Mike Fondop in action For Wrexham. Pic: Wrexham AFC.

Wrexham Ace Focussed On Goals Against Former Club

Wrexham striker Mike Fondop-Talom is gunning for his old mates at the Racecourse in North Wales this evening (Tuesday, 7.45pm).

The Dragons are leaders in Vanarama National League football and are at home to a team they knocked off the top.

Fondop-Talom played for Halifax last season, but switched to Wrexham on a two-year contract in the summer and has fired five goals this season.

Former Halifax captain Kevin Roberts is also in the Wrexham line-up for a match which will attract a big attendance, potentially more than the 4,648 who watched their win against Aldershot on Saturday.

Jamie Fullarton, the Scot who is in charge at Halifax, says: “This is a great away game to go to and there will be a great atmosphere, which, no doubt, our travelling fans will contribute heavily to.

“It’s exciting. We’re looking forward to it.

“We’re only eight games in. Wrexham will be nine games in.”

The Shaymen travel to Wrexham after an encouraging 1-1 draw at Sutton on Saturday, which left them fourth in the table with 16 points from a possible 24.

There are five teams on the same total, while Wrexham lead the way on 17.

Manager Sam Ricketts and his team have the joint-best defensive record in the division with only four goals conceded. The Welsh side have kept five clean sheets so far, including three out of four at home.

Wrexham defender Manny Smith is ruled out by injury against Halifax. Pic: Getty Images.

Captain Shaun Pearson won the club’s player of the season award last season and is a big presence at the heart of their defence. He scored five goals in 45 appearances during 2017-18 and was a huge part of a record-breaking Dragons side that kept 22 clean sheets. 

Wrexham signed defender Jake Lawlor as defensive cover after Manny Smith suffered a knee injury and he will be in the squad against Halifax.

“Wrexham are a massive club,” said Lawlor, who has joined Wrexham from Salford. “I have had four seasons in the National League so hopefully I should hit the ground running.”

Lawlor scored the winning goal in the National League North play-off final in 2014 to help Guiseley win promotion to non-league’s top tier.

“Wrexham are expected to win games and that is what you want because it’s important to push yourself.”

Wrexham AFC manager Sam Ricketts.

Smith is due to see a specialist this week to determine the severity of his injury and Lawlor is ready to take his chance, saying: “You want competition for places.

“The gaffer is going to want people chomping at the bit trying to get in the team. That will bring the best out of Manny, the best out of me and that will bring the best out in all the central defenders.”

Lawlor watched Wrexham’s 2-0 home win against Aldershot and said: “We were good at the back and solid. Aldershot never really looked like scoring.

“We were a lot better in the second half and created more chances.

“A clean sheet is good, what else can you do as a defence?”

Smith is ruled out, while James Jennings may come through a late fitness test. Subject to clearance. Lawlor and Brad Walker, a midfield player signed on loan for Crewe, may make their debuts.

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