Daily Post

Dragons boss urges restraint from fans

By Mark Currie, Daily Post

28 December 2005

Denis SmithWREXHAM manager Denis Smith has called on the club's fans to be on their best behaviour at today's cross-border derby with Chester City.

The Dragons travel to the Deva Stadium for a high noon kick-off with their close neighbours, the first Football League meeting between the teams for 11 years.

And in a message to travelling Wrexham fans Smith urged them not to besmirch the club's reputation during today's highly-charged fixture.

"I just want them to go to Chester and enjoy the game," he said. "Local derbies are there to be enjoyed and for everyone to generate a good atmosphere.

"They can do that without causing any aggravation.

"I've been involved in a few great derby situations, none more fierce than Sunderland against Newcastle and there you have fans from the same families supporting one team or the other.

"There's nothing wrong with a bit of banter and there will always be an element of winding-up the other fans but that's as far as it should go."

History on Dragons side

Karl ConnollyHISTORY is on Wrexham's side in today's High Noon showdown, where Chester will be seeking their first league victory in almost 20 years against their cross-border rivals.

And the Dragons have yet to be beaten at the Deva Stadium, although they have played there just three times since City's move from Sealand Road 11 years ago. Most recently, Wrexham emerged victorious from last season's LDV Vans Trophy third round clash when Juan Ugarte's first goal for the Welsh side determined the outcome in a closely-contested encounter.

And another established Racecourse favourite, Karl Connolly, struck twice in the 1997 FA Cup meeting between the teams to earn Wrexham a third round clash against Premiership outfit Wimbledon.

In league terms, though, it was in October 1994 that the sides last met when Gareth Owen's second half goal cancelled out Gary Hackett's opener to give Wrexham a share of the spoils.

During the 1980s the boot was on the other foot, with Chester enjoying the best of several cup meetings and their most recent league success back in 1986, the 2-1 outcome being decided by a young Gary Bennett.

The overall record shows that in 136 matches in all competitions, Wrexham have won 60, lost 50 and drawn 26.