Unsure whether to attend this fixture at first, the free tickets I’d won for one of the executive boxes at the Racecourse Ground, courtesy of the Wrexham Supporters Trust, made up my mind.
Just as tempting as the corporate hospitality on offer was the prospect of seeing unbeaten league leaders Oxford United along with Wrexham one of the bigger names currently in non-league football.
Having sampled the free buffet and armed with a free programme I took my seat in front of the box for an excellent view of the action. The conditions were perfect – sunny, not too warm, the pitch looked in great shape and ideal for two sides looking to pass the ball.
As expected the game developed into an even contest with both sides trying to get the measure of each other. Chances were at a premium and Wrexham seemed to be getting the upper hand until the visitors won a corner with half an hour gone.
The ball was swung towards the prolific James Constable who, unmarked, headed home easily to give Oxford the advantage.
Content with their lead the away side were not looking to threaten as much up to half-time, and Wrexham could only really create half-chances. This resulted in a more mundane game than many were anticipating.
The second-half began in a similar vein and though Wrexham had more possession it was Oxford who had the more clear-cut opportunities. On more than a couple of occasions young Wrexham goalkeeper Chris Maxwell was called on to make outstanding close-range saves to deny the U’s.
With just over 10 minutes remaining Wrexham were reduced to 10 men by a referee beginning to lose his grip on the game.
Veteran ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair was dismissed seemingly for his reaction to a challenge on one of his team-mates. His initial reluctance to leave the field and the scrap between other players stoked the home crowd’s anger further as the atmosphere heated up.
Wrexham manager Dean Saunders was also dismissed from the dug-out for his protests as things began to turn very sour.
It had barely calmed down when amid a flurry of bookings Oxford’s Steve Kinniburgh received his second yellow card, thus earning a red one for another foul on Curtis Obeng. They too, finished the game a man short.
The match descended into farce with tactical changes and the sending off depriving Wrexham of any centre-backs, and Oxford just hitting hopeful balls downfield. Despite 6 minutes of time added on neither side were able to fashion a goal and Oxford held on for the win.
On the evidence of this performance despite their indifferent form Wrexham don’t look too far behind Oxford in terms of quality. The difference was target-man James Constable. He offered movement up front, a threat in front of goal and the physical ability to hold the ball and outmuscle the Wrexham defence.
There’s little doubt that Oxford are worthy promotion contenders under the canny Chris Wilder. It’s up to Wrexham to match their consistency week in week out.
Man of the Match: Chris Maxwell. Followed up a terrific performance in goal for Wales Under-21’s against Italy last week with a faultless display for Wrexham today. Kept the Dragons in the game. For Oxford, James Constable and his goal was the main difference between the two teams.
No comments:
Post a Comment