Number 1: Chris Dunn

#1 Chris Dunn

Name: Christopher Micheal Dunn
Position: Goalkeeper
Number: 1
Previous teams: Northampton Town, Coventry City, Yeovil Town and Cambridge United

Wrexham's number 1 has been at the club since 2016 this is his second season. Dunn is also a goal keeper coach with the dragons. Chris is just 29 and has had a fairly good career.  Dunn started at Northampton Town in 2005 and stayed there throughout his youth and start of his senior career. Chris Dunn then left Northampton in 2011 after making 98 appearances for them. 
 Next up Coventry City payed an undisclosed fee for Dunn from Northampton. Despite this in the two seasons he was with Coventry he only made three appearances.
 In the August of 2013 Chris then joined up with former manager Gary Johnson at Yeovil Town singing a one year contact. Throughout his season there he made just the eight appearances. 
 After his contract ended at Yeovil in 2014 Dunn signed a new two year deal with Cambridge United. Chris spent the full two seasons with the U's making 54 appearances.
In the summer of 2016 Dunn put pen to paper on a one year deal with the dragons as a player coach. So far Chris has made 23 appearances.
That adds up that throughout his career so far Chris Dunn has made an impressive 211 appearances for all clubs.    

Photo credit goes too Chelsie Wilson Twitter: @chelsannlou_98 

Next up: Gateshead

Tuesday 15th August 
Gateshead F.C

A difficult test tonight for Dean Keates' men as they face the heed at My Racecourse. 

Form:
Wrexham come in to the game on the back of defeat at the weekend against Dover. It's been a difficult start to the new season for Wrexham who have just 3 points after 3 games. The only victory for Wrexham was against Maidenhead United last week. Wrexham will be looking to bounce back tonight. 
As for Gateshead they come in to the game on the back of two successive wins. The heed have only lost one game this season and that was on the opening weekend against Woking. The last two games have been at home for the heed picking up all 6 points. 

Key men:
Wrexham: Scott Boden 

Boden Wrexham's striker is yet to score this campaign and will be hoping to get off the mark tonight. Boden is the key man in the reds attack. 
Sam Wedgbury: 
The midfielder has been vital in the reds midfield so far this season. Wedgbury will be key in controlling the midfield for Wrexham. 

Gateshead:
Russ Penn:  
The former Wrexham midfielder will be the key man in the heed midfield trying to break Wrexham down. 
Danny Johnson:
Johnson the Gateshead forward will be vital to the heed attack at the Racecourese. Johnson has scored one goal in the three games so far this season and will be looking to add to his tally tonight.   


All photos in this blog are taken by Alun Roberts (AJAR Photographics) 

Wrexham 0 Macclesfield Town 1

Wrexham 0 Macclesfield Town 1
                    Baba 12'

Team Linups: Wrexham: Dunn,Roberts,M Smith,Pearson,Jennings,Rutherford (Mackreth 72'), Wedgbury,Carrington (Wright 85'), Kelly,Boden, Holroyd (Massanka 34')
Subs not used: Dibble, Hurst 
Macclesfield: Jalal,Yates,Lowe,Pilkington,Fitzpatrick,Durrell (Richards 80') ,Baba,Burgess,Whitaker,Lloyd,Marsh (Wilson 85')
Subs not used: Kennedy, Hancox, Arthur
Attendance: 6180 (391)



First Half: 
A slow start to the game by Wrexham who failed to get in to the game early on as Macclesfield were on top. The Silkmen were on top throughout the first half. Noe Baba created space for him self about 30 yards and had a shot that was always going in. Despite Dunn's efforts he could do nothing to stop the shot from Baba. A well deserved lead for the silkmen. The Silkmen controlled midfield throughout the first half and prevented the reds from creating any real momentum. A difficult first half for Dean Keates' men. Chris Holroyd was forced off on the 34th minute with what looks like a dislocated shoulder, Chris looks like he will be out for a few weeks. Massanka replaced Holroyd. 

Second Half:
Much improved in the second half from Wrexham who created more but not enough clear cut chances. Wrexham came out on top and the Silkmen looked rattled. The fans got behind the Red men and Wrexham pilled the pressure on. Despite this the Dragons were unable to make the most of there pressure. Macclesfield then got back in to in the game and were arguably unlucky to have a goal by Marsh disallowed for offside. Wrexham responded with Kelly making some good movement and should have been awarded a penalty but the referee did not give it. 

