Wrexham pace ace Omari Patrick is built for speed – and former Olympic sprint gold medallist Linford Christie will testify to that.
Christie is Godfather to Patrick, whose dad is a former Commonwealth Games gold medal winner.
Slough-born Patrick, aged 23, scored both goals for Wrexham in their 2-0 Vanarama National League win against Eastleigh away.
The Dragons were bottom when they travelled to Hampshire and manager Dean Keates said: “We had to be like a ball and bounce straight back. Finally we got what we deserved.”
Patrick, a powerfully built, and athletic man who is 6ft 1in tall, developed through the non-League ranks with Kidderminster before a short stint at Barnsley.
He did not have any professional training as a young player, but he is lightning quick, runs in behind defenders and is strong off both feet.”
Keates altered Wrexham’s playing system at Eastleigh, giving Patrick the chance to play alongside Bobby Grant in attack.
The Reds need goals and Grant, who is not a natural centre-forward, was finding himself isolated when he played a lone role in that position.
“It was a change of position for me to be up front, but I just tried to play to my strengths,” said Patrick. “All we’ve been lacking is goals and hopefully this win will give the team confident.
“We have to start scoring from all across the pitch.
“Bobby put me in for the second goal. He is hungry to score as well. We haven’t worked with each other in those positions during a match.
“This was our first and we’ll build on this. I’ll work to show the pace I have to run in behind.”
Wrexham now turn to their National League home fixture against Solihull Moors at the Racecourse on Saturday when they aim to continue their climb towards safety.
Two first half goals settled Wrexham nerves and they powered to victory with the sheer pace of Patrick giving Eastleigh problems.
They went ahead after 17 minutes after John Jennings cut in from the left, ran along the by-line and hit a low pass into the six yard box and Patrick was able to finish from close range.
Patrick made it 2-0 three minutes before the break when Grant picked him out with a pass and he outpaced defender Andrew Boyce before scoring.
Mark Carrington was in Wrexham’s starting line-up with Luke Summerfield missing due to a minor injury, while Keates set up to play with three centre-backs and two forwards.
Eastleigh: Stryjek, Atkinson, Boyce, Rendell, Barnett, Smart, Bearwish (Barnes 60), Miley (Green 84), Hollands, Seaman. Subs not used: Flitney, Scorey, Beale.
Wrexham: Lainton, Carrington, Kennedy, Lawlor, Pearson, Jennings, Young, Wright, Rutherford, Patrick (Harris 79), Grant (Oswell 86). Subs not used: Dibble, Redmond, Tollitt.
Referee: James Bell (Sheffield)
Attendance: 1,542 (away 56)
