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WREXHAM ring in the new year after being wrung out on Sunday.
The postponed washout against Shrewsbury Town put Wrexham through the mangle, but they hope to kick-off 2003 with a home win against Macclesfield Town tomorrow, 3.00.
The Silkmen are struggling sixth from bottom and after the derby disappointment Wrexham want to get the new year off on a winning note.
Manager Denis Smith said: “One point from two Christmas games, followed by the postponement against Shrewsbury, hasn’t helped our cause. We’ve slipped down to ninth and what makes it all the harder to take is we would have gone third had we played and beaten Shrewsbury.
“But it wasn’t to be and now we’ve got to get back on track by beating Macclesfield, providing - fingers crossed - it’s on.”
More rain is forecast but Wrexham are hopeful of the game going ahead.
CLEAN SHEET
Smith is likely to go with the side he would have played against the Shrews. That means recalls for number one goalkeeper Andy Dibble and globetrotter centre-back Dan Bennett. Dibble displaces Kristian Rogers and Bennett, who is back from playing in the Far East, returns in place of Dennis Lawrence.
“Dibbs’ has been out for over two months with a knee injury that eventually needed keyhole surgery to his cartilage,” said Smith.
“I’m pleased to have him back because he is an experienced keeper and, as I’ve said so many times, he does have a presence about the place, on and off the pitch.
“Having said that Paul Whitfield did tremendously well in his place but he’s just had his cartilage trimmed and will be out for a month, or five weeks. Kristian did better at Rochdale than he did against Kidderminster, but Dibble needs matches and he’ll play against Macclesfield.”
Smith is also likely to go with Bennett, Brian Carey and Steve Roberts at centre-backs with the Edwardses – Carlos and Paul – at wing-backs. “That back three kept a clean sheet last time they played together and I want us to concede fewer goals than we have been,” said Smith. “With Dibbs in goal and those three in front of him, I think we’ve got a chance of winning and keeping a clean sheet tomorrow. ”
Smith is also likely to start with the same two up front as he did at Rochdale. There’s no surprise in 17-goal Andy Morrell keeping his place, and Smith is also ready to keep faith in Lee Trundle, whose tepid performance at Spotland did not impress the manager. Trundle was left out of the 16 on duty against Kidderminster but was recalled at Spotland because of an injury to Lee Jones.
“I look at each game and select the side I think will win that particular game for us,” said Smith. “Not everyone is going to play all the time. Football is now very much a squad game and players have to accept that. And, when they’re left out for one reason or another, I expect them to be professional enough to accept that decision.”
Wrexham from: Dibble, C. Edwards, Bennett, Carey, Roberts, P. Edwards, Whitley, Ferguson, Barrett, Morrell, Trundle, Rogers, Jones, Sam, Pejic, Holmes, Thomas.
Macc’ drew 1-1 in a basement battle at Exeter on Saturday when manager David Moss was only able to name four substitutes.
Among those injured is ex-Wrexham defender Dave Ridler, who has a 50-50 chance of being involved tomorrow.
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