                                                                                 Atmosphere: 

A bumper crowd of 6180 packed the Racecourse for the season opener. Right from the start the fans were behind Dean Keates and his team. When Wrexham went behind the fans stayed behind them and were well and truly the '12th man'








Man of the match: Marcus Kelly
Kelly is the man of the match against the Silkmen. Kelly had a good game on the left and did his best to get involved and create chances. Marcus defiantly should have had a penalty late in the second half. It was a difficult game for the midfielders but Marcus impressed with his intelligent movement and attacking runs. 






Next up: Tuesday 8th August Maidenhead United (A)

 All photos taken by Chelsie Wilson Twitter: @chelsannlou_98  Instagram:@chels_a.l

The links: Wrexham and Macclesfield Town

Wrexham A.F,C
Macclesfield Town F.C  

As the build up for the 2017-18 season continues with just three days to go we look at the links between this weekends opponents. 

Wrexham A.F,C

We take a look at the current members of the Wrexham squad that have links with Saturday's opponents.
First up is James Jennings left back Jennings spent three seasons with the silkmen during the start of his senior career. James joined Macclesfield in 2006 and in his three years he made 38 appearances scoring just the one goal. Despite this during his time at Moss Rose James spent a short time on loan at Altrincham in 2008. 
Also played for Macclesfield is winger Jack Mackreth Jack has had three spells with the silkmen throughout his career. Firstly in 2012 for two seasons making 78 appearances scoring just six goals before joining Grimsby Town. Mackreth then joined back in 2016 for one and a half seasons. During this time Jack made 22 appearances but failed to score any goals. Jack then joined Bury but was shortly loaned back to the Silkmen and made nine appearances scoring the one goal. 
Next up is midfielder Sam Wedgbury. 
Sam joined the Silkmen in 2010 and spent three seasons at Moss Rose. During his spell Wedgbury made 100 appearances scoring two goals in the process. Just like Jennings Sam spent a short loan spell at Altrincham during his time with Macclesfield that was in 2011. 
 Chris Holroyd is another player who has played for Saturday's opponents. Chris was also born in Macclesfield. Holroyd has had two spells with the Silkmen. Firstly in 2012 for a season on loan from Preston North End. During this spell Chris made 19 appearances scoring seven goals. Holroyd joined permanently in 2013 and spent four years at Moss Rose. During this time Chris made an impressive 143 appearances scoring just 23 goals in the process.  
Lastly is striker Scott Boden just like Holroyd Boden has had two spells with the Silkmen. Firstly on loan in 2011 from Chesterfield when Scott made seven appearances but failed to score any goals. Boden then joined permanently in 2013 and spent just the one season with Macclesfield. During this time Scott made 40 appearances scoring 18 goals for the Silkmen. 
Macclesfield Town

First up for the Silkmen is former dragon Shwan Jalal. Shawn spent just one season with Wrexham and that was last time out. Jalal had an injury hit season and made just 24 appearances. 
Next up for the Silkmen is new signing Gime Toure. Although Toure has never signed for the dragons the last two pre seasons Gime has been on trial with the dragons but has failed to earn a contract. 
Finally for the Silkmen is attacker Elliott Durrell just like Jalal Durrell only spent one season with the dragons. During his time at the Racecourse Elliott made 22 appearances scoring four goals in the process. 

All credit for the Macclesfield Town photos goes too Chelsie Wilson @chelsannlou_98 

Pre season round up 2017

Pre season 2017

All in all a solid pre season for Dean Keates' men. Eight games in total including a trip and game in Portugal all in one pre season for the dragons. 

Lex 1                                Wrexham 3 
Harrison 41'                     Rutherford 11'
                                          Freeman 30' 
                                          L Smith 49' 

It was two different sides first half and second but it was a crucial chance for the boys to gain some early minuets in pre season. Goals for Paul Rutherford youngster Freeman and midfielder Leo Smith rounded off a solid start to the 2017 pre season. 

Cefn Druids 1               Wrexham 3
Taylor 86'                      Trialist 28'
                                      Jennings 80' 
                                      Barratt 90' 

Another solid performnce from Dean Keates' men at the rock. Cefn Druids made it difficult from the start but the reds worked at it and gained the advantage. Another good work out with goals from Trialist B James Jennings and youngster Barratt. Yet again another 3-1 win before the team headed off to Portugal.

Louletano 1                 Wrexham 2
Mequite 43'                  Massanka 46'
                                     L Smith 87' 

A victory in the sun for the red men who made it there wins from three. With over 500 reds supporters out in Portugal it was most definitely a successful trip. Massanka put away his first goal of pre season with Leo Smith picking up his second. 

Stafford Rangers 1       Wrexham 2
Tomlinson 10'                Boden 1' 
                                        Jennings 36'

Four out of four now for the dragons who despite this had still failed to keep a clean sheet. Scott Boden scored in the first minuet and Stafford equalized just ten minuets later. James Jennings popped up with another in pre season to grab the win for Wrexham.

