MATT CROWELL would normally have been the name on the lips of every Wrexham fan this week.

After breaking into the first team, the 19-year-old has put in two man-of-the-match displays and scored a fantastic first professional goal in the 3-0 win against Grimsby on Saturday.

But dominating the headlines this week has been the cash crisis at the Dragons, the lack of fans through the gates and proposals for a ground redevelopment.

Not that it's bothered the former Welsh Youth international from Swansea - at least he's been made a fuss of at the training ground.

"Yes, I've taken a bit of stick from the lads," he said. "I'm a bit of a golden boy at the moment. But I've had a really good week.

"That goal was special because it was my first. I'll definitely take that one.

"I've got it on tape, but unfortunately my video recorder's at home in south Wales. I have seen it a few times on TV but I can't wait to go home and see it again."

Crowell has endured a stop-start Racecourse career since boss Denis Smith brought him in on a free from Southampton in the summer.

After impressing during pre-season friendlies he had to wait until November for his first start in the LDV Vans Trophy match against Stockport County. He made his league debut against Luton 10 days later, before being dropped back into the reserves.

Smith often talked about the discipline of the competitive midfielder, once commenting: "I didn't want to send him out there only to be sent off."

But Crowell never doubted he could play a big part in the Dragons' push for the First Division.

"At the start of the season the gaffer told me to have patience," he said. "Now I'm getting my reward. I knew that if I was given a chance I was good enough to take it. I hope I have done that in the last few games - and it's a great time to get into the team because we're at the business end of the season.

"But this is where the real work starts for me. I don't want to be known as a one-hit wonder."

While the off-field problems have certainly been on the minds of the players, Crowell has stressed it's not an issue with tomorrow's trip to Peterborough in mind.

"It's annoying, but all we can concentrate on is football," he said. "It's such a vital stage of the season. Yes, the lads have been talking about it, but the team spirit here is still fantastic.

"We've got to keep winning because we're right up there in the hunt for a play-off place. If we don't, then all the hard work this season will be for nothing."

* WREXHAM'S FAW Premier Cup semi-final clash with Cardiff City at the Racecourse has been confirmed for Wednesday, March 24 with a 6.55pm kick-off.

Adult tickets cost £6 with £4 concessions. Only the Sainsburys Stand will be available to home fans, with visiting fans using the Eric Roberts Stand.