Wrexham v Wealdstone - Match Preview

THE DETAILS Wealdstone v Eastleigh Vanarama National League The Racecourse Ground (Y Cae Ras) Saturday 27th February, 3:00pm kick-off

HOW TO WATCH Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions put in place by Welsh authorities, all elite football in Wales is required to be played behind closed doors. Wrexham are streaming this fixture live and you can purchase your streaming pass HERE.

THE CONTEXT The Stones travel across the border this weekend in the hope that Wrexham become their first National League double after the hosts became Wealdstone's first National League win in over 30 years, in the 4-3 thriller at Grosvenor Vale in October. Despite a slow start, the Dragons have picked up in form and find themselves occupying the final play-off position in 7th, they have also been taken over by Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney since the sides have last met. Wealdstone are still looking for their first league win since the 2-1 victory over Weymouth in December, but come into the game confident after positive defensive displays against Torquay United and Sutton United in recent games.

TEAM NEWS Ashley Charles returns from suspension after he was sent off in the weekend's defeat to Sutton United. Moses Emmanuel and George Langston remain doubts and Josh Meekings is definitely out after picking up an ankle injury in midweek, although it is looking better than first feared. Michee Efete could be involved after missing the last three games with a knee injury.

FORM GUIDE Stones: Eastleigh (H) 0-0 D Sutton United (A) 4-1 L (Parish) Torquay United (A) 1-1 D (Mendy) Darlington (A) 4-1 L (Emmanuel) Altrincham (A) 2-0 L

Wrexham:

Hartlepool United (H) 0-0 D Aldershot Town (A) 3-0 L Woking (H) 2-0 W (Angus, Young) Altrincham (A) 1-2 W (Thomas 2) Dagenham & Redbridge (H) 2-2 D (Reckord, Hall-Johnson)

WHAT WAS SAID Matt Saunders: "They've changed their shape a bit since the last time we met, which we'll need to be aware of. We'll have a game plan in place to give the lads the best opportunity to win the game. There's no free hits or token gestures in this division, we went to Torquay and nearly won the game. You shouldn't go into any game thinking it's a free hit because we've got to win games and got to get points, mindsets like that go through the club and fans don't want to hear it."

WHO TO WATCH FOR? Fiacre Kelleher: Joined as a summer signing following the demise of Macclesfield Town, he has played in every minute of every league game for the Red Dragons this season and has made the centre back position his own. The Irish defender began his career with Celtic in Scotland and is the older brother of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin. He had a spell with Peterhead before moving to England for Oxford United in 2017 where he failed to make an appearance, instead going out on loan to Solihull Moors and then in EFL League Two for Macclesfield Town, who he joined permanently before the club's relegation into the National League.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Played - 1

Won - 1

Drawn - 0

Lost - 0

LAST MEETING

October 2020 - Stones 4-3 Wrexham (Wakefield, Mendy, Dyer, Efete)

Preview by Chris Woods