Upbeat Smith calls for play-off place

20 December 2003

By Mario Risoli, The Western Mail

Denis Smith

I want us to be in the play-off places going into the New Year and then push on from there

DENIS SMITH last night told his Wrexham players, "I want to be in the play-offs at the turn of the year."

The Red Dragon boss takes his players to Blundell Park today where they face Grimsby Town.

The North Wales club travel to Humberside on the back of last Saturday's 2-0 win over Peterborough - a victory that keeps them in touch with the Second Division's top six.

The men from the Racecourse are just two points off sixth-placed Luton and Smith said, "Our win against Peterborough has lifted everybody's spirits.

"But we now have to go out and back that win up with a few more in quick succession.

"I want us to be in the play-off places going into the New Year and then push on from there."

He added, "Things are still so tight in this division and we all know that a few decent results on the bounce and suddenly you will be looking down at most of the division below you.

"With the exception of Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth, no side has been able to put a good run together."

Grimsby will move within a point of Wrexham if they beat the Red Dragons today and player-manager Paul Groves said, "We need to get back on track in terms of winning at home."

The Mariners' last league victory on home soil occurred on October 21 when they beat Notts County.

"In our last home game (against Tranmere) we came away with a defeat and that was disappointing, especially when you take into consideration the amount of possession that we had.

"We need to turn that possession into goals and into points. We need to try and be patient.

"We need to work the ball and we need to try and create opportunities and not get frustrated.