Sam’s goal give Wrexham victory

NATIONAL striker Hector Sam scored the lone goal for Wrexham to defeat Notts County 1-0 in the English Second Division yesterday.

With countrymen Dennis Lawrence and Carlos Edwards in the starting lineup for the newly-promoted team at Meadow Lane, Sam replaced Chris Armstrong nine minutes into the second half, and the ex-QRC star found the back of the net in the 66th. Edwards blew past Kevin Nicholson on the right flank and sent a centre to Sam, who smashed his shot past goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall. Also tasting success yesterday was national captain Marvin “Dog” Andrews who, despite rumours of a move to Dundee United, was among the starters as Livingston edged Motherwell 1-0 at home. Falkirk were also in action, in the Scottish First Division, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ayr at Somerset Park. Midfielder Russell Latapy also featured for the entire 90 minutes but fellow TT playmaker Brent Rahim was replaced by Eddie May in the 66th.

TT goalkeeper Clayton Ince kept a clean sheet in the English First Division, as his club Crewe Alexandra squeezed past Ipswich 1-0. Another national goalkeeper Shaka Hislop made his return to the English Premier League for Portsmouth at home to Aston Villa at Fratton Park. Hislop could do nothing to stop a Gareth Batty penalty in the 84th minute,  but Portsmouth prevailed 2-1 with goals from captain Teddy Sheringham and Patrick Berger. Fellow TT striker Stern John was a 68th minute substitute for Geoff Horsfield as Birmingham defeated visitors Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at St Andrew’s Stadium. But 21-year-old forward Collin Samuel  had a miserable time for his club Dundee United, who suffered a humiliating 5-0 whipping away to Celtic at Celtic Park.