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CHRISTMAS shopping is the most likely alternative for Wrexham supporters as a result of the postponement of this afternoon’s Blue Square Bet Premier clash with Crawley Town, but for the club’s management and players it will be business as usual.

And the decision by Dragons boss Dean Saunders to put on an additional training session for his squad today has been welcomed by central defender Marvin Andrews, who claims his summer move to the Racecourse has given him a new lease of life.

Although disappointed the arctic weather conditions have temporarily put the brake on an unbeaten run of six matches, the 34-year old former Trinidad international believes the decision to put in extra hours on the training ground is an indication of the high standards demanded from everyone.

“We’ve built up momentum week by week recently so it’s unfortunate that the weather has taken its toll on us,” he said.

“We have been going really well and the team is gelling together much better now, but I feel there is more to come from the group.

“I think it’s evident that everyone is playing for each other and that team spirit is high, something that shone through in last week’s game against Mansfield when we played the second half with only 10 men, yet could still have won it.

“Then we prepared properly this week to play Crawley so we are professional enough to realise that having the game is called off is no reason not to train. But one or two of us may benefit from the additional time between matches to completely get over minor knocks and niggles.”

It was a goal from Andrews – his second of the campaign – that earned their Dragons their point against the Stags last weekend and he added: “The gaffer is always telling us we should score more often from set-pieces, so it was nice to see that one go in.

“Although I am 34 now I’m really happy with the way things are going for me. I’ve always looked after myself and in terms of fitness it feels as though I’m in my mid-20s again.

“I’m playing with the same enthusiasm I have always had and, while I might make the odd mistake, I never give less than 110% every time because I think that’s what the supporters want to see.

“I can’t wait to get out on the pitch on match days because the adrenalin kicks in to get you through the games and it’s not until Sunday morning that you begin to feel the aches and pains.”

Saunders, meanwhile, has already turned his thoughts towards next weekend and a scheduled FA Trophy first round meeting with Kidderminster Harriers, again at the Racecourse.

“Pretty much the entire league programme has been wiped out this weekend,” said. “That at least means we won’t be falling behind any of our rivals and we do have an advantage in that we can train on the artificial pitch while other clubs have to stay in the gym.

“Hopefully we may see something of a thaw next week because we really do need to get out on the grass again as soon as possible.”