Wrexham 2 Mansfield Town 0
Wrexham beat Mansfield Town for the third time this season, with a much improved performance which has sadly come too late to have a bearing on their playoff hopes.
Dean Saunders again rung the changes, Sam Williamson and Wes Baynes were relegated to the bench, while Obi Anoruo and Jeff Louis started up front.
Wrexham started brightly and both Jeff Louis and Ryan Flynn had half chances in the first five minutes. On nine minutes Wrexham's early pressure paid off when Garner handled in the box and the ref pointed to the spot. Teenager Anoruo stepped up and coolly sent Marriott the wrong way to put Wrexham a goal ahead.
Wrexham continued to press, and the quick tempo game which has deserted them in recent weeks was returning and was causing the Mansfield defence problems. The Dragons doubled their lead after twenty three minutes, when a John Curtis cross was met by Andrew Crofts, whose diving header evaded Marriotts dive and nestled in the net.
Mansfield brought on striker Daryl Clare, but it was Wrexham who continued to press, Louis again having another half chance, and Crofts having a shot that Marriott easily saved.
Wrexham were fortunate after thirty five minutes when Rob Duffy headed home unchallenged but the linesman flagged for offside.
Wrexham then finished the half on top, Neil Taylor went close with an effort from just outside the area, and then in time added on Marriott had to deal with a well taken Spann corner.
Wrexham continued where they left off, and both Louis and the excellent Flynn tested Marriott early in the second half. Baynes replaced the ineffective Spann on the hour. The winger made an immediate impact cutting inside but his shot was blocked. Baynes then found Louis who shot wide with Flynn well placed.
Wrexham were creating plenty of good situations, Louis had another long range effort that he put well over before Nielsen was called upon in the Wrexham goal, keeping out a Briscoe shot with a fine diving save. Dean Saunders then decided to tighten things up bringing Fairhurst on for Onoruo. Mansfield were offering very little up front, and a forty yard effort from Baynes almost caught Marriott out. Wrexham played out the final few minutes before the ref blew his whistle on a very satisfying performance leaving the fans wondering what might have been…..