Hello friends and welcome back to my latest football manager story update as Wrexham continue their journey in League One.
Our first game of the new month was at home to Stockport and I was shocked to see that 13 of the first team squad were away on international duty leaving some of the positions very difficult to fill. I had no goalkeeper’s available so 16 year old Ritchie Jones was thrown in between the sticks. Of my strikers Fofana was the only regular and he got us off to a great start latching on to a cross by left back Alex Billington after 12 minutes. Fofana’s delightful through ball to striker Nwaogu (up from the reserves) would double our lead on the stroke of half time and so things were looking good. However, this was a game of two halves, the second belonging to Stockport who bravely fought back, won tackles and created goals to get themselves a draw.
I was happy that all the players arrived back uninjured for our trip down the M5 to play Exeter. The home side took the lead following a slip up by Joe Bennett that allowed a cross ball into the box for an easy tap in for Exeter to take the lead. A wonder-strike free kick from Lee McArdle leveled the score early in the second half but in the end it was a very even contest and the 1-1 draw was the right result.
The following game was our JPT First round tie at home to Tranmere which proved to be a very uneventful game with the only goal coming from the penalty spot after Rooney’s corner created an infringement in the box and Hammond coolly slotted home.
Next up was a trip to Oldham and apart from the home side going down to ten men just before half time all the action was in the last few minutes when Nicholas headed us into the lead from a set piece. We were so busy celebrating what appeared to be a late winner that we forgot to defend and Oldham immediately equalized from the kick off and I was annoyed that we gave away two valuable points.
We stayed away from home with a trip to Hartlepool and we really needed a win. Brian Gilmour commanded the midfield setting up numerous chances with two efforts from Alex Smith both hitting the bar and a shot by Nzuzi going narrowly wide but by the interval the game was scoreless. Gilmour carried on where he left off this time finding loanee striker Chinedu Vine whose quick ball into to box was hit home by Fofana. A very similar move created a second goal for Fofana to come away from Victoria Park with a well needed three points.
We ended the month with a home game against Sheffield Wednesday who were struggling at the foot of the table. Unfortunately Fofana who played his guts out in the last game was exhausted and Vine was travelling for international duty so my front pair was changed yet again. It was Wednesday though who did all the attacking looking anything like a relegation zone team but we thwarted their chances and eventually put together a move that caused a defensive error allowing Baheng to strike his first goal of the season. Gilmour was removed at half time but his replacement Williams set up Baheng for is second four minutes after the interval and the French striker completed his hat-trick when we caught our opponents on the break from a cleared corner with front man Mitrovic being the supplier. It was a great way to end what had been an indifferent month.
League Table
We had dropped to third place by the end of the month but in fact had been as low as 11th so I was happy to see that we had climbed back up and in a good position.
Fixtures
As I mention my Captain Brian Gilmour a lot I’ve added his profile below. His attributes are just sort of average but he always seems to know where to place the ball to create chances. A good solid performer.
That’s it for this month so thanks for reading and have a great day!
Johnny Karp
13 января, 2011 at 09:35
Well done Kevin, that was a solid month despite the initial consecutive draws. Managing to stay unbeaten with all those absences and fitness problems surely proves that the team is solid enough to push for promotion this season. Good luck!
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 12:50
Hi Johnny
I was quite shocked to begin with when I started September but fortunately Ismael Fofana is not being selected by the Ivory Coast — just yet! Baheng had a wonderful return from injury too :)
Lye
13 января, 2011 at 14:26
Hi Kevin,
Pretty good run as you have climb up to 3rd place. Even though it’s still early but things are looking good. If your players keep on performing who knows it will be another straight promotion. Good luck.
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 14:42
Hi Lye
Yes I was quite pleased with the months outcome and another straight promotion would be wonderful indeed!
warren
13 января, 2011 at 15:09
Well done Kevin
Considering that you have had must of your squad out for international duty for some of these games you have performed really well. Hope things can get even better when your first team are regularly playing
good luck
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 17:14
Hi warren
I was very happy as some of the team who played are even transfer listed and still performed quite well.
hils
13 января, 2011 at 15:30
Hi Kevin,decent month there!!!!!!!! Hopefully you will continue your form!!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!!!!!!!
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 17:15
Hi hils
I hope the form continues too!!!
Laxeyman
13 января, 2011 at 16:11
A good solid month there Kevin, well done. You’re in a good position to mount a challenge for promotion and I reckon you can do it. The new centre mid looks like a decent player, good luck for next month!
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 17:17
Cheers Laxeyman.
Yes, pleased with my current place in the standings and Gilmour is quite decent :)
Ana Garcia
13 января, 2011 at 17:24
Good month Kevin,
International duty annoys me also but to lose as many players as you did must have been very frustrating!!
Seems like your side could be pushing at the top end of the table, good luck on the rest of your season!
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 21:08
Hi Ana
Yes it was very frustrating indeed though we somehow got through it.
Darren Smith
13 января, 2011 at 19:43
Hey Kevin, you have done well despite some potential problems with International duties. I think you’ll be challenging up the top six this year. It will be tough but your showing signs of a top half team at least. Keep it up mate.
Kevin
13 января, 2011 at 21:09
Hi Darren
I’d be happy with a top half finish and I think you are right in that this year will be tougher than last.
Sayam Khan
13 января, 2011 at 21:56
Your still up there! unlucky about fitness problems, ive had the same! Good luck
Sears
14 января, 2011 at 18:09
Great start Kevin! Hopefully you can maintain the good form. good luck!