Wrexham showdown awaits

Exeter City are gearing up for a monumental challenge this Saturday as they travel to Wrexham for the first time since 2002.

The sold-out match at the Racecourse Ground pits the Grecians against a side whose remarkable rise under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has captivated the footballing world.

Manager Gary Caldwell is embracing the occasion, viewing it as a golden opportunity for his team to prove themselves:

"These are the games you want to play in. We’re facing one of the big sides in the league, and it’s an incredible chance to show what we’re capable of."

Wrexham’s dramatic rise from non-league football has been one of football’s great stories in recent years. Now sitting third in League One, they remain unbeaten in 14 matches at the Racecourse Ground.

Despite the fanfare, or should I say spotlight, surrounding Wrexham’s Hollywood-backed rise, Caldwell remains focused on the task ahead, stating, “We have to be prepared to win a football match. We’re taking 1,200 supporters there, and we’re going to need every single one of them.”

Despite both Wrexham and Exeter being the two teams with the fewest goals conceded, Caldwell is still hopeful for a “goal-fest”, describing their defensive record as “something to be proud of."

Exeter's preparation for the match has been hampered by heavy snowfall across Devon, causing significant disruption - what Caldwell himself described as "Armageddon in Exeter."

Major roads like Alphington Road and Topsham Road are blanketed in snow and the training ground has been rendered unusable. Despite these obstacles, the squad has been boosted by the return of three players from international duty. Caldwell expressed pride in their achievements, as well as the direction the club is heading:

"It’s brilliant for them first and foremost. For me, it’s the greatest honour in the game and the greatest achievement in their career. But for the club as well, I think it shows where we’re going as a football club."

This week also marks the EFL Week of Action, a campaign encouraging teams to get out into their communities and support local causes. For Exeter City, however, this is not just a one-week initiative - it’s part of their DNA. The team’s commitment to giving back is exemplified by their plans for the coming weeks. Next week, players will visit unwell children in local hospitals, bringing some festive cheer by doing Christmas shopping and delivering donations to those in need.

This ongoing dedication to the community reflects the club’s ethos of using football as a force for good, on and off the pitch.

Wrexham’s potent attack, featuring the likes of Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee, will provide a tough test for Exeter’s defence but Caldwell is confident in the team’s ability, stating “It’s going to be a fantastic occasion, and we’ll need to be at our very best from start to finish. These are the challenges we want."

Caldwell knows his side will need to deliver a complete performance in what promises to be a raucous atmosphere, with 1,200 Exeter fans traveling to North Wales. However, the Grecians have shown resilience in recent games, including a determined goalless draw against Lincoln City last weekend.

Despite the snowy setbacks and the intensity of the opposition, Exeter City heads to Wrexham ready to fight for a result. Up the City!

visit https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/match-preview-wrexham for more information.