by David Lovett
04/12/02
THE FA Cup calamity that hit Wrexham could still come back and haunt them.
Manager Denis Smith said today: "I most certainly would have liked to have still been in the FA Cup. Going out was a major blow to this club because of the money a good cup run can generate.
“There’s no use hiding the fact that going out of the FA Cup in the first round was a big blow. But it’s gone now and we’ve still got plenty to play for.
“We’re still in the LDV Vans Trophy and, of course, we’re still very much on track to get promotion which is vitally important to us. Some people may not see the LDV as much of a tournament but what you’ve got to remember is the final is at the Millennium Stadium where we could get a big crowd - and that’s more money. I’m sorry to keep bleating on about the money, but it’s very much part of the game now - and we aint got a lot to spare.”
Wrexham hope to rub out the memory of their shock FA Cup defeat by Darlington by reaching the LDVVT northern semi-finals next week. They go to Carlisle United on Tuesday and then return to the Cumbrian outpost of Brunton Park in search of League points on the Saturday.
OUTSTANDING
Smith said: "We’re now only a couple of games away from the half-term point of the season and so far I’ve been pleased with our performances. The FA Cup defeat, as I say, was a blow and there have been other games and performances I have been disappointed with. The Lincoln game here was awful and we didn’t play too well down at Torquay.
“But generally there have been more outstanding performances than there have been poor ones. We’ve now played 20 league games and have lost only four. I’d like to have won a few more of those we’ve drawn, but we’re still up there where we need to be.”
Smith still believes he has enough quality in the squad to get at least into the top six. “It won’t surprise me if we get automatic promotion,” he said. “I think we’re good enough, but I’ll be very disappointed if we don’t at least make the play-offs.”
Young Paul Whitfield has done well deputising in goal for first choice goalkeeper Andy Dibble and Smith is also looking to more experienced players to continue to do their stuff. Centre-back Brian Carey is back in the side and Wrexham seem to look more solid when he plays in defence.
Smith has also been impressed with the contributions from midfield. The classy Jim Whitley, skipper Darren Ferguson and the hard-working Paul Barrett have all done well.
“Darren’s pulling all the strings for me and the closing down by Jim and Baz has been exceptional,” he says.
“The lads I’ve used up front have also done well for us.
“Andy Morrell is back among the goals and Lee Trundle is looking likely to score every time he plays. Hector Sam and Lee Jones are also pushing for places and that’s precisely what we need.”
Wrexham tonight face Manchester City in a re-arranged FA Youth Cup third round at Hyde, 7.00.