Lincoln will be looking to put the week’s events behind them and concentrate on matters on the pitch as they make the long trip to North Wales.
The Imps couldn’t have asked for a tougher match at this point of the season, but they have to stay focussed on the task of accumulating points to keep in the hunt for a play-off place, at least.
Vital Quotes:
Denis Smith, Wrexham manager, on releasing Paul Warhurst:
‘Paul is an excellent professional. And he undertstands the situation we find ourselves in.
‘To be fair to him, he has helped us out and had I not had my hands tied by the regulations, then I would have liked to have kept him on.
‘Our present needs though dictate that we concentrate our efforts on trying to bring in a striker.
‘Hopefully, this extra week will also help him find a new club, as anyone needing a defender could do a lot worse than take a look at Paul.’
Keith Alexander, Lincoln boss, on the task facing his side:
?Wrexham are one of the strong sides. They?ve got some good players, some internationals in their side and Denis Smith knows the football at this level, and we know that if you let them play, they can pass the ball around you and through you.
?They are a good side and there?s one or two of those sort of sides in this division.
?Without a doubt it would be great to go there and get a result. These are the places you go and try to get something. To go to Wrexham and win would be a great fillip for everyone connected to the club.
Wrexham Team News:
Danny Williams returns from suspension for the Dragons, but Lee McEvilly and and Levi Mackin are both on the sidelines through injury.
Veteran defender Paul Warhurst won’t be playing any part after agreeing to leave the club earlier this week.
Player to watch: Mark Jones
The Wrexham-born midfielder has been a revelation for the Dragons this season and has already weighed in with 10 goals from his central midfield role.
Lincoln City Team News:
Lincoln are set to have three players missing, with skipper Paul Morgan (foot) and striker Marvin Robinson (suspended) definitely out, while Gary Birch is struggling with a dead leg and is a doubt.
Manager Keith Alexander will hand Simon Yeo his second start for the club on his return from New Zealand, and may recall Derek Asamoah to the starting line-up, or even give Franny Green a chance after being brought back to the club from Boston United.
There could also be a place in the squad for midfielder Steve Robinson who has just enjoyed a loan spell with Worksop Town.
Player to watch: Gareth McAuley
The subject of a £150,000 bid by Crewe this week, it will be interesting to see how he performs after rejecting the chance to join the Championship club. McAuley is a class aprt in this club and another decent display this afternoon could see more clubs enter the race to sign him.
Match Facts & Stats
Last six matches:
Wrexham: WDLWLL
Lincoln:
Last six home:
Wrexham: WDWDWL
Last six away:
Lincoln: LLDWLd
Match Prediction:
With all the shenanigans going on at Sincil Bank this week, it is a relief for the Imps just to get back out on the pitch. But the events over the past few days are bound to have had some lingering effect on team morale, and coupled with a striker crisis, it wouldn’t be a massive surprise to see City slip to defeat in Wales.
Next Fixtures:
Wrexham:
Jan 14: Rushden & Diamonds (a)
Lincoln:
Jan 14: Barnet (h)
