Wales U-19's 0-1 Northern Ireland U-19's

As admittance for this youth international friendly at Airbus UK's Airfield ground was free - despite the early 6:00 PM kick-off - it seemed too good an opportunity to miss to cast eye an over the future of Welsh and Nothern Irish football.

Five years ago I watched a Wales Under-16 team that included the then relatively unknown Gareth Bale and Chris Gunter in the full-back positions.

Since my last visit to the Broughton based Welsh Premier side in January the club has added a new seated stand behind one of the goals in attempt to gain their FAW Domestic Licence. Only a safety certificate issue with the local council appears to be preventing confirmation of their place in the 'Super 12' next season. Hopefully this will be resolved shortly.

On the field the Under-19's of Northern Ireland just had the edge over their Welsh counterparts with a late well-taken James Gray (Middlesbrough) goal the difference. The game was fairly even with some encouraging play from both sides. Daniel Alfei (Swansea), Kai Edwards (Wrexham) and Ryan Doble (Southampton) stood out for Wales while Jonathan Breeze (Wigan) dictated play in midfield for Northern Ireland.

Hopefully my match report and full team line-ups will feature in Issue 142 of Welsh Football Magazine - due out in June.

The current issue of Welsh Football Magazine (Issue 141) is out now and features a piece I have written on Wrexham FC and their progress, or lack of, under manager Dean Saunders.

See - http://www.welsh-football.net/

NEWFA Challenge Cup Semi-Final: Buckley Town 2-1 Chirk AAA

The above pictures are from Buckley Town's hard-fought 2-1 NEWFA Challenge Cup Semi-Final win over Chirk AAA played at a neutral venue - the Brymbo Sports Complex.

The lower level side made it a difficult afternoon for Buckley but a classy finish from Colin Quirk 10 minutes from time put the 'Bucks' into the final. They will now meet Welsh Premier side Airbus UK in the final to be played at Wrexham FC's Racecourse Ground on Tuesday 4th May.

Brymbo is located up in the hills outside Wrexham with the Sports Complex's football pitch in a particularly nice spot. On one side there is a small seated stand and across from that a sheltered standing area while the main building hosts the sort of facilities that the local community can take pride in. With the sun out too - overall it was a particularly good afternoon for those with an affinity to Buckley Town.

Elements Cefn Druids 1-2 Haverfordwest County

An Easter Bank Holiday Monday saw a trip to Plaskynaston Lane - home of the self-professed 'Oldest Football Club in Wales - Elements Cefn Druids, known as the Ancients.

Based in the Wrexham village of Cefn Mawr their quaint Plaskynaton Lane home has plenty of character and charm - but not the required facilities to gain an FAW Domestic Licence. This will be the Druids last full season at the ground before they move to a new-purpose built venue in nearby Rhosymedre which should meet all the new specifications. By then though, the Druids will be playing at a lower level in the Cymru Alliance for the first time in over a decade.

Unfortunately their history is all they've had to cheer about this season as they have languished at the bottom of the Welsh Premier, fielding a youthful side having had to slash their budget by 50% just prior to Christmas. Needless to say a number of players left but to their credit many have stuck around.

Attendances are regularly low despite nearby Wrexham FC's recent decline and dire performances at non-league level, they pulled in over 2,000 for a dismal draw against part-time Gateshead, while simultaneously Haverfordwest's visit to Druids brought a measly 64 spectators to Plaskynaston.

It is under these conditions that old Wrexham FC favourites Waynne Phillips & Lee Jones have done a superb job of keeping the Druids competitive. There are more connections to Wrexham FC's better days with Trinidad & Tobago World Cup star Dennis Lawrence also helping out, while the team-sheet includes sons of three notable ex-Wrexham players: Josh Russell - son of Kevin 'Rooster' Russell, Craig Pejic (son of Mel Pejic, brother of Shaun Pejic) and Jonathan Rush (son of ex-Wales & Liverpool goalscoring legend Ian Rush).

Despite their struggles the Druids soldier on and this game was no different. Haverfordwest - looking to secure their place in next season's 'Super 12' only took the lead on the stroke of half-time. They doubled it not long after the resumption but Druids were not outplayed or outfought.

With less than 20 minutes to go the Ancients had their playing co-manager, 40 year-old Waynne Phillips pulling the strings in midfield, sent off for a second bookable offence. Pleasingly they pulled a goal back as Rush scrambled in a consolation that gave Haverfordwest a nervy finish to the game.

Hopefully it will not be too long before the Druids return to the Welsh Premier - which would be a fitting reward for the small band of people who keep them going.

Man of the Match: Josh Griffiths. It was difficult to pick one player out of a real team effort but the dimunitive teenage wide-player for Cefn Druids stood out with his close-control and willingness to carry the ball forward.

Flint Town United 0-0 Buckley Town

The Flintshire derby between two of the Cymru Alliance's top four - league leaders Flint Town United and fourth place Buckley Town - did not live up to expectations.

