The Saints |
TNS ran away with the Welsh Premier
title last season and added the Welsh Cup to their trophy cabinet to complete the double.
The Saints'
reward for winning the league was drawing Liverpool in the qualifying
rounds for the Champions League with their home leg played at the
Racecourse. TNS are on course to retain their
title as they are currently fifteen points clear of second place
Welshpool with under two thirds of the season gone. TNS' form this
season is impressive and they are yet to taste defeat in 22 leagues
games played and have only conceded nine goals.
Despite their dominance this season, manager Ken
McKenna has strengthened his squad with the signing of Hereford's
prolific striker Graham Evans. Evans moved to Edgar Street from Caersws
in the summer in an attempt to forge a full time career after winning
the Welsh Premier's golden boot award, scoring 132 goals in 191 games
for his home village team.
McKenna moved for the striker in an attempt to
'stimulate other strikers' in their squad although it would be hard to
criticise the experienced Marc Lloyd Williams who has found the back of
net 30 times already this season! He is followed by his striker partner,
Michael Wilde, who is on 18 goals taking their partnership to 48 goals
so far.
TNS currently play in their home village of
Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain but are due to move to a new ground in
Oswestry after their merger with their Shropshire neighbours. |
Competition History |
The
FAW Premier Cup started in the 1997/1998 season with Wrexham lifting the
first trophy courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Cardiff at the Racecourse. Barry
shocked Wrexham by defeating the holders in the final at the Racecourse the
following season
before Wrexham regained their trophy with a 2-0 win over Cardiff in 2000.
Wrexham kept hold of the trophy with a 2-0 win at Swansea
and the Jacks lost in the final in the following year to rivals Cardiff.
Wrexham crowned off a promotion season by lifting the trophy against Newport
in 2002 and also in the following year by defeating Welsh premier Champions Rhyl
4-1. Last season Swansea defeated Wrexham in the last ever game to be played
at the vetch Field.
Roll of Honour: Wrexham
5, Cardiff 1, Swansea 1, Barry 1 |
Form Guide |
Wrexham: LWLLDWLW |
TNS: W W D W W W W W |
Team News |
Wrexham Team News: Juan
Ugarte will play some part of the game against TNS with the Wrexham squad
further boosted with the news that Dennis Lawrence is ready for first team
action following hamstring trouble. Andy Holt is available after not being
risked at Newport last week with youngster Marc Williams stepping down
following the return of Ugarte. Darren Ferguson is again rested ahead of the
league game against Wycombe on Saturday.
Michael Ingham continues in goal with a back three of Shaun
Pejic, Danny Williams and Dennis Lawrence. The midfield of Jim Whitley, Matt
Crowell and Mark Jones remain unchanged with Simon Spender on the right and
Andy Holt on the left. Jon Walters will most likely start up front with Sam
Williams although Ugarte's return gives Denis Smith options up front.
Wrexham Squad (17): Ingham, Michael Jones, Williams, Lawrence,
Bayliss, Pejic, Mike Williams, Holt, Bennett, Spender, Whitley, Smith, Mark
Jones, Crowell, Williams, Walters, Ugarte.
TNS Team News: New signing Graham Evans could make his debut up front
for TNS following his transfer from Hereford United. Manager Ken McKenna's
options have been boosted after Chris King and Tommy Holmes returned to
first team action as weekend substitutes after injury layoffs. |
|
Venue Guide |
Address:
Racecourse Ground, Mold Road, Wrexham, LL11 1AH
Telephone Number:
01978 262129
Fax Number:
01978 357821
Web Site:
www.wrexhamafc.co.uk |
How to get there? |
By Car: Head towards Wrexham on the A5 from
Oswestry, continuing
straight through the series of roundabouts to join the A483 and leave
this road at junction 5. At the roundabout turn right towards Wrexham
and after going straight over the next roundabout the ground is ahead of
you on your left.
|
When you are there |
Car Parking:
NEWI College just before the ground and a local car park
just before the Shell Garage on the opposite side of the road and both
cost around £2.00. Free parking is available on the two retail parks by
turning left or right at the second roundabout but do not park in ALDI
or you will get clamped! Beer and Grub:
The Turf is right next to the Kop but it gets very busy in the hour
leading up to kick off, so arrive early. The Official Supporters Club
has use of the Centenary Club on matchdays and this is located behind
the Sainsburys Stand with the entrance off the club car park. The Plas
Coch Retail Park has a pub and is normally a favourite for away
supporters.
Cash Machines: The Shell Garage on Mold Road
with further machines at Sainsburys and Boots on the Plas Coch Retail
Park. |
How much to get in? |
Adults:
£8.00,
Concessions: £4.00,
Under 12s:
Free, Sainsburys Stand Only
|
Disabled Facilities |
Wrexham have 45 disabled places
available at the front of the Pryce Griffiths Stand. |
Weather Forecast |
Cloudy with temperatures dropping to -1 degrees Celsius and a
2 mph southerly wind. |
Semi Final Draw |
Wrexham v TNS
Carmarthen v
Swansea (Wed 8th February 2006) |
|