The Western Mail

Barrett late show has the Dragons firing at last

Bt Louise Robjohn

27 December 2003

Stockport 0 - 1 Wrexham

Paul BarrettA LATE deflected winner by Paul Barrett gave Wrexham a belated but deserved victory at Stockport County yesterday.

It was Barrett's first goal of the season and couldn't have come at a better time as he drove home with barely two minutes left at rain-swept Edgeley Park.

But Wrexham left it late and missed a host of glorious chances, particularly in the first half.

Chris Llewellyn, who worked tirelessly throughout, missed a sitter in the 11th minute.

The Swansea-born striker found himself in the clear with only goalkeeper James Spencer to beat, but dragged a shot wide.

Wrexham continued to dominate the first half, creating more chances - and missing them.

Carlos Edwards and his fellow Trinidadian team-mate Hector Sam both missed good chances as Wrexham did just about everything bar score in a one-way first half.

But, in the dying moments of the first half, Stockport came within a fraction of snatching the lead against the run of play as Aaron Wilbraham crashed a shot against the crossbar.

That would have been particularly cruel on Wrexham - and more so on goalkeeper Andy Dibble - had it gone in.

The big South Walian has had a host of clubs, including Stockport County, where he was given a standing ovation by Stockport fans before the game, and Wrexham fans after it.

Dibble made one terrific match-winning save in injury time from substitute Stuart Barlow, who has an uncanny record of scoring against Wrexham.

But the Red Dragons should not leave it so late before securing the points, as manager Denis Smith and his assistant Kevin Russell push Wrexham towards the play-offs in the Second Division.

Smith has done remarkably well with the squad he has assembled on small resources, but wasteful Wrexham yesterday must have had him having kittens on the touchline.

Barrett's winner was no more than Wrexham deserved, but all those missed chances in the first half almost cost them dear.

Dibble was in outstanding form and Wrexham skipper Brian Carey was also outstanding in defence.