Salford City v Wrexham
Date: 01/01/2019
Kick-Off: 15:00
Location: Moor Lane
Competition: Vanarama National League
Match-Day Guide: Click Here
Wrexham are on the road for the opening game of 2019 as we face up against title rivals Salford City at Moor Lane.
The Dragons go into the game on the back of an impressive 1-0 victory over play-off candidates Solihull Moors at the Racecourse Ground. Paul Rutherford's close range effort moments into the second half and some fantastic defending it was the Reds' day as Graham Barrow's side took maximum points. On Boxing Day our opposition came in the form of Salford where the Dragons blew away the Ammies with an outstanding display. Shaun Pearson opened the scoring after just two minutes before the lead was doubled through Akil Wright on 25 minutes. In stoppage time of the first half Brad Walker's net-buster slammed home a third before the break. Ben Tollitt's debut off the bench was followed by an excellent goal whilst Chris Holroyd added a fifth in a 5-1 win.
Salford travelled to Barrow on Saturday in a difficult afternoon in the Lake District. Goals from Matt Green and Ibou Tourey weren't enough as 10-man Salford - handed a red card for the second successive match - fell to a late goal to seal victory for the Bluebirds. Salford slipped to their fourth defeat of the season and down to fourth in the National League.
Wrexham winger Paul Rutherford has continued to be an unsung hero in the side having grabbed a vital winner against Solihull Moors. Whether out wide or in the middle Rutherford has been key for the Dragons this season putting in some fantastic performences both this last week and throughout the campaign.
For Salford, new signing Matt Green grabbed his first goal for his side against Barrow and will hope that the goals will flow over the coming weeks, grabbing another in a game his side will be seeking revenge against. Green came close with a volley at the Racecourse with the score at 1-0 but failed to find the back of the net. Signed from Lincoln City earlier this month with the 31-year old already having a promotion via the title during his days at Mansfield Town.
We've met just once in the past with that being the encounter on Boxing Day, Wrexham ending in a 5-1 win, of course.
Kevin Roberts made his return to the side against Solihull Moors as did Luke Young whilst Rekeil Pyke and Doug Tharme remain sidelined.
You can listen to free live commentary from Wrexham AFC on Mixlr as well as keep up to date on our social media channels. Highlights will be available with the first word from the manager and players post-match on our YouTube Channel.
