Wrexham v Boston United

Date: 15/12/2018

Kick-Off: 15:00

Location: My Racecourse

Competition: Buildbase FA Trophy

Match-Day Guide: Click Here

Another potential route to Wembley begins for National League sides with Wrexham's first involvment of the competition coming against National League North side Boston United.

Wrexham come into the game on the back of exiting the Emirates FA Cup at the Second Round stage. Having initally played out a goalless draw at the Racecourse, Newport County would take the tie in South Wales in dramatic fashion. Luke Young was handed a straight red card on 12 minutes and with a man down Wrexham got themselves to half-time at 0-0. However, four second half goals from Padraig Amond, Jamille Matt, a Mark Carrington own goal and Dan Butler saw the Exiles through. Our last game at the Racecourse Ground came against Eastleigh where goals from James Jennings and Bobby Grant sealed an impressive 2-0 win.

As for Boston United, Nicky Walker and Gavin Allott netted in a 2-0 home victory over York City in the National League North to extend a three match unbeaten run. The Pilgrims last game on the road ended with an impressive 1-1 draw against then-league leaders Chorley with Walker on the score-sheet. To progress through to the First Round of this year's FA Trophy Boston battered Ashton United 5-0 on the road.

Wrexham could make some changes to the side giving a must needed rest to key players ahead of a packed Christmas period. Goalkeeper Rob Lainton has played every game so far this season in all competitions but substitute 'keeper Christian Dibble could be handed game time this weekend. Having signed a new two-year deal in the summer, Dibble will be keen to get on to the Racecourse pitch and this could be his oppurtunity against his former club. Some young players could be involved having named three on the bench on Tuesday. Youth team captain Matt Sargent, Jack Thorn and Bobby Beaumont could be involved.

As for Boston, experienced right-back Ben Davies will be key for his side if they are to progress through to the second round. Davies has over 500 appearances in the Football League having signed from Grimsby Town in the summer. The full-back spent the majority of his career with the likes of Derby County in the Championship whilst he also played in League One with Notts County and Sheffield United.

Wrexham and Boston United met on a number of occasions following the Pilgrims' promotion to the Football League in 2002. Our first meeting in August 2002 ended in a 1-1 draw at the Racecourse Ground with Lee Trundle scoring for Wrexham before Simon Rusk's leveller. Our first trip to Boston in April 2003 ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw. The most notable fixture between the two sides came in May 2007 where it was winner takes all at the foot of the Football League. The loser was relegated and on a baking hot day in North Wales it was the Dragons who secured their fate - for twelve months at least. Francis Green gave United the lead before Ryan Valentine's penalty made it 1-1. However, late on Chris Llewelyn and Michael Proctor netted to keep Wrexham up. The two sides haven't met since. 

Wrexham defender Kevin Roberts remains sidelined for this weekend's game whilst Manny Smith has struggled with a slight knock. Luke Young will be suspended beginning a three match lay-off following his straight red on Tuesday.

You can listen to free live commentary from Wrexham AFC on Mixlr as well as Calon FM - 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.