Wrexham Evening Leader

Let’s keep our good run going!

By RICHARD WILLIAMS

29 December 2006

Michael InghamMIKE INGHAM is confident Wrexham can extend their unbeaten run over the festive period against Hereford United at Edgar Street tomorrow (12 noon).


Wrexham head to Hereford on the back of a 1-0 victory against Darlington and 2-2 draw against Rochdale on Boxing Day.

And although Ingham knows that Hereford will be difficult opponents, the Reds goalkeeper said the Reds are going into the game looking for a favourable result ahead of the New Year’s Day showdown at The Racecourse with Accrington Stanley.

“Hopefully we can take our good recent form into tomorrow’s match,” Ingham said today. “Our away form has not been the best but we have been playing some good stuff lately and are growing in confidence.

“If we can play like we have the last six games – Boston apart – there is no reason why we can’t get three points. Hereford is a tough place to go and it won’t be easy, but hopefully we can win.

“We are going there to win and it is a chance for us to get three points.

“And a win would be great going into the game against Accrington Stanley on New Year’s Day. Everyone is looking forward to that game because of what happened there earlier in the season. We want to put that to rest.”

Although four points have been secured from the previous two outings, Wrexham missed out on a great chance of claiming two consecutive victories at Rochdale.

Wrexham led 2-0 but allowed Rochdale to hit back and claim a point, and Ingham admitted that the Reds have to finish games off.

“I was disappointed with myself for the first goal,” said Ingham. “It was my fault. The lad had got the better of Mike Williams but I couldn’t get to the ball. But I was happy with myself after that and I made two good saves. But when we are 2-0 up we have got to learn to kill teams off.”

Wrexham manager Denis Smith was also disappointed that his side are not heading to Hereford on the back of two consecutive victories.

“We are unbeaten over the festive period but I am not particularly happy because it should have been two wins,” said Smith today. “Once you get in a situation of being 2-0 up, you should take advantage of it so it was very disappointing.

“Two wins out of two would have been nice, even if the second one had been unjust.

“We are drawing too many games and I want us to start picking up three points. And if we play like we do at home when we are away, we would be winning.”

Lee McEvilly scored his first goal of the season in the 2-2 draw at Rochdale while leading scorer Chris Llewellyn took his tally for the season to nine.

And Smith, who was without a trio of injured strikers and handed Marc Williams a second consecutive starting place, praised the pair’s contribution.

“Lee did okay against Rochdale but he is nowhere near ready,” said Smith. “The thing is with Lee is that he will always score goals. He believes he will score and you need players like that.

“I know Chris can play up front, but he was not brought here to play in that position. But Chris has been excellent and scoring goals which is great.”

Hereford, who have returned to the Football League following nine seasons in the Conference, are currently 10th in the League Two table.

And Smith believes Graham Turner’s side will be eager to continue their impressive campaign.

“Hereford are an organised and well run club. They have been doing well and will want to push on,” added Smith. “No professional club should ever be content, and I am sure they are not.

“Hereford will be expecting to win because of our away record. We have to make sure we play better.”