Duo’s return is a boost for Denis

27 October 2005

By ROB GRIFFITHS

LEE ROCHE and Matty Crowell both came through a full 90 minutes of reserves team action last night for Wrexham, much to the delight of boss Denis Smith.

Roche, a former Manchester United youngster, has been out of action for the majority of the season through injury, while Crowell is yet to feature for the first team because of knee trouble.

However, the pair both came through a full 90 minutes last night in a 4-2 defeat at Tranmere Rovers.

Smith said: “Lee and Matty both did alright, but what is more important is that they came through a full 90 minutes. They were steady, but perhaps they are not quite there just yet.”

The return of Roche and Crowell will almost be like signing two new players for Smith and they will be a welcome boost to an injury ravaged small squad. He added: “It will be brilliant to have them back soon.”

Goals from Jamie Reed and Roche brought Wrexham back to 2-2 just before half time to cancel out strikes from Chris Dagnall and Calvin Zola. However, changes to Joey Jones’ side with Simon Spender, Robbie Foy and Levi Mackin coming off saw Rovers take advantage after the break and grab two further late strikes from Steve Davies and a second for Dagnall to take the win.

Smith said: “With the score at 2-2 I made three substitutions with Simon, Robbie and Levi coming off with a view at Saturday’s game. Maybe that cost them, but the first team is the important one.”