Wrexham v

Semi Final

 

Wednesday 01 February 2006

 

Kick Off @

19:00

Total Network Solutions


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

Premier CupThe 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

TNS Websites

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)