Sam, Lawrence boot Wrexham into Welsh final

The Trinidad and Tobago flag flew high at the Racecource Ground in Wales yesterday as former CL Financial San Juan Jabloteh striker Hector Sam scored on his return from injury.

Defender Dennis Lawrence netted another to spur Wrexham to a 4-0 romp over RHYL FC in the Welsh Cup semi-final. Wrexham are in the final against Bangor City next month with 100,000 pounds at stake for the winners. Runners-up will receive 50,000 pounds. Lawrence netted a header from close range in the second half to send the Red Dragons 2-0 ahead and then Sam, a second half substitute scored the goal of the match on the stroke of full time. Just back from a five-week lay off due to a hamstring injury, Sam collected a long pass atop the box and neatly brought it under control before calmly slotting home with his right foot.

Midfielder Carlos Edwards started alongside Lawrence and was solid before being rested by manager Denis Smith in the second half. Sam was delighted after the match. “As a team we played well, as for my own personal performance I’m now trying to get my full fitness back and it was good to get on the scoresheet,” he said. Lawrence, fresh from national duty, was also pleased with the Wrexham win. “It was an important win for us because this Cup has got some good prize money involved and the club would relish that.  It was even better for myself and Hector to get on the scoresheet and I think we went out and did a professional job today,” said Lawrence.

Smith was also all smiles. “The Trinidad lads have been doing very well and I’m very pleased that we have them at this club. Dennis has been going from strength to strength, Carlos has been excellent and Hector did well to come back with a goal today,” he said. Superstar Rangers chairman Richard Fakoory and Pro Sports Caribbean representative Peter Miller were guests of the club at yesterday’s match while the rest of the Rangers contingent will arrive today for a clash with Wrexham’s Under-17 team. Both teams will be playing for the TT/Wales Cup sponsored by agent Mike Berry.