Both sides were cautious and seemingly aware that any slip-up could cost them the game and their progress towards a good end to the season. The 0-0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the game. For Buckley a good finish is assured but Flint are going for the title and currently lead nearest challengers Llangefni Town by a considerable margin.

Flint's Cae-y-Castell home is impressive by Cymru Alliance standards - their raised, seated and well-covered main stand (with views of the surrounding shore an added bonus) houses some excellent facilities.

However the set-up is not deemed adequate enough to meet new FAW Domestic Licence requirements. Like Buckley Town they are working hard towards gaining it but as it stands - when Flint are crowned champions they will not be eligible for promotion to next season's newly-reduced Welsh Premier.

Though Flint have not been a top-flight team since the 1990's the ground has ironically played host to that level of football just a few years ago. When the Deeside Stadium pitch was being re-laid Connah's Quay Nomads played their home games at Cae-y-Castell.

Hopefully Flint will be able to keep their strong squad together so that when they are next challenging for the title they are eligible to take advantage of promotion.

Llandudno Town

The opportunity of a trip to the North Wales coast was something to look forward to as Buckley Town travelled to Llandudno Town in the Cymru Alliance. Both sides are in the top four looking to finish strongly and be in contention for promotion next season.

Llandudno came out on top in this game and deserved their 2-0 victory to stay in third - and off-the-field must be very close to gaining the FAW Domestic Licence which will enable them to accept promotion should they achieve it.

They have a strong squad at this level with the likes of ex-Wrexham and Wales Under-21 goalkeeper Paul Whitfield easily comfortable at a higher level.

Their Maesdu Park home would be fairly impressive by current Welsh Premier standards. Three sides have plenty of cover and seating with a cafe, large clubhouse and many other facilities housed behind the open end. It is clear the club has worked hard on investment in not only a well-appointed football ground but something that the whole community can enjoy.

Despite the cold wind which held the ball up for long periods of the game - the sunshine and the backdrop of the surrounding scenic landscape added to the experience. Another friendly club - I wish them well in their quest to go up but not at Buckley Town's expense!

Lex XI 0-2 Buckley Town

For a full match report visit http://www.buckleytownfc.com/.

I must have passed Stansty Park - home of Cymru Alliance side Lex XI - hundreds of times over the last decade on the way into Wrexham, most often to watch Wrexham FC less than a mile away on the other side of the big roundabout leading to the town centre. Until last Saturday however, I had never watched a game there.

The triangular patch of land located between Summerhill and the dual carriageway leading out of town used to be where Wrexham FC trained until their superb Colliers Park training complex was built in the late 1990's. Now the Stansty land provides the training ground for the Crusaders Rugby League club who have recently moved to the town.

Lex XI (formed by a group of Wrexham solicitors in the 1960's) have played there for some years now and despite the basic facilities and lack of finances often perform better than more touted, affluent sides at this level. This cold and wet Saturday afternoon saw most spectators huddled behind the goal where the only cover and seating could be found, the rest of the ground being open - and probably quite nice when the sun is out. The surroundings are relatively picturesque and overall Lex XI are another example of a warm, welcoming club kept going by a dedicated band of volunteers - including their players.

On a day when Wrexham FC's attendance continued to dwindle due to poor form and poor football it would be nice to think smaller, local clubs like Lex XI will be benefiting with football fans in the area looking elsewhere for their fix.

The home side are certainly giving plenty of effort in their bid to maintain their ever-present Cymru Alliance status. Thankfully from a Buckley Town perspective substitute Phil Molyneux provided the extra bit of quality needed to edge ahead with two well taken finishes. As well as the points it also provided revenge for a surprise home defeat inflicted by Lex the previous month.

March 2010

The above pictures are of Alyn Park - home of Cymru Alliance side Mold Alexandra - from the local derby at home to Buckley Town. As always this Flintshire derby was keenly contested - Buckley emerging with a 2-0 win.

As can be seen the set-up at Mold Alex is fairly basic with just one side providing cover and a stand with the rest open. It'd hard to believe they were part of the Welsh Premier in its 'League of Wales' early days and since the mid-1990's have fallen some way from the top-flight. They are sometimes better known for the professionals they have produced in the junior teams - Manchester United's Michael Owen to name one.

Recent years have seen them climb back up though - the hard work and dedication of the current committee and playing staff (none of the players are paid anything) has seen them into the top 8 ahead of bigger names in the league. Hopefully they will go on to secure their status in the division - to continue the derby tradition and as a reward for the hard work of everyone at the club.

February Update

With the weather starting to settle down allowing more football to be played - it has been an interesting few weeks. The above images are from recent trips to watch Tranmere Rovers and Gresford Athletic.

After the disappointment of the Oldham game I went to watch Tranmere at Prenton Park a fortnight later as they took on Leyton Orient in League 1. The Rovers put on a much better display with great strikes from Ian Thomas-Moore and Marvin Sordell giving them a precious 3 points in their battle to avoid the drop. A good run of form recently has seen them climb out of the relegation zone - all the more impressive given that it's the physio - Les Parry - leading the club.

