by David Lovett
21/02/03
SUNDAY
must not become black Sabbath for Wrexham.
Manager Denis Smith made that crystal clear today stressing: "I’m interested in winning like I’m interested in breathing.”
Wrexham will get in right amongst the promotion pack if they beat Darlington at The Racecourse, 3.00, and winner Smith isn’t even contemplating losing.
It happened on November 16 when the Quakers got their oats in a shock FA Cup first round win at Wrexham. That potentially cost Wrexham a lot of money and also bruised their FA Cup reputation.
Smith said: "They came here and did a job on us in the FA Cup. We’d beaten them at Darlington but they worked out a different system for the cup game and counteracted us and hit us on the break.
"That was something we were getting done at but we’ve rectified it now. But there’s nobody in this division you are going to walk all over. Everyone is beating everyone at the moment.
“Clubs at the bottom are spending cash to try and make sure they don’t get relegated. But don’t talk to me about how important it is to win here on Sunday. Every game is important to win to me. I want to win every game. Everybody should. There’s no one game any more important than others. You only get three points for beating Darlington at home as you do for winning at Hartlepool.
“I always feel better after winning a game. I always did as a player and I’m no different as a manager. To be honest, I’m still frustrated about Wednesday’s game being off at Boston. I’ve now got to start getting my head and clear it out of stuff I’d prepared for Boston and rehash it for Darlington.”
CONSIDER
Smith is forced to make at least one change from the side who beat Southend 3-0. Left-wingback Paul Edwards is suspended for one game and because the Boston game was postponed the ban kicks in on Sunday.
Northern Ireland international Shaun Holmes is likely to fill in for ‘Eddie’ whose attacking flair will be missed on the left.
Smith is also considering other options before naming his side. That could mean newcomer Scott Green getting a start, possibly in midfield. Green made his debut in the Southend game when he replaced skipper Darren Ferguson just before half time.
Smith said: ”I’ve still got two day’s to consider what I do. I haven’t seen a lot of Scott because of the weather. But know we’re able to get out again on grass and do some work and there are two or three options I’ve got in mind. I’ll discuss those later on with my coaching staff and we’ll take it from there.”