The Kids Are Alright

I went to see the youth team play Bangor last night, and felt more positive than I have for a while! While the first team scrap away in The Conference, the young lads look to have something to them.

Okay, let's not get too carried away. It's only youth football, and they were up against opposition which was certainly decent-Bangor gave a very feisty performance and were in the game deep into the second half-but flagged as the game wore on and Wrexham's superior quality told. The final score of 6-0 was at the same time harsh on City but a fair reflection of how a better side, if it's patient and works away at gutsy opposition, can break them down and open the floodgates.

I suppose that's what I liked about Joey Jones' team. He's got them playing good football, knocking it around on the floor and probing for openings, while also possessing a genuine winger in Nick Rushton who could beat his man and deliver good crosses. It was a stark contrast to what happens when the likes of Barrow sit deep and frustrate our first team.

Other impressive performances came from the centre of midfield, where Rob Pearson and Liam Shipton dominated play and showed an impressive range of passing, able to switch play to the flanks but also combining often with striker James Colbeck when he dropped off or Rushton with some snappy short passing.

The back four was reassuringly big and solid, and keeper Danny Ward was commanding and loud-the sort of combination you want in a young goalkeeper.

It was a most enjoyable evening. Not only was it nice to watch a Wrexham team and not feel stressed about the outcome, it was also a pleasant novelty to see one win!