Leyton Orient were slightly disappointing considering the experience they had in the likes of ex-Rover Sean Thornton (who got a 'warm' reception from the Prenton faithful) and journeyman Scott McGleish. Rovers played some good football going and were committed throughout and that was the difference despite Jonathan Tehoue's late consolation.

The trip to Clappers Lane - home of Gresford Athletic and the Cymru Alliance's bottom club - was with divisional rivals Buckley Town for a NEWFA Cup tie. This will probably be Gresford's last season in Welsh football's second tier for some time. Despite representing a fairly upmarket, leafy village the football club relies on the efforts of a very small band of followers to keep it going. The ground is basic even at Cymru Alliance level - tucked just behind the Village Hall - and on a bitterly cold February afternoon with a freezing wind the lack of cover is particularly noticeable.

The club are very hospitable and welcoming though - and I look forward to a return trip in the league next month when hopefully the temperature is slightly warmer. On this occasion Buckley ran out 3-0 winners and after an uncomfortable start, progressed smoothly to the next round.

Issue 139 of Welsh Football Magazine is out featuring my article on Elements Cefn Druids see - http://www.welsh-football.net/ for details. Issue 140 should be out in March for which I have written an article on the progress of the Wales Under-17 side of 2005.

Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Oldham Athletic

My last visit to Prenton Park earlier in the season saw a Tranmere Rovers team managed by John Barnes taken apart by a classy Charlton Athletic side.

A season of struggle was predicted for my local childhood club on the Wirral - with question marks over Barnes' long-term future at the helm. Unfortunately results and performances did not improve and with Rovers firmly in the League 1 relegation zone Barnes was axed in early October.

The appointment some three months earlier was a gamble which backfired as many on Merseyside feared it might. With nearly seven months of the season to go though there was plenty of time for a new man to salvage the season.

Few expected that man to be Rovers long-time physiotherapist Les Parry. Initially put in temporary charge following the dismissal of Barnes and his assistant Jason McAteer the physio has been handed the job to the end of the season.

It was an unconventional move but one which has done wonders for Scunthorpe United as Nigel Adkins made the transition from physio to manager at Glanford Park.

Having been at the club full-time since 1993 Parry knows his football and crucially - is a popular and respected figure amongst fans, players and management alike. Working alongside former Rovers players Shaun Garnett and Wayne Allison he has steadied the ship and earned Rovers enough points to give them a fighting chance of survival.

Thankfully Parry's move into the manager's chair hasn't put a stop to his humorous physio notes in the matchday programme - alongside the traditonally blander manager's notes.

Unfortunately the club has not been able to find an interim physio which has led to the unusual sight of the manager running on to the pitch to administer treatment to his players when required.

This home game against fellow relegation scrappers Oldham Athletic was understandably labelled a '6-pointer'. Under the leadership of Dave Penney the Latics look to have enough quality and experience to pull away from the drop zone sooner rather than later - and it showed in their victory over Rovers.

Tranmere were outmuscled in a number of areas throughout the game and though they kept Oldham at bay, they were undone by a set-piece just before half-time. Pawel Abbott rose highest in the penalty area to nod home from a corner.

In the second period youngsters like Ashton Taylor, Craig Curran, Terry Gornell and Aaron Cresswell, as well as the more experienced Ian Thomas-Moore gave plenty of effort but it wasn't enough.

The introduction as substitute of on-loan Watford youngster Marvin Sordell gave Rovers some guile and imagination going forward but service from the midfield areas was poor. Oldham had plenty of strength and experience in Reuben Hazell and Sean Gregan to cope while Deane Smalley was impressive.

For long stretches of the game Prenton Park was covered in fog which failed to hide the disappointing spectacle and scoreline that followed.

On this showing Tranmere's chances of avoiding the drop look touch-and-go but encouragingly the effort is there from most players. The return of influential forward Bas Savage from long-term injury could have a big say as we reach the business end of the season.

In the meantime Les Parry could really use an extra pair of hands in the physio's room at least to help ease some of the pressure and workload.

Man of the Match: Ash Taylor. The 19 year-old local lad from Bromborough is a tall, spindly centre-half with plenty of composure. This season has been a tough introduction to regular first-team football but the Welsh youth international appears to have taken it in his stride and looks destined for better things. Playing alongside the experienced Ian Goodison should help his development as he outshone more senior team-mates during this game.

Buckley Town 4-1 Llangollen Town

http://www.buckleytownfc.com/

See above for my match report on Buckley Town's 4-1 win against Llangollen Town in the Cymru Alliance. For long periods of the game Buckley's Globe Way ground was covered in fog as can be seen from the above photo's. However - it did not prevent Neil Wynne, Joey Desormeaux and an own goal giving the Bucks the points in their first home game for two months.

It will be less of a wait until the next home game as Buckley host Penryncoch at The Globe on Saturday. Admission - £4 adults, £1 for concessions and children under 10 free.

