 Ref: A Woolmer (Northamptonshire).

Wales call up Wrexham's Valentine
Wrexham's Ryan Valentine has been given a first Wales call for Saturday's Euro 2008 Czech Republic tie in Teplice. The ex-Everton trainee, 24, replaces Bristol City's Dave Partridge, who has withdrawn for personal family reasons. \"Dave kept us informed and we fully understand his situation,\" said a Football Association of Wales spokesman of the player on loan at Leyton Orient. Valentine moved to his home-town club Wrexham from Darlington in the summer and has impressed in League Two. He has represented Wales at Under-16, U18 and U21 levels, and can play in any position across the back line. \"I am shocked, but delighted,\" said Valentine. \"When I came back to Wrexham it was at the back of my mind that I could put myself in the frame for Wales considering that John Toshack is looking for younger players. \"But to get a call-up after just six games for Wrexham is a very pleasant surprise. \"It's all come a little quicker than I'd been hoping and I can't wait to get involved in the squad.\" Apart from Partridge's withdrawal, Wales are at close to full strength with all their players reporting in after weekend club duty. Ryan Giggs, Rob Earnshaw and Carl Robinson all scored on Saturday. Jason Koumas and Danny Coyne were omitted from the original squad when it was named last week. Neither are felt to have had enough game time, Coyne after injury and Koumas having not played this season and boycotted West Brom's pre-season. John Hartson was also left out, although he is available in emergencies. Andrew Crofts moved up from the U21 squad, David Cotterill dropping to the U21s for the Uefa Championship match with Turkey in Cardiff (2 September). Wolves' Craig Davies and Wrexham's Marc Williams are both suspended from U21 duty after picking up red cards against Israel. After facing the Czechs, Wales have a friendly with Brazil at White Hart Lane on 5 September. Their next Euro 2008 games are the double-headed Millennium Stadium fixtures against Slovakia (7 October) and Cyprus (11 October). The other teams in Group D are the Republic of Ireland, Germany and San Marino. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wales squad to face the Czech Republic in Teplice (2 September): Paul Jones (QPR), Jason Brown (Blackburn Rovers), Glyn Garner (Leyton Orient), James Collins (West Ham), Danny Gabbidon, (West Ham), Mark Delaney (Aston Villa), Richard Duffy (Portsmouth), Rob Edwards (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County), Ryan Valentine (Wrexham), Sam Ricketts (Hull City), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Simon Davies (Everton), Carl Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Carl Robinson (Norwich City), Joe Ledley (Cardiff City), David Vaughan (Crewe Alexandra), Craig Bellamy (Liverpool), Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, capt), Robert Earnshaw (Norwich City), Paul Parry (Cardiff City). Wales Under 21 Squad to face Turkey in Cardiff (2 September): Lewis Price (Ipswich Town), Ashley Morris (Merthyr Tydfil), Gareth Bale (Southampton), Kyle Critchell (Southampton), Lloyd James (Southampton), Adam Davies (Cambridge United), Neal Eardley (Oldham Athletic), Joe Jacobson (Cardiff City), Simon Spender (Wrexham), Mike Williams (Wrexham), Craig Morgan (MK Dons), Arron Davies (Yeovil Town), Matthew Collins (Fulham), David Edwards (Shrewsbury Town), Mark Jones (Wrexham), Shaun MacDonald (Swansea City), Jamal Easter (Cardiff City), David Cotterill (Bristol City).

Valentine call-up pleases Smith
Wrexham boss Denis Smith says the Wales call-up of Ryan Valentine is a great boost for the League Two club. The defender, 24, has been added to the Wales squad for Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier away to the Czech Republic. \"His selection reflects well on Ryan and on the club,\" Smith told the Wrexham website. \"To have players in the U21 set-up is an honour, but when you also have them in the senior squad it says positive things about what we are doing here.\" Of the current Dragons squad, Neil Roberts and Chris Llewellyn have been capped by Wales in the past, while Under-21 midfielder Mark Jones is on the cusp of a first senior cap. Wrexham's Carling Cup second-round tie at Birmingham has been confirmed for Tuesday, 19 September, kick-off 1945 BST.

Smith fumes over Jones' blisters
Wrexham manager Denis Smith says midfielder Mark Jones has only himself to blame for missing out on a rare opportunity to play against Brazil. Jones, 22, has withdrawn from the Wales squad for Tuesday's friendly after suffering blisters on his feet. Smith revealed Jones is also a doubt for Wrexham's match with Swindon as the blisters have become infected. \"I want to get to the bottom of it. There is no way he should be getting blisters at this stage,\" said Smith. \"I want to sit down with him, which I haven't done yet because he's been to see our doctor and has been laid off until Thursday. \"But it's something that shouldn't be happening. It's the player's fault and nobody else's.\" Jones was promoted from Wales' Under-21 squad last week to join the senior squad preparing to face the Czech Republic in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier. But the blisters, believed to be a result of Jones wearing new boots in training, put pay to his hopes of making the substitutes' bench in Teplice. And the ever-improving midfielder suffered further heartache when the blisters became infected and so denying him the chance to face Brazil at Tottenham's White Hart Lane. Smith said he was now desperate to ensure Jones will be fit for Saturday's home League Two match with league-leaders Swindon. Smith told Sir Stanley: \"He hasn't trained since last Friday and he won't be training until Thursday at the earliest. \"I'm disappointed and we'll have to take it from there. That's what football's about - you have your disappointments, and Mark will be disappointed he won't be playing against Brazil. \"But he's got to get over it and I've got to make sure he's available for me on Saturday. \"I'll be having a long chat with him because I'm not happy with the situation.\"

