VETERAN defender Marvin Andrews says Wrexham have nothing to fear when they face Luton Town in the play-offs, the first leg of which takes place at the Racecourse on Thursday evening.
The 35-year-old former Trinidad international made his first start since February at Kenilworth Road on Saturday where manager Dean Saunders rested virtually the whole of his senior squad and watched his second-choice selection battle for a creditable 1-1 draw with the Hatters in the final match of the Blue Square Bet Premier league programme.
After his 29th outing of the season for the Dragons, Andrews was full of praise for the makeshift side that included five debutants, four of whom are still members of the youth team.
And one of the youngsters, Louis Moss, the son of club owner Geoff, scored the 12th minute goal that looked likely to settle the outcome until 17-year-old Anthony Stevens was harshly judged to have conceded an 87th minute penalty that produced the home side’s equaliser.
“It was a very good performance and the boys did really well,” said Andrews.
“We had a very young side out today and I was particularly pleased for Geoff’s son, who scored our goal. We looked quite an accomplished team considering we were away from home and playing in front of such a big crowd, which was an entirely new experience for the younger lads and one they will learn from.
“For myself and some of the other lads who have not been playing regularly because the first team have been doing so well it was a good run-out and I think everyone, including the manager, is happy with the result.
“We came here and gave a good account of ourselves even though it was not the strongest team we could have put out. But you wouldn’t have thought that from the way we played and that shows we have a very good squad of players at the club.”
Wrexham finished the game with six teenagers on the pitch and Andrews has no doubt that all of them can look forward to a bright future in the game.
“We can take a lot of confidence from this result ahead of the play-off games and I was so pleased with the younger lads,” he added.
“I was really proud of them and you have to feel sorry for young Stevo who gave away the penalty, but he can learn from that and become a better player.
“All the young boys deserve the highest praise and I hope they progress from this to make a career for themselves in the game.
“There’s nothing to fear from Luton on this showing. I think they were probably surprised by the way we played, given how many first team men were missing. Rather than fear these play-off games we need to enjoy them and if we are able to do that the results will look after themselves.”
Wrexham’s second leg at Luton on Tuesday, May 10 will be an all-ticket affair, with no cash turnstiles at Kenilworth Road.
The club have been allocated 1,500 seats for the Oak Road stand.
Tickets are £18 for adults, £13 for seniors (over 65) and young persons (17-21), £10 for golden seniors (over 75), £8 for youths (10-16) and £5 for juniors (under 10).
Wheelchair tickets are available for the Main Stand and need to be purchased directly from the Luton Town ticket office on 01582 416976.
Wrexham’s initial batch of 1,000 tickets went on sale to season ticket holders yesterday. Season ticket holders have until close of play tomorrow to apply for tickets, where any left over will go on general sale thereafter.