When Wrexham visited Maidenhead's home, the oldest continuously used football ground in the world, in October, a night of remarkable drama both on and off the pitch ensued. What awaits The Magpies as they visit the oldest international stadium in the world?
That clash had everything, from the surprise arrival of Rob McElhenny and Ryan Reynolds to watch Wrexham play for the first time, through a sending-off which turned out to be a case of mistaken identity, to an heroic, doomed, against the odds comeback.
That thrilling victory was the exception for The Magpies in the firstpart of the season as injuries and illness severely disrupted Alan Devonshire's plans. However, the return of key players has led to a resurgence in form which looks to have banished their relegation fears.
United now stand 9 points clear of danger, having recovered from a run of 7 games without a win after their win over the Red Dragons.
They snapped out of that tailspin by ending the year with a fine win over Bromley, and they followed that up with superb victories over another couple of Wrexham's promotion rivals, Halifax Town and Chesterfield.
Their unbeaten start to the year came to an end in midweek as Stockport Countywent top of the table after beating them 3-0. However, the scoreline was deceptive: Maidenhead were extremely impressive in the first half and will hope to carry that form into this match.
They'll face a Wrexham side in formidable form, of course. Ollie Palmer will be looking to follow up his scoring debut, and Callum McFaszean has been added to Phil Parkinson's defensive options.
HEAD TO HEAD
We got off to a great start against Maidenhead, doing the double over them in the first two seasons we met. However, since then we’ve suffered a frustrating draw and a defeat at The Racecourse as The Magpies have turned things around.
The draw at The Racecourse was particularly galling. A bizarre Luke Young own goal from the edge of the area started the scoring, but Wrexham responded well and a rare Jason Oswell goal just before the break brought us level. Luke Young managed to score at the right end after the break, and Wrexham’s dominance looked likely to be rewarded with three points, but a sensational strike out of the blue from the appropriately-named Josh Smile earned a point for Maidenhead.
We kicked things off with a comfortable win in December 2017, as Chris Holroyd and James Jennings netted in a 2-0 win. The following season a typical Luke Young strike won the match.
Our home game with Maidenhead last season was another frustrating experience. We looked in control until we fell behind in the 24th minute, and although we never rediscovered our rhythm, we still created enough chances to come out of the game with something.
Potential Milestones
Paul Mullin’s 350th career appearance.
James Jones’ 250th career appearance.
Reece Hall-Johnson’s 50th Wrexham game.