Wrexham striker crisis gives Sutton United Trophy hope (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Trophy tie takes a new twist for Doswell as Wrexham lose top striker

4:20pm Friday 11th January 2013 in Sutton United By Tim Ashton

Sutton United have been handed a boost ahead of this weekend’s third round FA Trophy clash with Wrexham.

In the week of United’s biggest game of the season so far, their opponents from the Blue Square Premier find themsleves in the middle of a striker crisis.

Leading goalscorer Danny Wright is suspended after being sent off on Tuesday night at Alfreton Town, while player-manager Andy Morrell, who scored a hat-trick in an earlier round, and former Blackpool hitman Brett Omerod are injury doubts.

Sources at the club say Morrell is unlikely to risk himself or a half-fit Omerod as the Dragons’ priority is promotion to the Football League.

However, United boss Paul Doswell remains unphased, and is expecting a tough fight.

“Wrexham are at a higher level for a reason – if you look at their players, most have a lot of Football League experience – Dean Keates is a prime example – they are packed with experience,” he said.

“It is not a young team, they have players who are doing a great job because it is a tough league they’re in, and they are at the very top of it.

“We know they are taking the competition seriously – if they can get to the final and win it, it is probably worth £200,000 in income.

“They are coming down on Friday night and paying out for a hotel – so that is how seriously they are taking it.

“They are not leaving on the day of the game and it is a big cost to them – they are preparing properly as though it was a normal Saturday game. We respect them for that.”

Wrexham went back to the top of the Blue Square Premier after Tuesday night’s win, but the striker issue means they will be delving into their reserves to bolster their threadbare front line – which could play into United’s hands.

Doswell said: “It is a one off, it’s a cup game. There is no pressure in the sense of league points – but we’re gearing up to win it. We’re at home, and on our day we could give Wrexham a really good game.

“If we turn up and play the best we can and they turn up and are a little off their game, we could very well be in with a shout.”

He added: “I’m hoping for a big crowd – it is important that the Sutton public show that they care about their club and support the team – we’re hoping for a four-figure crowd.”