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Wrexham Match Preview

Aldershot Town v Wrexham Match Preview – Saturday 22nd December 2018

As a result of Aldershot Town FC’s current injury crisis, Tuesday evening’s FA Trophy 1st Round replay at Bedford Town was fulfilled by the club’s Academy team and resulted in 14 youngsters making their Shots 1st team debuts in the tie. They gave a creditable performance, despite the heavy defeat at The Eyrie and received a standing ovation from both sets of supporters upon the half time whistle. On Saturday, Aldershot Town’s patched up first team squad will endeavour to fulfil their National League fixture at home to fourth placed Wrexham. BBC Surrey’s Rob Worrall previews the game:

Shots Squad:
On Tuesday evening, Gary Waddock had just ten fit players. This could rise to eleven by Saturday and in the meantime, the Shots boss will endeavour to add to his squad if he possible can.

Opposition:
Name: Wrexham
Founded: 1864
Nickname: The Dragons
Manager: Graham Barrow
Stadium: Racecourse Ground
2017/18 National League position: 10th

Brief History:
Wrexham were formed in 1864 and are the third oldest football club in the world. They were relegated from the Football League in 2008, after 87 years – and are currently in their eleventh season in Non-League’s top tier.

The Gaffer:
Following the recent departure of Sam Ricketts, (to Shrewsbury Town) who had steered The Dragons to a play-off position in his first few months in the role, Graham Barrow came in a Caretaker-Manager. Earlier this week, after a steady start in the role, Barrow’s position was made permanent. Former Everton and Blackburn striker Michael Newell was also announced this week as Barrow’s Assistant.

Barrow, a former midfielder, played more than 500 games in his career, approximately half of them for Chester City, who also became his firt clib as a Manager in 1992. He has since gone on to manage Wigan Athletic, Rochdale and Bury.

Playing Squad:
Ricketts (and subsequently Barrow) inherited the meanest defence in the National League and that continues to be the foundation on which their current lofty position is built on. They have maintained that mantle this season and have currently conceded the joint fewest goals (fourteen) in the National League this season to date, with the defence well marshalled by skipper Shaun Pearson. Former Torquay United midfielder Luke Young’s signing has strengthened the Dragons midfield this season, although he’ll miss Saturday’s game through suspension. Jordan Maguire-Drew, Rekeil Pyke and Mike Fondop have also strengthened Wrexham’s ranks this season and have currently scored 13 goals between them this season.

Referee:
Saturday’s referee is Richard Hulme who has taken the middle in 13 matches this season to date, showing 37 yellow cards and 4 red cards. He took charge of The Shots away defeats at Havant & Waterlooville and Gateshead this season.

Commentary:
BBC Surrey Sport’s Rob Worrall and former Shots player & manager Ian McDonald will be covering the game live on Saturday afternoon. Tune in to the BBC Sport website (or the BBC Sport App) from 2:50pm for full match commentary. To interact with them, tweet @RobShot66.