Wrexham AFC is gearing up for their pivotal EFL Trophy semi-final clash against holders Peterborough United this evening at The Racecourse. With the winners earning the right to face Birmingham City at Wembley on April 13, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Phil Parkinson’s side.
For Wrexham defender Max Cleworth, the prospect of playing at Wembley again fuels his determination. Having previously lost 1-0 to Bromley in the FA Trophy final at the iconic stadium, Cleworth is eager for redemption. "Obviously it is going to be really tough," he acknowledged, reflecting on Peterborough’s recent victory over Huddersfield. "I'm sure they'll be right up for it. I know they've got some really good attacking players who can have match-winning moments so we'll have to be on it again but it would be nice to get back to Wembley. When you're a game away from Wembley, they don't come much bigger."
Wrexham is currently riding high after bouncing back from their recent defeat to Leyton Orient with a 2-1 victory against Mansfield Town, which helped to boost their promotion push in League One. "It's a great place to be at the minute," Cleworth said. "I know we lost on Tuesday but it's a really good group, and there's never finger pointing. It's always pick ourselves up together and move on to the next game, and we've always seemed to do well with it."
Tonight's match will see Wrexham adjust their lineup, especially due to the confirmed ACL injury of Andy Cannon. Matty James is expected to step up and fill the void. Meanwhile, Jack Marriott, who signed for Wrexham after previously playing for Peterborough, is eager to prove his worth against his old club. The 30-year-old forward had a noteworthy five months at Fleetwood before rejoining the Red Dragons and now aims to contribute significantly in the semi-final showdown.
Marriott has garnered substantial experience from his time at Peterborough, where he scored 49 goals during his 114 appearances, and he hopes to leverage this knowledge to aid Wrexham’s bid for triumph. "Jack Marriott is hoping to play a huge part in securing Wrexham’s passage to Wembley and knocking out his former side Peterborough United," pointed out sources close to the team.
Phil Parkinson faces tactical decisions as he prepares to select his forward line. Sam Smith has recently emerged as a notable threat, scoring for Wrexham and improving his performances. Speculation surrounds whether Jay Rodriguez will retain his position after struggling to find his place since joining the team. It has been suggested the pairing with Smith may not be optimal, with potential adjustments necessary to maximize their effectiveness on the pitch.
The anticipation for the semi-final grows as both teams understand the essence of the clash. For Wrexham, it’s about solidifying their ambition for promotion, whereas Peterborough is desperate to avoid relegation to League Two. The outcome tonight could dictate the trajectories of both teams as the season nears its climax.
Fans and players alike are ready for what promises to be a thrilling night of football as Wrexham AFC continues their quest for glory, hoping to secure not just advancement to the final but to relish the opportunity of gracing Wembley once again.