Two supporters experience an unforgettable occasion
18 July 2005
By RICHARD WILLIAMS
| SATURDAY'S Open Day will be
an occasion two Wrexham supporters will never forget. Fourteen-year-old Andrew Smith, from Marford, was manager of a probables team who defeated the possibles side which regular boss Denis Smith was in charge of. And Louise Taylor, 26 yesterday and from Rhosddu, was given a 15 minute outing for Andrew's more experienced team and scored a penalty. The two competition winners will never forget their day, but it was also a chance for all Reds' fans to have a look around The Racecourse, and visit certain areas of the ground they may not have had access to before. Organised by Wrexham Supporters Trust, hundreds of fans flocked to a sun-baked Racecourse and the day ended with the hour-long friendly match. Andrew selected a strong team made up of new signings, first team regulars and trialist Rodney Jack, while Denis Smith fielded the rest of his first team squad, youngsters and trialists. And it was particularly satisfying for Andrew that he was manager of the winning team as his probables side won 2-1. "It was a brilliant day," said Andrew. "I was chuffed to bits to win the competition in the Evening Leader but was very nervous. "I gave a team talk where we talked tactics and a 3-4-3 formation, and I think the players were happy with what I said. I told them they had the experience and to use it. "When we settled we were definitely the better team. It was a great team performance. "It was a dream come true and something I'll never forget." Andrew had Louise's second half penalty and a Rodney Jack strike in the opening period to thank for putting his side 2-0 ahead, while Mark Williams scored a late consolation goal. And Louise described how nervous she was as she took to the pitch. "I was very nervous but they just told me to go out and enjoy myself and I did," said Louise. "The players were very good with me, loads of encouragement. It was awesome to be able to play with them, and when we got a penalty they said for me to take it and I was happy to. "I just did not want to sky it! It was fantastic to score and it was weird getting clapped when I came off. "This is something I will never forget." Denis Smith was also impressed with Louise's penalty which Michael Jones, who had an impressive match in goal for the possibles, failed to save. "Super penalty," said Smith. "It was a fans' day, organised by them, and we were just a part of it. "I'm sure Andrew and Louise enjoyed the experience and all the other supporters have had a good day. It was a good-turn out with a lot of people here all day and they'd had the chance to have a look around the place." One of the star attractions which supporters were taking advantage of was the opportunity to have their pictures taken with the LDV Vans Trophy, and the day was considered a huge success. |
Andrew Smith managed his side to a 2-1 victory over Denis Smith
It was a dream come true and something I'll never forget
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