Airbus UK 2-3 Wrexham

With the snow and freezing temperatures over the last month causing postponement after postponement - from frozen to waterlogged pitches - many have been without their football fix since the festive season and in the case of Wrexham fans, well over a month.

The lack of games meant a trip to Broughton for this friendly between two familiar teams was a must. With Wrexham majorly under-achieving in the Blue Square Premier and Airbus going well in the Welsh Premier, it made for an intriguing clash. Wrexham did omit a few of their 'bigger name' players and much-heralded new signings but still brought a strong squad to the Airfield.

On a bitterly cold, damp evening it was the full-time professionals who made the early running. Matty Wolfenden headed home Wrexham's first goal nad not long after Wolfenden added a second to give the Dragons a 2-0 lead at half-time.

At the break the Airbus introduced ex-Wrexham midfielder Josh Johnson as a trialist on the right-hand side As the second period got underway the Trinidadian made an excellent impression, beating Wrexham's Sam Williamson on numerous occasions to provide good crosses. The flashes of pace and skill he displayed were similar to those during his time at the Racecourse but somehow he never could convince enough that he could earn a regular spot at the Racecourse.

Airbus upped their game considerably as Wrexham dropped off and were worth the two goals they pulled back through Niall Challinor and Tom Rowlands. A scrappy goal for James Owen - on trial from beleaguered neighbours Chester City - edged the win for Wrexham though in the second-half it was the Wingmakers who had played the better football.

While not quite the real thing, both Wrexham boss Dean Saunders and Airbus UK's Craig Harrison will have got something out of it - a fitness top-up at least.

For a friendly it was competitive and good value - with many fans just glad to be able to go and watch a game again.

Man of the Match: Luke Holden. The young wide player is on trial with Wrexham from Welsh Premier champions Rhyl. Recently returned from a loan spell at 'League 1' side Charlton Athletic, having played little football at The Valley, he did his hopes of a move to Wrexham no harm with his effort throughout the game. Showed the pace, skill, trickery and crossing ability so sorely lacking on Wrexham's left-hand side - and tried to make things happen all night, tracking back when required.

New Year Update

It's been a lean time for local football recently - with the weather causing numerous postponements and individual clubs a backlog of games to squeeze in between now and the end of the season. There could be more to follow too.

The likes of Buckley Town and Wrexham FC have not been in action since before Christmas due to frozen, and in some cases waterlogged pitches.

Though I have not been to many games recently, I have visited a few grounds / stadiums for the first time. A trip to London afforded the opportunity to visit Arsenal's impressive Emirates stadium and its musuem as well as what remains of their historic old ground Highbury.

Before Christmas I paid a visit to Plaskynaston Lane, home of Wrexham-based Welsh Premier side Elements Cefn Druids to see them play Carmarthen Town.

The 'Ancients' - the oldest club in Wales - are struggling at the wrong end of the table, and Plaskynaston will soon be no more. The Cefn Mawr based club - with Liverpool & Wales legend Ian Rush's son Jon on their books - are moving to a new home in Rhosymedre soon.

I have contributed an article about the Druids and their current struggles for Issue. 139 of Welsh Football Magazine - http://www.welsh-football.net/ - which should be published by the end of this month.

The pictures above make a neat contrast between a top-flight club in England and a top-flight club in Wales struggling for three-figure attendances.

I'm also still writing for 'A Different League' - http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/ - looking forward to en axciting year of football. With the 2010 World Cup in South Africa on the horizon, I have been assigned to cover the New Zealand national side.

There's plenty to look forward to at all levels of football - provided there is a change in the weather.

Update

Due to the poor weather there has been a lack of action locally in recent weeks hence the blog being a bit quiet. At Buckley Town alone three successive games were postponed during November.

When the action did resume at Globe Way supporters were treated to 4-4 thriller against Bethesda Athletic. My match report of that game can be found on the club's website at http://www.buckleytownfc.com/ and also now in the club's matchday programme. Buckley's next scheduled fixture at The Globe is against Penryncoch in the Cymru Alliance, 2:30 PM kick-0ff on Saturday 12th December and admission is £4 for adults, £1 concessions, children under 10 are free. It's well worth a visit for some good football, a friendly atmosphere at a progressive club and ground.

My article on the progress of North-East Wales clubs towards their application for the FAW Domestic Licence appeared in Issue 137 of Welsh Football Magazine last month. Hopefully another piece I have written will appear in Issue 138 which should be out shortly before Christmas. The publication's website site is at- http://www.welsh-football.net/.

Lastly, I have also begun writing for a website called 'A Different League' which provides intelligent insight, commentary and information on Premiership and European football. My first article, about former Wrexham, Blackburn and current Olympiakos striker Matt Derbyshire has appeared in their 'England's Future Stars' section and can be found at - http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/

Airbus UK 2-0 Newtown

With many local games in the North Wales region falling to the weather over the last week it was a nice surprise to find that this Welsh Premier fixture at The Airfield was still on. That said the prospect of getting soaked seemed to have a negative effect on the attendance although the away turn-out was good.

