Town's assistant boss has been plying an old friend with booze to help secure three points against Wrexham this evening.

Malcolm Crosby and Red Dragons boss Denis Smith met up last night for a pre-match drink, with Crozza hoping to gain some vital clues as to Wrexham's plan of action.

The two friends first worked together at York City in the mid eighties and went on to form successful partnerships at Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Oxford.

Crosby said: "Denis is a great organiser and he'll have them well prepared for the game.

"I'm sure they'll come here to have a go at us.

"Denis likes his teams to play good football so hopefully it should be a decent match.

"His great quality has always been to gain the respect of the players he's worked with."

Why did the pair combine so well?

Crosby joked: "I'm a chirpy sort of character and he can be a miserable so-and-so at times.

"Seriously, I think we just enjoyed working together and had our fair bit of success."

Although Smith and Crosby are often associated together, Smith actually chose Town youth team coach Viv Busby as his assistant at York.

But Crozza does not hold any grudges about that.

"I'm delighted for Denis. Buzzer's happy as youth team coach here, as am I working with Roy."

But tonight's match is more than a happy reunion. Three vital points are at stake and Town's director of football is desperate to snap them up.

Roy Evans said: "After the decent performance against Brighton, it's very important to follow it up with another good team performance and a victory.

"Three points would certainly make our position a little bit more comfortable.

"I keep talking about the importance of a good start. Silly mistakes have cost us too often this season and it's vital we give Wrexham nothing to hang on to."

Evans took stock of his squad yesterday and only Matt Hewlett of Saturday's starters is carrying a knock.

Evans said: "Matty should be okay and we will also have Bobby Howe back in the squad after his family bereavement."

Howe is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench, along with those who warmed the bench against Brighton on Saturday.

Jo Kuffour returned to Highbury yesterday after Evans decided the uncertainty surrounding the club meant offering the youngster another three months was unfair to all concerned.

Ticket prices for Town's trip to Wigan Athletic on Saturday are as follows: £13 (adults) and £8 (juniors).