Manager Dean Says Time Is Right For FA Trophy Tie

Wrexham manager Dean Keates believe team should still have 100 per cent record. Pic: Getty Images.

Manager Dean Says Time Is Right For FA Trophy Tie

Dean Keates will make changes to his Wrexham team for their Buildbase FA Trophy last 32 tie against FC Halifax at the Shay on Saturday.

The match will be decided on the day with the teams agreeing to extra time and a penalty shootout if needed.

Wrexham go into the tie after winning back-to-back Vanarama National League matches which lifted them out of the relegation zone. 

Omari Patrick, signed on loan from Brentford, scored three goals in those matches, 2-0 against both Solihull Moors and Eastleigh, 

Halifax are seventh, although they have earned only three points from their last five League games and haven’t earned a win since October.

“This trophy tie has come at a good time for us,” said Keates. “There are a few illnesses in the camp, a few of the lads off with chest infections and a sickness bug going around.

“So it gives me a chance to give one or two other players minutes on the pitch and an opportunity for other players to stake their claim going forward.

“There will be one or two changes, no denying that, and I would imagine even Halifax will be looking at the same.”

Goalkeeper Christian Dibble, the son of Cardiff City goalkeeping coach Andy, is likely to start.

Stafford-born Liam McAllinden is the Halifax striker Wrexham must be wary of. He came through the Wolves Academy and made 14 first team appearances.

He has scored nine goals for Halifax this season.

Mark Harris, who plays for Wrexham on loan from Cardiff City, scoured the winner when the Dragons defeated their Yorkshire rivals 1-0 in August, while the clubs last met in the FA Trophy during February 2015 when Neil Ashton’s extra-time winner earned Wrexham a semi-final place.

Wrexham’s Adam Barton is making good progress following surgery, while JJ Hooper could play on Saturday. Manny Smith remains sidelined.

FA Trophy ties: 

1 Solihull Moors v Darlington

2 Stourbridge or South Shields v Southport

3 Bradford (Park Avenue) v Halesowen Town

4 Harrogate Town v Hartlepool United

5 Stockport County v Blyth Spartans or Alfreton Town

6 Chesterfield v Notts County

7 Hednesford v Chester

8 FC Halifax Town v Wrexham

9 AFC Telford United v Leamington

10 Farsley Celtic v Altrincham

11 Matlock Town v Chorley

12 FC United of Manchester v Kettering Town

13 AFC Fylde v Curzon Ashton

14 Atherton Colleries v Barrow AFC

15 Yeovil Town v Welling United

16 Oxford City or Hornchurch v Dulwich Hamlet or Chippenham Town

17 Kings Lynn Town or Hereford v Dover Athletic

18 Carshalton v Aveley

19 Eastleigh v Yate Town

20 Tonbridge Angels v Billericay Town or Hampton & Richmond Borough

21 Barnet v Weymouth

22 Kingstonian v Woking

23 Chelmsford City v Havant & Waterlooville

24 Enfield Town v Ebbsfleet United

25 Eastbourne Borough v Salisbury

26 Maidenhead United v Hemel Hempstead Town

27 Sutton United v Dagenham & Redbridge

28 Maidstone United or Dartford v Concord Rangers or Slough Town

29 Torquay United v Aldershot Town

30 Bath City or Gosport v Sholing or Paulton Rovers

31 Dorking Wanderers v Bromley

32 Royston Town v Boreham Wood

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