Wrexham's hopes of a strong run in the FA Cup were boosted when they were drawn at home to Lowestoft Town in the first round.

Lowestoft beat Gloucester City 4-2 in their replay on Tuesday to qualify.

A stunning injury-time strike from Wes Baynes at FC Halifax Town saw Wrexham through to the first round, to be played on 7 November.

"[A Cup run] would be a great lift for the club because we haven't had a good start to the season," said Baynes.

"It was tough to [go to Halifax] and win, especially as we are trying to concentrate on the league.

"It was like going back to our academy days [with the facilities at the smaller club], but the lads are professional and don't mind.

"I struck [my goal] well and knew as soon as I did that it was in.

"I've never scored a tap-in in my life, they're all from outside the box - I'm just waiting for one of the lads to pass to me and give me an easy goal!

"I've been disappointed not to play week-in, week-out, so when I get chance I've got to prove a point that I should be playing."

I'm fortunate enough to have got an FA Cup winners medal... It's the best competition in the world and exciting for everyone Wrexham manager Dean Saunders

Wrexham manager Dean Saunders was pleased to win at Halifax but not totally satisfied with the performance.

"We tried to commit suicide a couple of times but managed not to do it," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"Eventually all the pressure got us the goal we deserved, but we wasted a load of chances again - if you keep doing that you're heading for trouble.

"We've still got lots of work to do, we're not 100% happy with the way things went.

"Without being too critical there are certain jobs that you have to do in certain positions.

"For example, a right winger has got to get crosses in and score goals.

"There weren't enough players doing basic jobs well enough.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Wrexham's FA Cup chances?

"I'm fortunate enough to have got an FA Cup winners medal [with Liverpool]... Along the way [to that] you think you've lost three or four times and something happens in the last five minutes.

"It's the best competition in the world and exciting for everyone.

"I've told the team that I'm confident we can progress in this - hopefully we don't get a slap in the face in the next round!"

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version