Nolan explains Willis substitution against Wrexham and why defender ‘apologised’ to Cobblers team-mates..
Kevin Nolan admits he took a ‘chance’ on Jordan Willis after the defender started against Wrexham on Saturday but lasted only 37 minutes before being substituted during the 2-0 defeat.
Nolan revealed in his post-match interview that Willis did not feel ‘100 per cent’ in the morning before the game but the Town manager felt it was worth the risk to play him given his recent form and importance to the team.
However, the gamble did not pay off as Cobblers conceded two poor goals in the space of three first half minutes and Willis was unable to make it to half-time, replaced by Aaron McGowan eight minutes before the break.
Nolan said: “It’s unfortunate because Jordan has been brilliant but he woke up in the morning not feeling 100 per cent. He had a go but it’s difficult when you’re not 100 per cent and the knee wasn’t feeling great and that’s why we took him off. These are chances you have to take sometimes and we took a chance on Jordan. He was very disappointed to come off and he apologised to the group but he’s got nothing to apologise for.
“He’s been fantastic since I’ve walked in the door but the manner in which we conceded the goals was poor by the standards that we’ve set over the past few weeks and that’s where the disappointment comes from. I haven’t seen them back yet but from what I can remember, they were very poor on our behalf. They were two long, hopeful balls but credit to them, they finished them well.
“Wrexham have good players and they managed the game well. They’re on a one hell of a ride at the minute so good luck to them for the rest of the season but, for us, we just have to put it down to a bad day at the office.”
Wrexham and Reading players react to Sam Smith’s first goal since club-record transfer.
Wrexham picked up a fine win on Saturday afternoon, beating Northampton Town 2-0 as Sam Smith and Ollie Rathbone found the net.
Wrexham moved another step closer to Wembley with an EFL Trophy win on Tuesday night but had to turn the attention back to League One action on Saturday.
Phil Parkinson is chasing a third straight promotion and saw his side get the job done with a comfortable 2-0 win over Northampton Town.
Sam Smith grabbed his first Wrexham goal to open the scoring, slotting home from Mark Howard’s long ball forward.
Ollie Rathbone continued his brilliant campaign with Wrexham’s second, securing all three points on the road.
That is now four wins in a row in all competitions with three of them coming away from home as Wrexham start to solve some away day woes.
Sam Smith celebrates first Wrexham goal
Rathbone has earned praise from James McClean but striker Smith understandably grabbed the attention with his first goal.
Wrexham paid a club-record fee to sign Smith, forking out a seven-figure price tag to lure him over to the STōK Cae Ras.
A proven League One goalscorer with Cambridge United and Reading, it was only a matter of time before Smith opened his Wrexham account.
Smith took his goal against Northampton brilliant, keeping his balance to find the net despite receiving a clear push in the back.
Parkinson and Andy Morrell have praised Smith for his display against the Cobblers and Wrexham teammates have now joined in.
Smith has taken to Instagram to celebrate a first Wrexham goal and a crucial three points as Wrexham close the gap to Wycombe Wanderers in second place.
Wrexham teammates Jack Marriott, Max Cleworth, Lewis Brunt, Modou Faal, Sebastian Revan and Ryan Barnett all showed their support whilst Steven Fletcher said ‘love it smudge’ as he welcomes a new striker to the club.
Goalkeeper Mark Howard stated ‘your welcome’ as he picked up an unexpected assist, whilst McClean added ‘up and running’ as Smith opened his Wrexham account.
