Wrexham lost 3-1 at Boundary Park, but there was plenty of noise emanating from the away end.

A big bloke banging a big drum and a small girl banging a small drum helped to create a fantastic atmosphere and, with a deafening beat to inspire them, the massed ranks at the back of the visitors' area put in an awesome display of concerted and aggressive singing.

As the Red Dragons sank to yet another heavy away defeat in Pennine country, I took note of the various voices I could hear either side of me:

"WREXHAM'S NUMBER ONE!" - Rogers may have conceded far too many goals this season, and Smith may have criticised him openly on occasions in the media, but at Oldham the away fans displayed a heart-warming loyalty to the under-fire keeper. Granted, this chant could only be heard in the first half, when KR was in close proximity to the travelling supporters and the game was not yet lost, but even so, the Reds' no.21 must be buoyed by his apparent popularity.

"I DON'T THINK FERGIE'S BROKEN INTO A SWEAT YET" - I overheard this comment midway through the second half as Wrexham tried desperately to find a way back into the game.

Just when you wanted midfield lynchpin Ferguson to hustle, bustle and dominate, the man with the famous surname did a good impression of a player lacking in pace, fitness and the kind of blood-shedding determination that fans demand to see.

The bloke sitting three seats away from me uttered these words in a near-incredulous tone - and the Scot will have to do a lot between now and May if my friend, and many other Reds fans, are to be totally satisfied with his contribution to the side.

"THERE'S ONLY ONE DENNIS LAWRENCE!" - Two months ago, the giant Trinidadian was Public Enemy No.1. Now, after a significant period out of the firing line, he looks like a man reborn.

I can't remember exactly when I last heard spontaneous pro-Lawrence noise at a match, but you might have to go back to the first month of the season. 'Tall Man' only came on as sub at Oldham, but he made no mistakes and, moreover, my heart never skipped a beat when he had the ball at his feet.

"COME ON, DON'T GO, STAY TO CLAP THE LADS OFF" When the home side netted their third goal of the afternoon, a small minority of Reds fans made a quick dash for the exit door. But not the middle-aged man sitting just in front of me. Unfortunately, his heartfelt cry was only heeded by a few of the early departees.

It was also interesting that when manager Smith played his last card, and sent Faulconbridge into the action with only minutes to go, the substitution was greeted by lukewarm applause and then a quiet jeering noise.

The centre forward has clearly lost favour with fans since he demanded a more lucrative contract. In the situation Wrexham find themselves in at present, supporters want to see 100% commitment - not players going on the transfer list.