Broughton based hosts Airbus UK are having a good season and ground improvements notwithstanding, look on course to be a part of the reduced Welsh Premier ‘Super 12’ next season.

The away side Newtown from mid-Wales are also hoping to continue in the top-flight. Their ground is one of the league’s more impressive and should have no problems gaining a Domestic Licence. However they have struggled to find consistency so far this season and are in the wrong half of the table, though manager Darren Ryan is considered one of the Premier’s brightest prospects.

Featuring in their line-up was 18 year-old Obi Anoruo on loan from Wrexham where he made an impression at the end of last season, grabbing a couple of goals showing pace and an eye for goal.

Conditions were dreadful with swirling wind and rain throughout the game really affecting the play.

The visitors looked very poor. The Wingmakers took control of the game and went close with a few pieces of magic from Marc Lloyd-Williams creating openings in the box but firing just wide.

The veteran marksman and the league’s all-time leading goalscorer provided the only real spark in a drab game.

When Newtown did have possession they looked toothless, unable to feed their front two, supply a telling cross or provide a decent final ball.

Anoruo hardly had a kick and was subbed half-way through the second-half. His lack of presence in the game owed more to the poor quality build-up play and lack of service from his team-mates than his own frustrated efforts.

Newtown were a goal down by half-time. An Airbus corner was cleared from the 6 yard-box where Carl Owen pounced to give the home side the lead in scrappy fashion. It was nothing less than they deserved though.

Into the second-half Newtown did raise their game a little bit but defensively Airbus were more than equal to their threat.

The game was put beyond doubt in the closing stages when the away side failed to clear their lines leading goalkeeper David Maguire to race off his line. With the ball falling to Airbus midfielder Danny Desormeaux though, Maguire had strayed too far and Desormeaux comfortably placed his shot around the ‘keeper to make it 2-0.

Airbus manager Craig Harrison will be the happier of the two managers, a polished performance from his team in form puts them firmly in the top-half of the table.

The main concern will be whether they receive a grant from the Football Trust in time to increase the seating available at the Airfield ready for next season.

For Newtown, manager Darren Ryan will be looking for a response from his side in effort and performance to show they are serious about staying in the top-flight. It would be a shame if Newtown were not a part of the Welsh Premier set-up next season.

Man of the Match: Danny Desormeaux. The Airbus midfielder worked hard in the engine room throughout game and his efforts were rewarded with his well-taken goal near the end.

Wrexham 1-0 Lowestoft Town

On the FA Cup trail again with another all non-league clash, this time in the 1^st Round proper. Blue Square Premier Wrexham took on part-time Lowestoft Town from the Ryman Division One North, three leagues below the BSP.

Despite a belated improvement in results, if not performances of late, the attendance at the Racecourse was disappointing. Perhaps locals have yet to be convinced that Dean Saunders’ side have turned a corner, or the away side from Suffolk weren’t a big draw for people used to much bigger cup-ties in years gone by.

The visitors, going well in their own league, brought a few hundred supporters to cheer them on, a great turn-out for a club of their size. However, even they have savoured bigger days out recently having been to Wembley for the 2008 FA Vase final.

It was a damp, murky afternoon at the Racecourse Ground for what was, in truth, a pretty dire game from a purist’s perspective.

Lowestoft were organised well defensively and did a terrific job in stopping the trickery and pace of Jamie McCluskey and Lamine Sakho from getting beyond their back-line. Up front their bald No.9 Matt Nolan held the ball up well and worked tirelessly all afternoon.

There was little wrong with Wrexham either but for the slowness of their build-up play which has hampered them at home in a number of games this season. Experienced forward Gareth Taylor was starved of any real service, and while Wes Baynes provided a link between midfield and attack, Lowestoft goalkeeper Andy Reynolds wasn’t really tested in the first-half.

Scoreless at half-time, the game stayed that way throughout most of the second-half too as the Trawlermen remained stoic in defence but became more adventurous going forward. Wrexham introduced the blistering pace of substitute Adrian Cieslewicz in a sign of urgency and desperation to avoid a mid-November weeknight replay near the Suffolk coast.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88^th minute. A free-kick swung into the area by Baynes found Gareth Taylor who deflected the ball into the back of the net. The sense of relief around the ground was tangible.

There was no way back for Lowestoft. The effort and work-rate from their players had matched their fans singing all game and only the most loyal of Wrexham fans would have begrudged them a replay.

Wrexham’s prize is a 2^nd Round home game to ‘League 1’ Swindon Town, where a better performance will be required to help to bring back those heady giant-killing days of the past.

Man of the Match: Wes Baynes. The versatile 21 year-old provided the majority of Wrexham’s spark. A real threat running at the Lowestoft defence with the ball at his feet and never afraid to have an attempt at goal with a wicked shot. However, it was his cool delivery from the free-kick for Taylor’s late goal which booked Wrexham’s place in the FA Cup 2^nd Round.

