by David Lovett
05/02/03
A Mars a day helps you work, score and play...
Sweet tooth top scorer Andy Morrell lost a molar after biting into a Mars bar on the team coach - but he still got his gnashers into things scoring his 20th League goal of the season. It was also sweet for manager Denis Smith returning to haunt one of his former clubs, but there was a touch of sourness, too. Morrell got the ball rolling, minus a tooth – thanks to a chocolate bar that is supposed to help you work, rest and play. He said: “I snapped a tooth last year and I got a knock on it during last Saturday’s game against Scunthorpe. It was a bit sore and I didn’t think any more about it. “But then I bit into a Mars on the way down and the tooth just vanished! I’ve got it so it means a trip to the dentist. Aaagh!” Morrell’s missing molar, however, didn’t prevent Wrexham’s top scorer getting his teeth into the big game last night. He produced his usual 100 percent performance and crowned it with his 20th League goal of the season. “The keeper just got a hand to the ball but there was too much power in the shot for him to keep it out,” said Morrell. He got a rouser from his team mates for that before adding: “I thought the lads all played well tonight. Dibs’ did well for us in the first-half when we were under a bit of pressure, but once we got in front we controlled it, really.” Whitley said: “The lads are all absolutely delighted with the win and more so because Oxford were a bit full of themselves before the game. They seem to think they can roll teams over here just because they’ve got a new stadium. “They are a bit arrogant in that respects - but they got a real sucking tonight. We got into them and, to be honest, I’ve never seen our dressing-room so hyped-up as it was after the match. “The lads were cheering, smacking each other on the back and giving it high-fives all over the place.” |
RAMPANT
Wrexham march on. . . and you'd better believe it.
That was the message that came across loud and clear in a biting wind at the Kassam Stadium last night. And what a night it was for their travelling Red Army - all 261 of them - and manager Denis Smith.
The former Oxford boss, arms folded, stood there as impassive as ever and watched Wrexham produce a performance full of passion and determination. It was a big, big win over the third-placed U's - and Wrexham deserved it.
Okay, they rode their luck in the first-half when ex-Wrexham loan striker Steve Basham hit a post. But in the second-half, with that strong wind at their backs, Wrexham simply blew away a side who beforehand fancied their chances big style.
The goals that won it came from top scorer Andy Morrell and giant defender Dennis Lawrence in a blurring second-half spell. But everyone played their part behind this victory that lifts Wrexham up to fifth in the table.
Goalkeeper Andy Dibble was immense. He made outstanding saves in the first-half as Oxford came on strongly. The three centre-backs, Steve Roberts, Brian Carey and Lawrence, were rock-solid and there were also brilliant contributions from the Edwardses - Carlos and Paul - at wing backs.
Lawrence, who has taken a fair bit of stick this season, is beginning to make his critics choke on their words. The big, quiet man from Trinidad has been outstanding in his last two games while Roberts and the combative Carey were always there when needed.
Carlos Edwards also got through some crucial defensive work as well as driving on and Paul Edwards was a revelation in the first-half. He goes for the jugular whenever possible and he is rapidly becoming Wrexham's secret weapon.
He's quick - very quick - and he's beginning to supply the sort of crosses that are begging to be put away.
It was no cake-walk in the first-half when Oxford went for an early breakthrough. But they found Lawrence and Co resolute and Dibble dabbling in some outstanding goalkeeping whenever they found a way through.
The big south-Walian made two super saves from James Hunt in the space of a minute before Paul Edwards started to turn the screw. He made several great runs on the left that roused Wrexham fans
WREXHAM’S
crowning glory came with a missing tooth! writes DAVID LOVETT.