Accrington Stanley Reserves 0
Wrexham Reserves 3
Central League (West Division)

Match Report

The reserves bounced back from the amazing defeat by Morecambe a week earlier with a three-point haul from this trip to the Fraser Eagle Stadium, although the 3-0 scoreline might be a bit flattering because it doesn’t reflect Stanley’s efforts on the night. There is little doubt that the Dragons were well worth their victory though.

After withstanding some early pressure from the home side, when Anthony Williams was called upon to make a couple of smart saves, including a one-on-one with Andrew Smith after a poor back header had put the centre forward in the clear, it was the pace of Silvio Spann, playing on the right wing, which caused Accrington plenty of problems.
The experienced Graham Branch had his hands full with Trinidadian international, who was in sparkling form, and after forcing a save out of ex-Shrewsbury Town keeper Ian Dunbavin on 21 minutes, just two minutes later he created the opening goal.

After crossing in from the wing, Alex Darlington helped the ball across the home goalmouth and there was Josh Johnson, unmarked at the back post, to slam his side in front. Darlington then created space for himself with a good run to the corner of the box, before firing wide of the target, as Wrexham stepped up the pressure.

On 32 minutes Marc Williams was sent sprawling on the edge of the box by Mark Roberts and up stepped Silvio Spann to fire in the free kick from 18-yards, which took a massive deflection off the wall, looping high into the night sky before dropping under the crossbar for Wrexham’s second of the evening. The ever-improving Mark Jones showed some of his old magic by turning two defenders before firing off a shot from 22 yards that had Dunbavin diving to his left to save.

After the break, the game sprung back into life on 61 minutes when Silvio Spann fired home a 45-yard effort that must be in the running for Pontin’s Goal of the Season. He had advanced over the half way line and seeing the home keeper of his line, let rip with an unstoppable effort that dipped over the retreating Dunbavin and sailed into the net. There was no way back into the match for Accrington, although Anthony Williams made a good save to preserve his clean sheet as the clock passed the 90-minute mark.

Then in time added on, referee Paul Tierney awarded Stanley a penalty, when Danny Williams appeared to handle on the line, but with many fearing a red card for the defender, the official seemed satisfied with giving the spot kick. Leighton McGivern was handed the ball, but Williams guessed correctly and saved low to his right!