Tranmere Rovers sack John Barnes

The most inevitable managerial sacking of the season will be a cause of glee for the 'I told you so' merchants who enjoy pointing out the obvious. The departure of John Barnes and Jason McAteer from Tranmere Rovers is not cause for a full bore celebration though, even by Rovers fans who wanted them gone at least 6 weeks ago - only around 6 weeks into their brief reign.

It heaps further embarrassment on an otherwise well-run club up to recent months, following the appearance of the club for sale on ebay and the bizarre sacking of one of the Football League's most-respected managers - Ronnie Moore. The two huge errors of judgement have done little to improve owner Peter Johnson's credibility.

The club lie in the lower reaches of 'League 1' with a threadbare squad and few funds to strengthen or change. With Barnes & McAteer no doubt receiving a severance package their successor is going to have to work with what’s already there. It really could be touch or go whether Rovers stay up this season.

There are little shoots for optimism though. Rovers have a number of promising youngsters to work with, the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Ash Taylor, Charlie Barnett and Ryan Fraughan. The experience and goals of Ian Thomas-Moore, and leadership qualities of Ian Goodison will also give the new man something to build on.

Though John Barnes’ reputation will not be tarnished in the eyes of Liverpool fans, two fairly high-profile managerial stints lasting less than a year in Britain, make him damaged goods to prospective employers. Unless he’s willing to drop a long-way down the non-league pyramid and start again he’s unlikely to get a chance elsewhere.

With just 3 league and cup wins all season and poor performances to match that underwhelming statistic, its hard to argue his case for staying much longer, however much the football purists hoped it would turn around to spite the doubters.

Barnes is an idealist who wanted to see his teams play football in the right way, and there are too few of those in the lower leagues at present. It’s a shame as for lack of an experienced assistant and a bit of money to spend things may have worked out differently at Prenton Park.

Wrexham 0-0 Barrow

With surprisingly little Bank Holiday football on offer it was back to the Racecourse Ground for more non-league Blue Square Premier action.

Following two more surprise defeats to against Kettering and Tamworth recently, the pressure on Wrexham manager Dean Saunders had increased slightly.

As for the visitors, I must admit I have a soft spot for the Cumbrian club. Their joint-manager ex-Wrexham centre-back Dave Bayliss gave me one of my early interviews when I started out in journalism a couple of years ago.

Forthright, knowledgeable about the game and an all round top bloke, since taking over with Darren Sheridan less than 2 years ago their transformation of Barrow’s fortunes has been remarkable.

Barrow’s right-back, Simon Spender along with centre-half Phil Bolland made up a trio of former Wrexham players in the Bluebirds squad. After stepping up to full-time training during the summer though, like Wrexham, they have made a mixed start.

The away side set their stall out early on to contain and frustrate the Dragons and it worked. Wes Baynes, a right-wing-back pushed into a new forward role, he looked likeliest to break Barrow’s resolve with his creativity and willingness to shoot, testing goalkeeper Tim Deasy.

It wasn’t all defensive work for Barrow and when pushing forward Spender fired a long-range shot that sailed just over the top corner. Overall though there were few chances with Wrexham content to keep possession along their back-line and play in front of the Barrow back four when they ventured forward.

Following possibly the worst comedian / half-time entertainment ever seen at the Racecourse, the game unfolded in much the same way as the first-half. Both sides did have one golden opportunity to break the deadlock however.

Barrow’s highly-rated forward Jason Walker turned Wrexham skipper Ashley Westwood and fired a shot across the front of goal narrowly wide. At the other end roles reversed as Westwood’s powerful header from a corner was headed off the line by Walker.

The game’s talking point occurred with 15 minutes to go when attention was drawn to a touchline row. Dave Bayliss had stormed out of his technical area to confront Westwood who appeared in an ‘off-the-ball’ incident to have left Barrow striker Jon Shaw with a bloodied face and shirt.

No action was taken against Westwood while Bayliss was escorted down the tunnel after trying the patience of the officials with his angry protests. In the end he didn’t miss much.

Despite changes made by Saunders Barrow did a professional job of holding onto their point. They were arguably the better side in the last 10 minutes and had they shown a little more ambition, could have stolen a win.

Barrow earned the result and clean sheet they came for and should improve again on last season.

Wrexham must see this as another 2 points dropped even at this early stage. Though teams above them will drop points, they currently don’t look capable of putting together a sustained run themselves yet and still struggle against the so called lesser teams of this division.


Man of the Match: Wes Baynes. Difficult to choose, but Baynes has adapted well to his new role and came closer than anyone to making something happen for Wrexham. It’s hard to pick out an individual for Barrow as their point came as a result of a real team performance.

Wrexham 1-0 York City

The first evening kick-off of the season saw a swift return to the Racecourse Ground for Wrexham’s second home game of the season. After surprisingly losing away to Crawley Town at the weekend they needed to bounce back quickly.

