Wrexham Preview

Boro kick off their new season tomorrow afternoon with a trip to North Wales and newly relegated Wrexham. After a reasonably good pre-season Boro are quietly confident of getting a result on the opening day, although they will have to improve their recent opening day record of recent seasons. Wrexham meanwhile are a much changed team from last season. Brian Little has strengthened his squad by bringing in a mix of youth and experience, including ex Boro striker Jefferson Lewis and former Shrewsbury defender Darren Kempson.

Graham Westley will have a few selection problems when picking his team tomorrow. Who to partner Steve Morison is the main one with Anthony Thomas being the favourite after an exciting pre-season. Lee Boylan and Mitchell Cole are also pushing for places up front. With David Bridges out injured then the centre of midfield will consist of 2 from John Martin, Michael Bostwick, Daryl McMahon and Gary Mills. All have shown glimpses of form during pre-season.

Boro’s recent record on the first day, especially away from home doesn’t fill the travelling support with much optimism. Boro have won only once on the opening weekend of the season in the last 6 seasons, the last one coming in 2005 against Altrincham at home. You have to go back to 2001 for the last opening day victory before that. On that day Boro beat Stalybridge 2-0 at Broadhall Way thanks to goals from John Hamsher and Martin Williams.

Wrexham will certainly be a tough place to begin the new season. They will be looking to get off to a good start after relegation last time around and a convincing home victory will be the order of the day. There will also be a big home crowd to contend with at the Racecourse tomorrow and Boro’s record at “big” grounds is pretty poor. Whatever the result tomorrow I’m confident Boro can give promotion a real good go this season and the first challenge is to get 3 points at Wrexham.

Prediction: Wrexham 2-1 Stevenage