Wrexham goalkeeper Rob Lainton. (Photo by David Howarth/PA Images via Getty Images)

Dragons Shut Out National League Rivals Harrogate

Rob Lainton has proved a major success for Wrexham in Vanarama National League and Emirates FA Cup.

The ex-Bolton, Burton, Cheltenham and Port Vale goalkeeper, has kept 11 clean sheets for Wrexham already this season.

His latest shutout came against Harrogate Town in the cup when Wrexham earned a replay at their Racecourse home on Tuesday evening.

The Dragon have drawn 0-0 at Harrogate in league plus cup and Wrexham manager Sam Ricketts says: “It was a tough game, but we knew it was a tough draw.

“What’s really pleasing is that we’ve come to a side doing really well in our league, free scoring, and that’s two games now we’ve come to their place and they’ve still not scored against us.

“We’re more than happy with another game. We have a really good squad, really good players. Some couldn’t get on the pitch and they may play Tuesday. That’s the beauty of having such a good squad.

“I’d have liked us to have had a bit more control, but sometimes it’s really hard. Harrogate are a good side, especially at home.

“It’s really pleasing that we’ve kept another clean sheet. We just couldn’t quite put one away at the other end.”

Ricketts opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation in Harrogate, before switching to the regular 4-3-3 when Luke Summerfield was taken off as a precaution at half-time.

The Dragons manager explained the thinking behind that tactical switch, saying: “You have to respect what they’re good at.

“It was a really good, solid away performance. We just couldn’t find that final pass or that final shot.

“Ultimately it was a really solid performance, and we just couldn’t find that cutting edge.”

The replay will take place at the Racecourse on Tuesday, October 23 (7.45pm). 

Harrogate Town: Belshaw, Fallowfield, Falkingham, Burrell, Thomson (Agnew 76), Emmett, Leesley, Thewlis (Muldoon 66), Langmead, Williams (Beck 66), Kitching. Subs not used: Howe, Cracknell, Kerry

Wrexham: Lainton, Roberts, Pearson, Summerfield (Pyke 45), Young, Fondop (Beavon 69), Carrington, Rutherford, Walker, Wright, Tharme (Maguire-Drew 81). Subs not used: Dibble (gk), Burgess, Deverdics, Hinds

Referee: James Oldham

Attendance: 1,540.

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