Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Pontin's Holidays League One
Wrexham 1 Blackpool 0

MRK JONES was the hero once again, notching the only goal of the game and securing the three points for Joey's men. 

The Seasiders unbeaten start to the Pontin's League season coming to an end at the Racecourse on a sunny Wednesday afternoon, with them going down 1-0.

Pool who included first team hopefuls Sasa Ilic, Gareth Evans, Phil Doughty, Simon Wiles and Jamie Burns, along with transfer listed Richie Wellens, found life tough against a bright and lively Wrexham side who won the majority of second balls.

The hosts began proceedings at a sun drenched Racecourse ground attacking the old Kop end and after just 60 seconds the Welshmen had a corner after Sean Lawlor under no pressure headed behind.

A minute later Mark Jones fired straight at Sasa Ilic as the hosts enjoyed the majority of the early pressure. Andrew Mangan fired straight at Baker in the Wrexham goal on four minutes, following neat work from Richie Wellens and Simon Wiles, but it was Wrexham's Griff Jones who should have opened the scoring on eight minutes. Pool failed to deal with a right wing cross from Kieran Quinn, the ball fell to Jones unmarked 10 yards out but the trialist fired high and wide.

That chance seemed to waken the Seasiders, Simon Wiles pin point cross to Andrew Mangan, saw the young striker snatch his shot whilst Richie Wellens fired wide on 13 minutes.

Three minutes later Pool were denied three times in quick succession with some brave goalkeeping from Matt Baker, who parried a Danny Whittaker shot before blocking strikes from Jamie Burns and Mangan.

Both sides continued to press for an opener with Mangan and Burns both firing over before the break for Pool whilst Levi Mackin and Mark Jones came close for the home side.

Half-Time: Wrexham 0 Blackpool 0

Wrexham came out of the traps quicker once again and 30 seconds after the re-start Matty Shaw was unlucky to see his far post header rebound back off the crossbar with Ilic beaten.

Blackpool's Gareth Evans had a surging run on 51 minutes almost provided the opener, as he skipped past three challenges before releasing Jamie Burns who saw his first time shot deflected behind for a corner.

The deadlock was finally broken on 55 minutes, a long ball over the top saw Ilic race out to force Mark Jones wide, with the young striker seemingly away from danger he somehow managed to fire a shot through the crowd and beyond the keeper.

Wrexham should have added a second just two minutes later, a fine piece of skill from Griff Jones released Shaw, who saw his first time shot well saved by Ilic.

Pools coach Simon Grayson made his first substitution of the afternoon just after the hour, replacing the ineffective Andrew Mangan with first-year scholar Jonathan Goulding, the change saw Dean Gorre switch to a centre forward role with Goulding joining Wellens in the midfield.

Four minutes later Pool made a second change with Matthew Lawlor replacing older brother Sean.

Despite the changes it was Wrexham who enjoyed the majority of possession, Griff Jones, Matty Shaw and Mark Jones all dangerous on the break.

(Blackpool FC)

Referee: Mr. Evans
Attendance: -
Away: -