Thu Mar 21, 2019 4:39 pm
The new format created by UEFA means countries have to play friendly matches when they have no fixture during an international window .
By Paul Corky
Wales chose to play Trinidad and Tobago but more importantly they decided to return to Wrexham for the first time in 11 years and were rewarded with a sell out crowd at the grand old stadium.
The once great Kop , no longer in use, but hopefully that can be developed if Wrexham get promoted, lay covered in large flags but empty of supporters but the three sides that were full, belted out an awesome national Anthem equal to those heard in previous home games, and there was a real feeling of excitement despite a weaker team than first expected.
The game was not great as the mixture of youth and old heads toiled against a physical if limited team but they battled to the end and got a win and at the end of the day the fringe players got valuable game time and the North Walians had a short journey home for a change and the bonus of not losing a shift from work.
Yes there were a few issues with some not getting in on time and some saying the fllodlights were very bright affecting their view of the game ... But that is small scale in the big scheme of things and on balance staging a game under UEFA guidelines is not an easy task and they succeeded.
Three "fans" were arrested after escalating things with stewards and police after refusing to stop drinking in the stands which is a shame but that is no fault of the stadium or infrastructure
Personally I got home in the early hours and left for the game at noon so it's a full day out but something fans do on a regular basis in the other direction which should be commended for their fantastic support.
We have a huge game now in Cardiff and over 30000 will fill the CCS with many traveling from far afield so if another game is played in Wrexham Swansea Llanelli etc we can hardly complain when we know that the vast majority of games will be played in Cardiff