FOR new summer recruit Shaun Whalley, a 45 minute run out in the first half against Crewe Alex ended a frustrating wait after he had picked up an injury in training and missed the opening two friendlies.

"I was just delighted to make my first start after watching the other games from the stand," he said.

"While I have been sidelined I've still tried my hardest to work on my fitness and just wanted to get stuck in tonight.

"That's most of my game, so I try really hard to battle up front.

"From a personal point, playing alongside a lad I've only just met doesn't really help me in my first game. Not knowing what runs he was going to make, but that will come and I enjoyed it.

"Crewe had a good a defence out against us, but I was just glad to get my first game out of the way and now I'm looking to push on and getting a few more starts in what is left of the pre-season."

That chance will come on Saturday when Wrexham head to the seaside to face Colwyn Bay - kick-off at Llanelian Road is scheduled for 2.00pm.