Wrexham Evening Leader

Just look what you could have won...

Richard Williams
By Richard Williams, Evening Leader

06/12/04

Stamford BridgeWREXHAM travel to Hereford United in the LDV Vans Trophy - but have missed out on a money spinning tie at Chelsea in the FA Cup, writes RICHARD WILLIAMS.

Wrexham go to Edgar Street in the semi-finals of the Northern Section of the Trophy.

But Scunthorpe, who beat Wrexham 2-0 in the second round of the FA Cup before live television cameras on Friday night, will instead face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Manager Denis Smith said: "At home in the LDV Vans Trophy would have been better and it's another away cup tie.

"I imagine people would regard Hereford as the easier game but they have got there on merit.

"We played them in pre-season and they looked a decent side - but had my full team out then."

As for missing out on playing Chelsea, which would have guaranteed cash-strapped Wrexham a bumper pay day, Smith said: "It's gone now - the FA Cup for us."

Over at Glanford Park and Scunthorpe boss Brian Laws was delirious.

"It was like winning the lottery. This is what the FA Cup is all about. It's one of those draws that fires your imagination," he said.

"For a long, long time the draw hasn't been fair to a lot of lower-league clubs - they just want their rewards. They know they're not going to win the FA Cup but getting a plum tie in the third round is like a lottery win and it's what they're in there for.

"We will go there and enjoy it. They might turn up a bit relaxed and all of a sudden they're in a really tough situation. They don't know anything about us, that's the beauty of it.

"I have already decided my formation - one up front and 10 in defence."

Smith meanwhile now turns his attention to Stockport County at the Racecourse tomorrow night in League One, and Saturday's match at MK Dons.

Both opponents are struggling at the wrong end of the table along with Wrexham who are six points away from safety after going into administration, and Smith said every league game was crucial.

"We have got to get enough points before now and the end of the season to stay up," said Smith.

"I would be happy to lose these two games if we won the next 20. In the league it's over the season.

"But they are two important games and psychologically it would be good to win both."

Smith is again troubled by injuries and Craig Morgan is doubtful after hobbling off at Scunthorpe with a recurrence of a hamstring problem.

And with another six players on the injury list, Smith has no idea what his side will be tomorrow night.

"All weekend I've been thinking 'who am I going to play' but I've just got to get on with it," added Smith.

"I should know my team by now but I have not got a clue."

Reds boss Smith also told today of the well wishers who have contacted him since Wrexham went into administration.

He thinks he will have to turn down the offer of a friendly against a team from a higher division which would have generated much needed cash.

Smith said: "I've had phone calls from people all over Europe and it shows there is a lot of goodwill out there.

"A club from a higher division has asked if we want to play them in a friendly next week.

"But I don't think we'll be taking it up because of all the injuries, though it is open for discussion."

With rumours that Alex Hamilton has a bidder for the financially troubled club, Smith said: "We'll have to see what happens, who is involved and what they want to do.

"But until Mr Hamilton sells these questions are immaterial."