The Managers View – Postmatch Thoughts From Morrell and Bignot

Wrexham player-manager Andy Morrell cut a relieved figure as he reflected on Wrexham’s progression to the Third Round of the FA Trophy following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Conference North side Solihull Moors. Goals from Brett Ormerod, Adrian Cieslewicz and a penalty from Dean Keates secured the victory for the home side.

Morrell’s relief after the final whistle was palpable, ‘It was a tough game. We had the majority of possession but just couldn’t break them down, even then it seemed that their ‘keeper was in the right place at the right time. We weren’t great in the first half and they scored a worldy, giving them something to defend.’

‘It needed a bit of care in the final third to break them down, and I thought we were a lot better in the second half, on the front foot. I think we probably deserved to win, but it was still a nervy ending. We just have to be a bit more clinical in front of goal, and we have to shut the back door more importantly.’

‘I thought we were half decent, but the pitch was a big player in it today. It was tough playing on there, you try and pass a 10-yard ball and it would end up knee-high. Tricky, but I’m just happy to get through, simple as that.’

Having had to come from behind twice in the game, due to two strikes from Junior English, Morrell was full of praise for his side’s efforts, ‘There’s a bit of character in this squad – we’ve done that a few times this year. Last year was a bit different, we tended to score first a lot of the time and people would have to come out and chase us. We’ve conceded too many goals, for me, to start with this year, but we do react to that.’

Looking ahead to another busy festive period, Morrell was eager to stress that the squad is now focused on their impending trip to fellow title challengers Grimsby Town on Friday, ‘It’s all about Grimsby now. I’ve said it in the changing room; if we play like that against Grimsby we could get hurt, so we’ve got to be a bit more solid, resolute and clinical in the final third.’

‘It’s a big game. It’s not going to win us the league, it’s not going to lose us the league on Friday, but it’s another chance for us to win a game, get 3 points on the board, play well and set us up for the Christmas period.

Meanwhile, Wrexham have found an ally in their bid to win promotion back to the Football League, in the unlikely form of Solihull Moors manager Marcus Bignot.

‘All credit to Wrexham. They’re a very good footballing team and I wish them all the best in the next round, and hopefully, promotion. I think the way they play football is a credit to the football club, so the quicker they can get back into the Football League the better. I believe the Football League’s missed Wrexham, and they’d be a credit to it.’

You can read our full match report of the Wrexham v Solihull Moors game by clicking here.