Swindon scalp delights boss Smith
Wrexham manager Denis Smith hailed Saturday's win over previously unbeaten League Two leaders Swindon. The Dragons are now unbeaten in seven league and cup games - their best start to a season since 1985. Smith said: \"We're going well and we want to continue to do that. I knew we were as good as Swindon and thought it would be a good, tight game. \"I would still prefer to be in their position, but it was a good performance all round and I'm delighted.\" Swindon took the lead on 27 minutes when Wales international Paul Evans scored with a 35-yard effort. But two goals in as many minutes from Ryan Valentine and Mark Jones sealed the three points for Wrexham. Valentine scored from the spot after assuming the penalty-taking duties after striker Neil Roberts left the field after just six minutes with ankle ligament damage. Smith added: \"I thought we matched them in the first half. \"It was a great strike from them to take the lead but we were disappointed to come in one down at half time, but I told the lads to keep switching the play and we gave them problems with that. \"We've worked on it for two days because they do condense play very well and it worked for us in the end. \"It was a great run from Chris Llewellyn and great ball from Darren Ferguson for the penalty. \"I was worried who was going to take it because Neil Roberts is our penalty taker, but Ryan put it away with great aplomb. \"And then Mark Jones got a scruffy goal, which is great from my point of view because I've been telling him to get into the six-yard box and get easy goals. \"I'm delighted he's finally got one instead of a screamer as he usually does.\"

Wrexham seek cover for Roberts
Wrexham manager Denis Smith says he will look to sign a striker on loan this week to cover for Neil Roberts. Dragons captain Roberts could be out for a month after injuring his ankle in Saturday's win over Swindon. \"I'm short now. I'll have to look in the market for another striker if Neil's going to be out for a length of time,\" Smith told Sir Stanley. \"But everybody's looking for them. I've got Mark Williams who can do that role but he's still very young.\" Roberts re-joined Wrexham over the summer after moving from the Racecourse in 2000 to join Wigan for £450,000. The former Wales international was immediately made club captain, and Smith says he has been instrumental in Wrexham's seven-match unbeaten start to the season. \"Neil's been immense since the start of the season; fabulous in the dressing room and great on the pitch. We are going to miss him,\" he said. \"But I thought Chris Llewellyn took on his role extremely well (against Swindon) and worked hard. I was also pleased with Jon Newby.\" Wrexham are already without striker Lee McEvilly (foot) until Christmas, while Smith is waiting for Juan Ugarte to prove his fitness before offering the Spaniard a contract.

Accrington v Wrexham
Accrington boss John Coleman has Peter Cavanagh and Michael Welch available for the home encounter with Wrexham. There are no new injury worries, with Rob Elliot (ankle) and midfielder Andrew Tretton (knee) still out. Wrexham's teenage striker Marc Williams could replace injured skipper Neil Roberts who sustained ankle ligament damage against leaders Swindon. Chris Llewellyn and Jon Newby are also vying for a starting role, while Lee McEvilly remains sidelined.

Accrington 5-0 Wrexham
Accrington Stanley ran riot at the Fraser Eagle Stadium to hand visiting Wrexham their first loss of the season. The rout started in the 41st minute when Paul Mullin stabbed home a rebound from Sean Doherty's 15-yard strike. After half-time an Ian Craney corner curled directly into the Wrexham net, before Gary Roberts siezed on a Shaun Pejic mistake to make it 3-0. Captain Peter Cavanagh scored with a 20-yard free-kick, before Roberts broke through to slot in a cool finish. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrington Stanley: Dunbavin, Cavanagh, Williams, Edwards, Richardson, Doherty (Mangan 78), Craney, Proctor, Todd (Boco 76), Roberts, Mullin (Brown 79). Subs Not Used: Dubourdeau, N'da. Booked: Cavanagh. Goals: Mullin 41, Craney 49, Roberts 52, Cavanagh 55, Roberts 67. Wrexham: Ingham, Spender (Mike Williams 59), Pejic, Steve Evans, Valentine, Mark Jones, Danny Williams, Ferguson, Done (Johnson 45), Newby (Marc Williams 59), Llewellyn. Subs Not Used: Crowell, Michael Jones. Booked: Valentine, Llewellyn. Att: 2,689 Ref: C Oliver (Northumberland).

Hapless Wrexham infuriate Smith
Wrexham boss Denis Smith was furious with his players after their 5-0 humiliation at Accrington Stanley. \"I'm angry and embarrassed - we've let four goals in this season, so to let five in one match...\" Smith said. \"Four of them came from kicks out of their goalkeeper's hands and one straight in from a corner. \"There's no excuse. You can't cater for people not doing their jobs and if you can't head balls the keeper kicks down the middle then you'll have problems.\"

Stockport v Wrexham
Stockport hope to have Gareth Owen, who missed the 3-0 defeat against Shrewsbury, available after a foot injury, but Michael Rose is out. Everton's 19-year-old goalkeeper John Ruddy will be in the squad after joining on loan for a month. Gareth Evans, 19, replaces the injured Shaun Pejic to make his Wrexham league debut and Matty Done is also ruled out. Striker Neil Roberts' ankle injury sees Marc Williams start up front, with Chris Llewellyn moving out to the wing.

McAliskey key says Wrexham boss
Wrexham boss Denis Smith praised on-loan Huddersfield striker John McAliskey for helping turn around two heavy defeats and beat Hereford 1-0. \"It was great to get back to keeping a clean sheet and shows what strikers can do towards defending,\" Smith said. \"John McAliskey was outstanding, the ball wasn't coming back at us all the time as it had been the previous games. \"Since John has come we've held it up and looked more solid, while midfield was superb and kept the ball well.\"

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