Warrington 1            Wrexham 2
 Jerome 80'               Holroyd 43'
                                           Boden 66'

A difficult game for the reds in Warrington but Wrexham grinned out the result in the end. Chris Holroyd popped up with his first of pre season in the first half. Scott Boden also grabbed his second in pre season. 

Nantwich 1           Wrexham 0
Davies 12'

First defeat of pre season for the reds. A difficult game when Wrexham did not really turn up or get in to the game. 

Altrincham 0     Wrexham 2
                           Kelly 32'
                            Holroyd 55'

A solid responce to defeat at Nantwich from Wrexham. Marcus Kelly picked up his first goal in a Wrexham shirt with a brilliant goal. Chris Holroyd picked up his second of pre season. Also Chris Dunn picked up the first clean sheet of pre season. 

Chorley 1       Wrexham 1
Walker 56'      Boden 35'

The first draw of pre season for the reds. It was a difficult end to pre season. Scott Boden added to his tally in pre season with another goal. Wrexham were unlucky as Chorley scored with a brilliant finish.

Players:
1: Chris Dunn
Dunn one of the few that remain from last season will be disappointed with only keeping one clean sheet throughout pre season. Dunn with a solid defense in front of him will be a solid number 1 for Wrexham this season. 
2. James Hurst
James one of Keates' new boys this season the versatile player can play both right back and center midfield. Hurst had a solid pre season making several appearances in both positions. 
3. James Jennings
 James joined permanently from Cheltenham during pre season and is defiantly a popular player at Wrexham. Jennings defiantly had a good pre season popping up with a few goals from left back.
4. Manny Smith 


Manny re joined Wrexham during pre season and is deffinatly a fans favourte here. Smith had a solid pre season and is defiantly going to be key during the fight for promotion. 






5. Shaun Pearson
The new skipper comes in to the camp with loads of experience that will be key to having a sucsesfull campaign. Pearson and Smith at the back for Wrexham will definatly be one of the best in the league. 
7. Jack Mackreth 

Jack will sure to be a key man in the Wrexham attack this season. The pacey winger will create chances and put them away for the red men. Mackreth has had a difficult pre season as he has suffered with an injury he picked up early in pre season. 




8. Sam Wedgbury
The player of pre season for Wrexham. Sam has controlled the midfield in every game he has been a part of during pre season. Wedgbury will defiantly be key during this campaign. 
9. Ntumba Massanka 

Massanka re signed on loan until January during pre season and that also proved to be a big signing with the fans. Massanka will be keen to continue and better his form from last season at Wrexham. It will be intresting to see if Ntumba beats his goal of the season from last year. 
10. Chris Holroyd
Holroyd is Wrexham's new number 10 and has had a really solid pre season. Holroyd has popped up with a few goals. Chris had an on and off pre season due to picking up a couple of injuries but I have no doubt Chris and Boden will score the goals required this season. 




13. Mark Carrington
Vice captain Carrington is the longest serving player at Wrexham currently. Carrington just like Hurst can play in a few positons. In recent years Carrington has played right back but throughout pre season Mark has played right back and center midfield.
14. Paul Rutherford
Rutherford remains at Wrexham from last year and during pre season has looked like a completely different player. Popping up with a goal and a few assists Paul will be pleased with pre season and his improvement from last season. 
15. Olly Marx
Youngster Olly Marx did well during pre season and will have gained valuble experince from players like Manny Smith and Pearson. 

16. Marcus Kelly
Kelly joins Wrexham from Forest Green during pre season and the attacking midfielder has impressed during pre season. Popping up with moments of magic throughout. Kelly again has popped up with a goal and a few assists.
17. Christian Dibble
Dibble played a few games throughout pre season but failed to keep a clean sheet throughout. Although I expect Dibble to be number 1 this season i'm sure Dibble will be able to do a good job when called upon.
18. Kevin Roberts.
Kevin joined the reds halfway through pre season from Halifax so actually has not got that many minuets under his belt. Roberts will be a solid right back for Wrexham throughout the season. 
19. Scott Boden
Boden will be a key man in the promotion hunt this season. Although Boden had a difficult season last time out Scott grabbed a few goals throughout pre season. Boden along with Holroyd and Massanka will score the goals required. 
20. Akil Wright
Wright started pre season as a trialist with Wrexham he soon impressed fans and managment and Keates signed him up on loan from Fleetwood. Wright was a real force in midfield throughout pre season.
21. Leo Smith
Youngster Leo Smith had a really solid pre season and for me up there with Sam Wedgbury for player of pre season. Leo popped up with a few fantastic goals and has been key in the dragons midfield.