Major Boost!

02 December 2004

by Richard Williams

WREXHAM today received a major boost ahead of their day of reckoning.

With administration looming at a court hearing tomorrow and a tricky FA Cup second round tie in front of the Sky cameras at League Two leaders, Scunthorpe tomorrow night, Wrexham need all the luck they can get.

And the good news today was that Hector Sam can play at Scunthorpe after avoiding a three-match ban after his sending off against Huddersfield.

Referee Paul Danson red carded Sam for the first time in his career last Saturday but the controversial decision was overturned by the Football Association of Wales.

Sam faced an automatic three match ban after Danson accused him of stamping on Town midfielder Jon Worthington.

Reds boss Denis Smith, who lodged an immediate appeal, said: "We felt we had a good case and the video evidence seemed to back that up.

Sam now hopes he can build on his man of the match display in the first round of the FA Cup at Hayes and get Wrexham a dream third round draw.

Wrexham's joint top scorer with six goals, Sam is hoping Wrexham get through on Friday and then draw his favourite team, Liverpool, in the third round. "I've always supported Liverpool," said Sam. "Growing up in Trinidad, Liverpool were my team. So that would be my dream draw."

Meanwhile Andy Dibble took another step back to full fitness with a run-out for the reserves last night. The 39-year-old has been recovering from a hand injury after needing an operation to re-attach tendons in his ringers.

Dibble picked up the injury in the 1-1 draw at Tranmere on September 18 - his second blow in a year after the Racecours favourite broke the same arm back in March.

And Dibble has made a speedy recovery ahead of schedule, having played 90 minutes of last night's 3-2 defeat by Carlisle at The Racecourse.

Wrexham went 2-0 up through Matt Shaw and Callum Flanagan. They also missed a penalty as The Cumbrians scored a late deflected winner past Dibble, who is just happy to be back between the sticks.

The veteran keeper said: "I'm a couple of weeks ahead of schedule. I was originally looking to be back around Christmas time.

"I honestly thought it would be longer but I stayed positive and the finger just came on quickly the last few weeks.

"The finger feels fine and I just need to get games under my belt now, beginning with the reserves.

"I've been diving around okay in training but it's a different scenario in matches.

"I'm going to take every game as it comes. I've given my right arm two really big knocks so I'm in no rush to return."

The earlier than expected return has resulted in Dibble being named on the substitutes bench for the last two first team matches.

But Dibble was a doubt for Tuesday's LDV Vans Trophy win at Chester, a result which put Wrexham in the last four of the Northern Section.

He eventually took his place on the bench and says: "It was nothing serious, I'd just been doing a lot of kicking and felt a bit sore.

"The gaffer had mentioned that I might play at Chester but he understands Pm professional enough. I can only do what my body tells me. Chester was a pressure game and I'm a bit rusty - though I'd love to have played.

"I am thinking of the club and not myself. Playing for the reserves there is no pressure but I want to get back challenging for a first team place.

"But I pleased to have got where I am and I need a few games to get my match sharpness back."

Dibble has nothing but praise for the way Matt Baker has performed since coming into the Wrexham side.

And two fit, experienced, first team keepers is good for Wrexham, said Dibble. "Matt has done well and long may it continue.

"It's all about Wrexham Football Club and I'm just pleased to be in the frame. It's up to me to fight back and put pressure on for a place. I'm on my way back, will just make sure I'm 100 per cent before a return."

As he was following the broken arm, Dibble was inundated with good-will messages from Reds' fans following the injury.

And Dibble is sorry that the fans have had to endure off the field problems at Wrexham. The club will probably be put into administration tomorrow and Dibble said: "I'd like to thank the fans for all the messages of support from the Wrexham fans.

The fans here have always been first class and its a credit the way they have turned up the last few games. We're all in it together."

Reds boss Smith reported no major fresh injury problems from Tuesday's derby win at Chester.

"We had a few knocks and bumps but nothing serious," added Smith, who also revealed that defender Steve Roberts has a chance of making a return at Glanford Park.