Good support from Wrexham expected on Saturday

Wrexham are expected to bring between 600 and 800 supporters to Edgar Street on Saturday. Their average away support to date this season is just over 500.

Although the game starts at 12 Noon, once again there is expected to be a large Police presence outside the Hereford United ground especially at the end of the match in case of any trouble.

According to the Offical Wrexham website:

Saturday sees us head for the delights of Herefordshire and a chance to renew our acquaintances with the Bulls with a trip along the scenic A49 to visit Hereford for a fixture that is considered to be something of a local derby, despite the distance between the two towns.

Our last couple of competitive visits to Edgar Street have both been in cup competitions and have ended with vastly contrasting outcomes.The last meeting between the two sides at the Bulls home ground was in the LDV Vans Trophy northern area semi-final back in 2005, on our way to the final at the Millennium Stadium. The home side were still in the Nationwide Conference at the time but got off to a flying start with a goal from Daniel Carey-Bertram. This was quickly cancelled out by a close range effort from Juan Ugarte and the tie was finally settled in our favour with less than 20 minutes left, as Chris Llewellyn netted to secure an area final meeting with Oldham.

Our previous visit to Edgar Street ended in a far less happy outcome for the travelling fans when a solitary Ian Wright goal dumped us out of the FA Cup in November 2001, despite dominating the match for long periods. This game was televised live on BBC Match of Day on Sunday lunchtime, allowing the whole country to witness our misery.

Many Wrexham fans remember with fondness a visit to Edgar Street late in the 1977/78 season when over 6,000 Reds fans descended on the tiny market town, swelling the crowd to more than 10,000 in the process; a second half Mickey Thomas goal secured a 1-1 draw and with it the Third Division championship trophy.

Meanwhile former Hereford United player Mel Pejic have been talking to the Wrexham Evening Leader about Saturday's game. Pejic, who made 410 League appearances for Hereford between 1980 and 1988, is currently the Wrexham physio.

"I am looking forward to the game and it will be a good test for us. Hereford have had a decent first season back in the Football League and will be looking to push on after some good recent results," said Pejic.

"But likewise, we want to get something out of it. We need points too and will be looking for the win. It would be nice to get three points and upset a few people down there!

"It should be a good open game and there is everything to play for even at this stage of the season. There should be a decent crowd and atmosphere and we want to continue what we have started."

Pejic's son Mel was born in Hereford but has not yet played for Wrexham at Edgar Street.

"I suppose there is a double edge to it because it might be Shaun's first competitive match at Edgar Street," continued Pejic senior.

"Shaun has played there in friendlies but I don't think he did when we faced Hereford in the two cup games.

"I always remember Shaun running out as a mascot when I was there so it will be nice for him, playing at the ground where his old man spent most of his playing career.

"I have been back to Hereford quite a few times as a player and staff-wise, and it is always nice returning to Edgar Street and seeing some of the people who are still around from when I was there.

"I think the fans remember me - well I was there 11 years or so and played more games for Hereford than anyone else - but time moves on and it is 15 years since I left. They don't see as much of me except when I am running on the pitch for injuries.

"I had some good times and thoroughly enjoyed it at Hereford. I would not have stayed there as long as I did if I didn't. I am looking forward to the game."

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