FOR Rob Duffy, the Grimsby game offered a chance to finally get some serious pitch time!
Despite arriving over a month ago and enjoying prolific form in the reserves, he had only managed three minutes on the pitch for the first team, so coming on in the 66th minute against The Mariners was something of a luxury for the on-loan striker!
"It was nice to get some time out on the pitch. It's been a long wait but I got a few minutes against Grimsby. Unfortunately I couldn't get the breakthrough.
"I think everyone could see that the conditions, the wind, the sand and the bobbles on the pitch didn't help, but that's how it was and so that's what we've got to get on with."
It has been the excellent form of Drewe Broughton, reflected by the fact that he wore the captain's armband aganst Grimsby in what was only his fifth game for the club, which has denied Duffy a chance to show Wrexham's fans what he can do, but as his decision to sign an extended deal until the end of the season shows, he's certainly not bitter about how things have worked out:
"I really can't complain and all credit to Drewe. He's come in, played very well and justified his place in the team. I can only be patient and wait my turn."
Of course, Duffy was denied an opportunity by the weather a week ago. With Broughton unable to play against his parent club, Duffy was set to make his first Football League start at stadiummk, but the exceptionally late postponement of the game meant he was cruelly denied his chance to shine.
"It was disappointing. We were in the hotel and I was prepared to play and all ready to go, but then it was called off late in the day. Still, we'll have to go down there again later in the season and so maybe I'll get my chance then!
Duffy might not have threatened Phil Barnes in Grimsby's goal himself, but he nearly earned himself an assist in the last minute when his header found its way to Michael Proctor, whose shot fizzed narrowly over.
"I thought it was in all the way! It just didn't quite dip enough, but we have to forget about things like that. Still, we just have to move on now and look forward to Tuesday.
"It's a massive week with another two games to be played, and I hope I'll be able to play my part. We've gained another point over the other teams at the bottom, and with another home game on Tuesday, and then Mansfield coming here on Saturday hopefully I'll be able to get a few more minutes under my belt and help us get out of trouble."
Wrexham fans would certainly echo that sentiment; a quick browse of youtube gives a clear indication of Duffy's potential, with spectacular strikes, free kicks and penalties galore to pore over. A bit of pitch time might allow him to add a few to the collection!
