Phil Parkinson’s side return to the STōK Cae Ras ahead of the conclusion of Group B in the newly named Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
They face off against Port Vale, a side who recently created history by reaching the Carabao Cup Quarter Final for the first time in their history.
Both sides come into tonight’s game, which kicks-off at 7.30pm already qualified from Group B with the Red Dragons one point ahead.
Two wins from two games has put them in the driving seat, but a penalty shootout victory for the Valliants against Newcastle U21s gave them a crucial two points to secure qualification.
Ahead of tonight’s game, Phil Parkinson expressed his desire to ring the changes with a completely different team to the one that faced Mansfield Town in the Emirates FA Cup.
It provides an opportunity for players to get vital minutes, but also the chance for some of the young pros to gain first-team experience.
THE RECAP
After an enthralling cup run last season, the Red Dragons began their Emirates FA Cup journey at the One Call Stadium, a venue they had visited only a month previously.
It was a goalless draw in the league, but one which proved to be a significant and important point as they continued their unbeaten streak.
Prior to the match Parkinson addressed the previous visit and added he wanted to be on the front foot and take the game to the hosts.
That is exactly what they did and put in an outstanding display in difficult conditions in what was yet another entertaining cup contest.
Sam Dalby scored the opener with a thunderous finish, but in truth could have scored a hat-trick before the break had it not been for the heroics of Christy Pym.
Before the hour mark they doubled the lead with an incisive strike from Paul Mullin, which meant he has now scored in every round of the competition he has played in for Wrexham.
The Stags did pull one back instantly with a powerful effort from range beating Arthur Okonkwo and seemingly providing a way back into the game for Mansfield.
However, they did not capitalise on that opportunity, and an ever-professional display managed to see the Red Dragons into the hat for Round Two of the competition.
EYE ON THE OPPOSITION
It has been all change over the summer in Burslem, with Andy Crosby assembling his Port Vale side after taking charge full-time after Darrel Clarke’s departure.
Promotion came at a cost, with Vale struggling to find form in Sky Bet League One with an 18th-place finish.
This time around, they have fallen to a similar fate outside of the Carabao Cup as they sit 16th in the division.
On the opening day of the season, they were dispatched 7-0 at Oakwell, and despite a resurgence in form, they are winless in nine straight league games.
Their cup form has been crucial, and they have performed well in the competition to date.
They started the group with a derby match against Crewe Alexandra with a 1-0 victory at Vale Park thanks to a first-half strike from Ben Garrity.
A penalty shootout decided their second fixture, with a Jesse Debrah goal getting cancelled out by Ellis Stanton’s 90th-minute equaliser.
A 3-2 win in the shootout for Vale secured their qualification, and Crosby has hinted that a changed team will be selected for tonight’s tie.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
|
|
|||||||
|
Venue |
Pld |
Won |
Drn |
Lst |
For |
Agst |
+/- |
|
Home |
38 |
19 |
11 |
8 |
61 |
36 |
+25 |
|
Away |
39 |
7 |
11 |
21 |
30 |
61 |
-31 |
|
Total |
77 |
26 |
22 |
29 |
91 |
97 |
-6 |
Biggest home win – 5-0 (War Lge North Div) – 20 Jan 1945 & 5-0 (Div 3) 27 Apr 1973
Biggest away win – 3-0 (Div 3 North) – 23 Jan 1937 & 3-0 (Div 3) – 26 Dec 1970
Top goalscorer- Graham Whittle 9 goals
HOW TO WATCH
Supporters both in the UK and overseas can tune in live to watch the game on WrexhamPlayer, via the iFollow platform.
You can listen to our WrexhamPlayer commentary team led by Mark Griffiths, on both our audio commentary and our video stream.
Match, Month and Season passes are available on our website, and you can find out further details here.
