Wrexham AFC return to action under the STōK Cae Ras lights tonight, when we host fellow Sky Bet League Two opposition, Bradford City in the Carabao Cup Second Round.
The Red Dragons made it through to this stage thanks to a 4-2 penalty shootout victory against higher-ranked opposition, Wigan Athletic.
The two sides played out a goalless draw in normal time, with spot kicks needed to separate them and conclude the contest.
Elliot Lee, Tom O’Connor, Luke Young, and Sam Dalby all bagged from the spot, with Mark Howard untroubled in the shootout, as Latics fired two over the crossbar to hand Wrexham victory.
Tonight’s fixture will see familiar faces in both dugouts; with Wrexham fan and Wales legend, Mark Hughes, returning as Bradford manager while Phil Parkinson faces the Club he reached the final in the competition with, for the first time as Red Dragons boss.
THE RECAP
At the weekend, the Red Dragons were held to a point on the road by Barrow in a 1-1 draw at the SO Legal Stadium.
Elliot Lee made it five goals from as many games, as he put the Red Dragons ahead from the spot after Ollie Palmer was brought down inside the penalty area.
Jake Bickerstaff had an opportunity to double the advantage shortly after, but his shot from a tight angle was well stopped by Paul Farman.
Palmer tried his luck with a curled effort just after the half-hour mark, but Farman was once again equal to it and parried clear.
Despite numerous chances to add a second, the hosts began the second half with renewed energy and found an equaliser seven minutes after the break.
Emile Acquah caught out the Wrexham defence backtracking towards goal, and he shifted the ball onto his right foot and fired into the top corner, leaving Mark Howard with no chance of saving.
Howard was called into action later in the half and made an outstanding save to deny Jamie Procter, as he palmed away his header to keep the scores level.
With attention turning to tonight’s fixture, Phil Parkinson spoke to the press and explained he is looking forward to facing his former Club.
He said: “I always find at football clubs there are a lot of people behind the scenes who are the lifeblood of the club, and I know how special these people are.
“Like at Wrexham, there are people like Geraint Parry who have worked at the club for years.
“They are the people [at Bradford] I am looking forward to seeing as much as taking the team on.”
EYE ON THE OPPOSITION
For the visitors, they overcame Accrington Stanley via the same method of victory in the first round of the competition, and they could have wrapped it up in normal time.
The game was level heading into the latter stages and Alex Gilliead had a gilt-edge chance from the spot to seal victory, but he missed sending it to a shootout.
However, in the shootout, he found the target, as the Bantams beat Stanley 4-1 on the night.
In Sky Bet League Two, they sit in 12th place, with a mixed bag of results to start the season.
Midfielder Alex Pattison is their lead marksman so far, with three goals in all competitions, including one in the Carabao Cup.
The Bantams made another summer addition to their squad, signing winger Adam Wilson for an undisclosed fee.
The former TNS man scored seven goals in 23 appearances last season and will wear the number 33 shirt for City.
They suffered defeat on the opening day to Crawley Town but have since picked up victories against Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra.
Against the Alex, a first-half Jamie Walker goal on the half-hour mark was enough to earn three points.
After scoring on his return from injury, Walker spoke to the press and added tonight’s fixture will be a tough contest.
He said: “It’s not going to be an easy game but it’s one we’re all looking forward to.
“It’s a chance to get in the third round and then you never know who you might draw.”
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
|
Venue |
Pld |
Won |
Drn |
Lst |
For |
Agst |
+/- |
|
Home |
39 |
20 |
9 |
10 |
68 |
49 |
+19 |
|
Away |
36 |
5 |
7 |
24 |
49 |
89 |
-40 |
|
Total |
75 |
25 |
16 |
34 |
117 |
138 |
-21 |
Biggest home win – 6-1 (Auto Windscreens Shield 2) – 5 Jan 1985, 5-0 (Div 3 North) 1 Jan 1949
Biggest away win – 3-1 (Div 4) – 5 Oct 1968, 3-1 (Div 3) – 23 Sep 1970, 2-0 (Div 3) – 3 Apr 1972
Top Goalscorer – Tommy Bannon (8 goals)
HOW TO TUNE IN
Tonight’s Carabao Cup Second Round clash against Bradford City cannot be live-streamed to UK or Worldwide supporters, as per the competition rules.
However, you can still tune in and listen live to our WrexhamPlayer commentary, which is available via our iFollow platform.
You can purchase your Audio pass for tonight's fixture here .