Smith: It wasn't a game for purists

WREXHAM manager Denis Smith was less than impressed with the scoreline, but full of admiration for his Basque import Juan Ugarte who fired in five of the goals in the 6-4 win at Hartlepool.

"It was schoolboy football really and a case of which side would score the most goals," said Smith..

"There was some poor defending on both sides and some things left a lot to be desired. But we've now got someone who knows how to stick the ball in the back of the net and it tends to make a difference.

"Some of the goals for either side were poor goals from a defensive point of view but Juan's finishing was first-class. On the other hand, scoring six away from home we should not have been worrying about the result but we can't really complain.

"Hartlepool had to chase the game and they pile people forward, but if teams attack us we're not bad. It's when teams sit back we have problems. It was not really a game for the purist, but it was entertaining I would have thought."

The Dragons boss revealed that Trinidad internationals Dennis Lawrence and Carlos Edwards carried injuries throughout the second half but said it was typical of the spirit his players have shown this season.

"They are a good set of lads and you know my problems with injuries, to say nothing of what's happening behind the scenes," he added..

"We had eight missing today and Dennis and Carlos were both struggling.

"Dennis hurt his neck but he was heading balls all through the second half, which shows great character, and Carlos had a tight hamstring and couldn't open up.

"No one thought we'd come here and win, with the exception of me possibly, but I think we can beat any team who come and have a go at us. With Juan, Carlos and Mark Jones in the side we have players capable of scoring goals, which was a problem earlier in the season.

"Defensively we're a lot worse than we were at the beginning of the season, but again that's down to the fact that we've had to change personnel."

Although still five points from League One safety, Smith said: "The managers of all the clubs down there know it's not over. There's a lot of points to be won yet so it's a long way from over."