It's nearly five years since Wrexham last visited Edgar Street. Here's a reminder:
Wrexham down as Bulls win
Hereford
United ended Wrexham's 87 year stay in the Football League with a 2-0
home victory over The Red Dragons. Gary Hooper netted just before
half-time, whilst his strike partner Theo Robinson added a second on the
hour mark. The visitors failed to trouble United, and their relegation
to the Blue Square Premier is confirmed. For The Bulls, victories in
their final two games would see them promoted.
After
the defeat to Peterborough on Saturday, Bulls supremo Graham Turner
decided to make one change to the starting line-up with Robinson
replacing Steve Guinan, who was left out altogether. Lee Collins
replaced Robinson on the bench. Wrexham named a mixture of experience
and youth, with once Hereford target Matty Done starting on the
left-wing. Shaun Pejic, son of Mel and another rumoured target of United
started in defence with Wales international Steve Evans.
The
encounter started quickly, with chances in the early stages at either
end. Richard Rose managed to beat a defender before a lucky bounce
allowed him to fire past the post from 18 yards, whilst at the other end
Done cut in from the left-hand side, beating two in the process before
forcing Wayne Brown to parry a quick-fire shot. Robinson had an
excellent opportunity to open the scoring, when Hooper's battling
allowed him to nod himself clear of the Wrexham backline, but the
youngster lacked composure from 12 yards, as he sliced past the post
despite being in an excellent goalscoring position.
Done's
impressive running for Wrexham caused one Hereford fan to liken him to
Paul Parry, and he struck a shot weakly into the arms of Brown. Wrexham
nearly went one up after a fine effort from Neil Roberts; a long
free-kick was flicked on and Roberts volleyed after watching the ball
over his shoulder, but Brown was equal to it by making a fine save
before it was cleared for a corner. The opening goal came three minutes
before half-time, after some fine interplay between the front two. Sammy
Igoe won posession in the middle of the park, and found Robinson, who
released Hooper with a cute back-heel. The Southend loanee had one man
to beat which he did, before shooting across Gavin Ward and into the far
corner. Minutes later, Igoe sent a decent half-volley a few yards past
the post from 25 yards.
Hereford
made a good start to the second-half with Robinson looking the danger
man. Firstly he sent a half-volley from an Igoe pass over, before he
struck the post; Ben Smith won a midfield battle and the ball fell to
Robinson who turn and was direct in his attack, as he ran goalwards and
sent a low shot which beat Ward but struck the outside of the post.
Wrexham had two half-chances when Levi Mackin volleyed out of the
Blackfriars Terrace after a Karl Broadhurst header, whilst Marc Williams
quick-control and neat turn saw him force Brown into a decent stop from
his powerful effort.
Luckily
for United, they put the game beyond doubt with 30 minutes remaining.
Clint Easton played a ball out to Richard Rose, who took his time before
crossing into the box. Hooper rose and nodded on and Robinson managed
to beat the offside trap, before slotting home clinically from 12 yards.
There were strong appeals for offside from 'keeper Ward, but the
linesman and referee stood by their decision, and the goal stood. A
flurry of subs were made by Wrexham, with Danny Williams, Michael
Proctor and Robert Garrett replacing Connal Murtagh, M. Williams and Wes
Baynes respectively. Proctor looked useful up front, and struck at
Brown after controlling a long kick-forward, whilst only a fine sliding
defensive tackle denied Easton an easy tap in, after some fine-build up
play had released Hooper on the right. In the dying minutes, Proctor
managed to nut-meg Dean Beckwith on the edge of the area, but his
curling effort was plucked out of the air by the ever reliable Brown.
The
result was the right one on the night, with Hereford looking very
comfortable in front of 3739 supporters; 478 made the journey from North
Wales to see Wrexham drop out of the Football League. I wish the Welsh
side the best of luck next season, and hope to see them back in League
Two in the near future, in a stronger position than they find themselves
at the moment. The partnership of Hooper and Robinson blossomed
tonight, with the latter looking much improved on recent months, with a
good work-rate, neat touch and good instinct; the goal will no doubt
have improved his confidence. Next up is Brentford on Saturday; a
travelling army of near 1,000 will be backing United as they look to
keep up their promotion hopes. Remember to wear yellow!
Hereford: Brown, McClenahan, Beckwith, Broadhurst, Rose, Igoe, Diagouraga, Smith, Easton, Hooper, Robinson.
Subs: Esson, Collins, Taylor, Johnson, Benjamin.
Wrexham: Ward, Pejic, S. Evans, Mike Williams, Taylor, Baynes, Murtagh, Mackin, Done, Marc Williams, Roberts.
Subs: Jones, G. Evans, D. Williams, Garrett, Proctor.