Fixture: Wrexham vs Barnet
Time: 15:00
Date: Saturday 8th October 2022
Competition: Vanarama National League
Venue: Racecourse Ground
The Bees are back on the road this Saturday as Dean Brennan’s side travel to Wales to face 2nd placed promotion favourites Wrexham. A win would mean a lot for the Bees, and could potentially see us rise up to 7thin the league. However, with the Dragons firepower in attack, combined with their rather impressive home form, getting a result will be no easy task. Our last fixture saw us clinch the win at home against Maidstone United, whilst Wrexham saw defeat away to title rivals Notts County.
ABOUT OUR OPPOSITION:
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Nickname: The Dragons
Founded: 1864
Stadium: The Racecourse Ground (10,771 capacity)
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Top Scorer: Paul Mullin (9 goals)
League Position: 2nd
Form: LWWDW
Recent Result: Notts County 1-0 Wrexham
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ONE TO WATCH: Paul Mullin
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27 year old Paul Mullin, who currently leads Wrexham for goals, and sits 3rd in the race to be the league’s top scorer, poses a real threat for the Bee’s defence. The former Liverpool youth product boasts impressive finishing ability, along with determination and a knack to press the defence until the final whistle.
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Born in Litherland, England, Mullin has played for a number of teams in the EFL, including Huddersfield, Morecambe, Swindon, Tranmere, and Cambridge United.
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The striker signed for the Dragons ahead of the 2021/22 season, where he was the league’s top scorer in his debut season. Now, Mullin has made 49 appearances for Wrexham, with a superb 35 goals to go with it.
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Last time the Bees faced Mullin, the striker got his name on the scoresheet in a 6-0 win at The Racecourse Ground, and Brennan’s defence will have to be on the top of their game in order to keep him and the rest of the Wrexham attack quiet this time around.
IN THE DUGOUT: Phil Parkinson
Phil Parkinson began playing as a trainee at Southampton. Despite making no appearances for the Saints, he secured a move to Bury where he made his senior debut.
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After four years, the midfielder transferred to Reading where he stayed for 11 years – which is the club he retired at.
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Following his playing days, Parkinson began his managerial career at Colchester United achieving promotion for them, before also doing so at Bolton Wanderers and Bradford City.
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He was appointed as manager of Wrexham in July 2021 on a 12-month rolling contract, and led the Dragons to the playoff final in his first season at the club.
OUR LAST MEETING:
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5th April 2022, 19:45
Wrexham 6-0 Barnet
Vanarama National League
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Wrexham Line Up: Dibble, Hall-Johnson, McFadzean, Hayden, Tozer, Davies (McAlinden, 66’), Young, Mullin (Angus, 76’), Jones, Cleworth, Palmer (Jarvis, 76’)
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Unused Subs: Camp, French
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Scorers: Palmer (15’), Mullin (28’), Davies (45’), Tozer (51’), Hall-Johnson (74’), McAlinden (86’)
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Bees Line Up: Askew, Howe (Thomas, 67’), Richards-Everton, Hall, Marshall, Walsh, Mason-Clark, Greenidge, Fonguck, De Havilland, Grego-Cox
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Unused Subs: Azaze, Marriot, Granville
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HOW TO GET THERE:
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By car: The Racecourse Ground is located on Mold Road. The postcode is LL11 2AH. By car, take the A483 from Chester or Oswestry to Wrexham. Exit at the ‘Mold’ junction and then follow signs for ‘Town Centre’ and the Racecourse Ground will come quickly into view.
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By train: The nearest train station is Wrexham General, which is located next to the ground. Please note, under current (October 2021) Welsh Government guidelines you must wear a facemask when travelling on Transport for Wales services.
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By bus: Wrexham bus station is located in the centre of town. From the bus station, head towards the prominent multi-storey car park and turn right along Mold Road. The ground will be located on the right-hand side, just after you cross the bridge over the railway tracks, about half a mile along this road.
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COME ON YOU BEES!