Lawrence scores, Wrexham win opener

NATIONAL central defender Dennis Lawrence was on target for English League One team Wrexham as they defeated Swindon 2-1 in the season’s opener yesterday. But events off the field overshadowed the win as the home fans protested against unpopular Wrexham chairman Alex Hamilton, who plans to move the club from the Racecourse Ground, and he was led to a seat in the stand amid a barrage of pushing, shoving and boos.

On the pitch, Wrexham started strongly and although Swindon’s Brian Howard rattled the crossbar, the hosts deservedly took the lead after 24 minutes when centre-half Brian Carey played in Lawrence to nod home at the far post. Jim Whitley then forced a good save from Rhys Evans, but Chris Llewellyn could not convert the rebound. However, substitute Chris Armstrong made the game safe after 73 minutes. Grant Smith pulled the striker back in the penalty area and Armstrong stepped up to convert the spot-kick. Though Andy Caton lashed home a last-minute goal for Swindon, there was no way back for the visitors.