Mid-week games always carry a slightly different atmosphere, especially in the summer when the game kicks off in bright sunshine, but as the light fades throughout the evening, the floodlights see it to its conclusion.

The visitors York City are another former Football League club to have lost their way slightly in the Blue Square Premier. They only ensured safety from relegation in only their penultimate fixture last term, but did make it to the FA Trophy Final losing to Stevenage at Wembley.

Managed by Martin Foyle, assistant to Brian Little at Wrexham just a year ago, their line-up featured two former Dragons. Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Michael Ingham was a popular figure at the club in two separate spells, while midfielder Levi Mackin came up through the ranks at the Racecourse.

Within the first few minutes of the game Wrexham goalkeeper Sam Russell was called into action to save from Michael Gash who had exploited Wrexham’s defensive unease.

The away team looked much the better side and ironically, given that Foyle was part of a management team that favoured a ‘route-one’ approach during his time at Wrexham, they passed the ball along the ground well.

Wrexham didn’t seem to get going and created very little at all going forward. Striker Matty Wolfenden toiled hard up front but to no avail. With no real link between the midfield and forward line he was feeding off scraps.

The previously impressive Hedi Taboubi was ineffective, second in most midfield challenges and poor in his distribution.

In contrast was the performance of Mackin for York. Many a time when he was at Wrexham he had been the object of fans frustration, often unfairly. Now he looked confident, composed, showed an excellent range of passing and no little skill on the ball dictating the play at the heart of York’s midfield.

For the quality of their possession however, York also lacked bite up front with Rankine and Gash failing to stretch Wrexham’s back four. The score remained goalless at half-time.

Into the second period Wrexham manager Dean Saunders made an inspired change swapping the hard-work of Wolfenden for the lightning speed of Adrian Cieslewicz. The Pole’s pace saw him get beyond the York defence, playing his part in a move that finished with a goal for Gareth Taylor.

The 36 year-old looked to be offside as he glanced home an Andy Fleming cross, but if he was, it evened out the many occasions when Wrexham have been on the receiving end of poor decisions from officials in this division.

Chasing the game at 1-0 down with half-an-hour left, York did now revert to a long-ball game. They introduced Richard Brodie and Adam Smith specifically for the purpose. This was countered when Saunders replaced Taboubi with Christian Smith to close the game down which he did with effect.

Wrexham had done enough to take the 3 points though a draw might have been a fairer reflection of the game. Both teams played well in parts, and though Wrexham might get punished for such a slow start against the better teams in this league, they appear to be over their blip at Crawley.

On the evidence of this performance York should do much better than last season’s limp over the finish line in avoiding relegation, looking good enough for mid-table at least.


Man of the Match: Silvio Spann. The Trinidad & Tobago international received a standing ovation when he was substituted towards the end and rightly so. Something of a misfit as a midfielder in his first two years at Wrexham, since being converted to right-back during pre-season he has been a revelation and not put a foot wrong. Levi Mackin was York City’s leading candidate for the award.

Everton 1-6 Arsenal

What better way to open the new Premiership season than with a meeting of two of English football’s grand old teams at one of the country’s great old stadiums. Though certain areas of Goodison Park are showing their age, it is a little cramped and a number of pillars obstruct the view, it will be a very sad day when the Toffees leave a home rich in atmosphere and steeped in history.

The not-so-traditional 5:30 PM kick-off, in order that the ESPN channel could broadcast one of their first Premiership games, ensured that a spell of heavy afternoon rain had subsided by the time the action started.

Centre-back Joleon Lescott received a mixed reception from the home fans over his ongoing Manchester City transfer saga, and the minute’s applause for the late Sir Bobby Robson was warm and genuine. Despite limited transfer activity by both clubs this summer hope and optimism still prevailed among both sets of supporters.

Many anticipated a tight affair with last season’s FA Cup finalists Everton using their well-organised, hard-working, functional approach to contain a vibrant young Arsenal side, playing their own imitation of Total Football, spearheaded by Robin Van Persie and Andriy Arshavin.

As it transpired Everton disappointed by beginning the game sluggishly and off-the-pace, as if they were still in pre-season. Arsenal were first to most loose balls and when Everton did receive possession they were quickly dispossessed. Arsene Wenger’s young guns showed a work ethic to match their quick fluid passing game.

The opening goal arrived on 25 minutes when Denilson curled a beautiful shot past Tim Howard from outside the area. Everton seemed unable to raise their game in response to the setback and the pattern for the rest of the match was set.

By half-time the Gunners had added two more goals, both headers from central defenders Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas at woefully defended set-pieces.

Two minutes after the break Cesc Fabregas was given the freedom of Goodison to run at the heart of the Everton defence. Even as he burst into the penalty area the Everton back-line left him unchallenged to make it 4-0 with a cool finish.

As Arsenal sat back knowing they’d been gifted the three points the home side ventured forward but the nature of their attacks were feeble, limp and unthreatening. The disgruntlement of the home fans was summed up by their frustration at right-back Tony Hibbert’s inability to clear the first man with any of his crosses.

