WREXHAM captain Neil Roberts, who has missed the last three games through injury, came off the bench this afternoon to secure the Dragons’ first home win of 2007 against already-relegated Torquay United.
His 79th minute strike ensured a valuable three points in Wrexham’s battle against relegation and victory was just about deserved after the home side dominated for long spells of the game, only to find United goalkeeper Simon Rayner in excellent form
Without a home win since December 23, Wrexham looked nervous in front of goal, although Chris Llewellyn was not far away with an eighth minute effort which flew just wide of the far post.
But Danny Williams fired over the bar from eight yards when the visitors’ defence was carved open by Matty Done four minutes later and goalkeeper Simon Rayner made a fine save to deny Lee McEvilly in a one-way opening spell.
But Torquay weathered the storm and Steve Cooke tested home keeper Anthony Williams after 28 minutes before the Dragons exerted more pressure.
Story continues
ADVERTISEMENT
Michael Proctor had a great opportunity to break the deadlock nine minutes before the break, but Rayner again came to United’s rescue with an excellent stop and McEvilly also steered a header wide of the target before the break.
As the deadlock continued Wrexham made a change, Neil Roberts coming on for Proctor and almost immediately he made another opening for McEvilly, who was again foiled by Rayner.
And the longer the game went on, the more the crowd’s frustration was transmitted to the home team, whose passing and distribution had been poor throughout.
But the mood changed dramatically when Wrexham went ahead in the 79th minute through Roberts, who slammed home a Simon Spender cross at the near post to score his first goal since last October, but possibly his most important of the season.
