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Archived News from February 2008

MORE PREVIEWS: SUPER SATURDAY!
29th February 2008 17:38


mansfieldtown.net reports that Dawson is defintely out. Full story here --->
http://www.mansfieldtown.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10325~1253606,00.html

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League Two: A 'super Saturday' at the bottom
Alex Wolstenholme
http://www.squarefootball.net/article/inbrief.asp?iid=2619

Games do not come more important than that between Wrexham and Mansfield Town at the foot of League Two on Saturday.

Brian Little's Wrexham lie four points adrift of their opponents who are themselves a further two points off safety and another season as a Football League club.

Relegation to what is now known as the Blue Square Premier is not the disaster it was once deemed to be but would still mark a sad milestone in the history of either Wrexham or Mansfield, two clubs who are proud standard bearers for their respective towns.

"Against the better teams we've played a system that can frustrate them and has got us points," Little said after the midweek defeat by Peterborough.

"We have to analyse this next phase of games and decide whether we play that system or whether we're a little bit braver in our play."

Just above the trapdoor, fourth-bottom Notts County travel to third-bottom Macclesfield.
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Mansfield win is crucial says Carl Tremarco
Feb 29 2008 by Mark Currie, Daily Post

DEFENDER Carl Tremarco has branded Wrexham's League Two basement clash with Mansfield Town tomorrow a cup final for both sides.

Speaking after the Dragons' six-match unbeaten run came to an end with a 2-0 defeat at the hands of promotion-chasing Peterborough United on Tuesday evening, Tremarco said: “We knew the run was going to come to an end sometime and we've got to crack on now.

“We just have to put this one to the back of our minds because Mansfield is a big game and we have a lot more to come against the teams around us.

“Just because we lost to Peterborough doesn't mean we have to panic because there are still a lot of points to play for.

“And, to be honest, if we don't pick up the points against the teams around us, we won't deserve to stay up.”

Despite Tuesday's reverse in which Posh defender Jamie Day scored from two second half free kicks, Tremarco said Wrexham could be pleased with their overall performance.

“They didn't really hurt us at all in open play and it was the same against Grimsby last Saturday,” he added.

“We were the better team then, but we are at the bottom of the league and that's the way things go when you are down there.

“You need a little bit of luck, but we have not had that in the last two games. So now we have to prepare for Saturday's game with Mansfield.

“It's going to be our cup final isn't it – the bottom two just going at it.”

The defender's view is shared by Racecourse favourite Danny Williams, who is targeting a return to the first team squad in time for next weekend's derby visit to Chester City.

“I'm sure everyone thinks Saturday's is a must-win game,” he said.

“There was no disgrace in losing to Peterborough the other night because the points that count will be up for grabs when we play the teams in and around us.

“They are the games we have to win if we are to survive and that starts against Mansfield on Saturday.

“We can only take one game at a time but if we beat them hopefully that will breed a bit of confidence.”

Williams, who continued his comeback following back surgery with a reserve-team outing at Bury on Wednesday, reckons he is now close to full fitness and almost ready to play his part in the club's battle against relegation.

“The derby game has come just at the right time because I hope to be fit and back in the squad sometime next week,” he added.

“I don't expect to go straight back into the side because there are a lot of other players here, but I'll just wait for my opportunity – whether in midfield or defence it doesn't really bother me.”

Although impatient to return to league action, Williams accepts that manager Brian Little is unlikely to make too many changes for the Deva Stadium clash if the Dragons pick up three vital points tomorrow.

He said: “I'll probably have another reserve team game in the week because I just want to make sure my back is right. It's been a problem for three or four years.

“As far as first team football is concerned it's not about me, it's about Wrexham winning.

“Survival is all that matters to me, so it's not about individuals it's about the football club now and what's best for everyone.”

 

Latest | February 2008