Hibbert was soon put out of his misery along with the ineffectual Jo and Osman as youngsters Gosling, Rodwell and senior striker Louis Saha entered the fray. It was too little too late, and shortly after Arsenal broke away resulting in another close-range goal for Fabregas as the Everton defence and midfield went AWOL again.

Still with 20 minutes to go, Goodison began to empty. Evertonians were angry, hurt and disbelieving at their team’s sorry performance, unable to take any more.

With a couple of minutes remaining more abysmal defending inside their own penalty area by Everton let Arsenal sub Eduardo fire home in after a scramble to make it 6-0.

Mercifully for Everton it did not get any worse. In stoppage-time Saha hit a sweetly-struck consolation for the home fans brave enough to stick it out to the bitter end.

Not only was the scoreline unusual for the opening game of the season but the nature of the home side’s performance was mystifying. Manager David Moyes runs a tight ship and though it’s clear the club has been rocked slightly by the Lescott saga (ironically one of their better performers in this match), it was still inexcusable.

The likes of Fellaini, Cahill , Jo, even the ever-dependable Phil Neville, simply failed to show. If they don’t get it together soon they could be battling in the wrong half of the table.

As for Arsenal, the future looks bright. The Gunners appeared capable of stepping up another couple of gears if required and were not only competent but very easy on the eye when in possession. They might not be title-winning contenders quite yet but they don’t look likely to struggle for a top 4 finish as some observers are predicting.


Man of the Match: Thomas Vermaelen. A very assured debut for the £10 million signing from Ajax. Though obviously not tested as much as he should have been, he showed enough to suggest Arsene Wenger was right to let Kolo Toure go. At 23-years-old, the Belgian centre-back has his best years ahead of him and his goal highlighted his threat at the other end of the pitch. For Everton, Steven Pienaar comes closest to meriting the award for effort alone.

Wrexham 3-0 Eastbourne Borough

Beginning the 2009-10 season with a trip to the Racecourse Ground to see Wrexham play hosts to Eastbourne Borough, it was difficult to know what to expect from this BSP opener.

Last term, Wrexham’s first season in non-league’s Blue Square Premier was a mixed bag even after the appointment of the likeable, hard-working and charismatic Dean Saunders as manager in October. A dream cocktail of attractive and winning football had Reds fans dreaming until it all tailed off disappointingly in both results and performance from February onwards.

Off the pitch, the large terrace Kop end at the Racecourse still stands empty awaiting a major redevelopment long in planning but slow in progress, leaving the historic ground 3-sided for the foreseeable future.

Whether the development will eventually generate enough profit to pay the clubs debts and secure its long-term future is a source of worry for Wrexham fans. There are few guarantees other than the word of the club’s hierarchy that should there be any hitches, the club and the ground will be safeguarded.

The visitors, Eastbourne Borough visited the Racecourse last December. They were hammered 5-0, a high point in Dean Saunders early days in charge and perhaps not a true reflection of the South Coast side in their otherwise impressive BSP debut season.

A crowd of just 3,726 (Eastbourne bringing fewer than 50 travelling fans) was perhaps less than expected for the first match of a new season. To their credit the home support made plenty of noise and atmosphere with optimism running high around the ground.

The game began with Wrexham setting the pace. With a large turnover in players during the summer it was impressive to see that a host of new signings have gelled quickly and confidently. The pick of the bunch, Hedi Taboubi dictated play in midfield while Adrian Cieslewicz provided a good outlet wide on the right with his blistering pace.

For all their attractive play however, Wrexham were unable to properly carve open a resolute Eastbourne side lacking in the quality to compete in an attacking sense. The visitors grew into the game though, without really threatening going forward, as the tempo slowed and Wrexham dropped back.

10 minutes before half-time Wrexham were awarded a free-kick in an inviting position just outside the penalty area. Taboubi stepped up and with no little power curled home the opening goal beautifully to lift the crowd and the game as a spectacle.

Not long into the second-half it was over as a contest. Cieslewicz’s speed on the break proved too much for Neil Jenkins who gave away a penalty in trying to stop the young Pole. The spot-kick was despatched confidently by veteran Welsh international Gareth Taylor.

Taylor grabbed his second goal of the game shortly afterwards. He used his height and strength to latch on to a long-ball, getting in between Neil Baker and goalkeeper Danny Knowles and lifting the ball into the net to make it 3-0.

Overall, an encouraging performance from Wrexham which hints that, though it is early days, they may well be up there challenging at the end of the season. There’ll be less encouragement for Eastbourne and their small but dedicated away following. They might struggle to match last season’s 13th place finish but look to have enough to beat the drop in 8 months time.


Man of the Match: Hedi Taboubi. The slight, bald, goatee sporting Frenchman is quickly becoming a cult hero with the Racecourse faithful. On the evidence of this performance, topped off with his excellent free-kick for the opening goal, it is easy to see why.