Wrexham centre-back Will Boyle has an important role to play this afternoon as he comes up against the League Two top scorer Macaulay Langstaff.
Wrexham will be hoping to build on their 2-1 victory over Sutton United on Tuesday night by condemning Notts County to another defeat at the Racecourse Ground.
Ben Foster’s penalty save in that 3-2 thriller last term denied County the chance to snatch a point in the 97th minute.
The Magpies will be seeking revenge this afternoon as they attempt to tighten their grip on the final play-off spot.
And County striker Macaulay Langstaff will be the man leading their charge towards three points as a fascinating battle between him and Will Boyle could ensue.
Why Will Boyle will be important against Notts County
Boyle was ostracised by the Wrexham supporters after getting a red card in the defeat to Newport last month and was told he should never play for the club again.
But after scoring and putting in a superb display against Sutton on Tuesday night, the 28-year-old is in line to make consecutive starts for the first time since September.
A physically imposing defender, who relishes duelling against opposing attackers, Boyle’s battle against Macaulay Langstaff is where the game could be won or lost for the Reds.
After tearing up the National League last term, Langstaff is the top scorer in League Two with 22 goals in 31 games.
Boyle’s task will be to use his aerial and physical presence to deal with the Magpies’ prolific striker while giving his side the platform to win the contest at the other end.
How Will Boyle can deal with Macaulay Langstaff
Most defenders in the fourth tier this term have struggled to live with Langstaff. He looks destined to ply his trade higher up the pyramid, whether that is with Notts County or elsewhere.
However, Boyle has proven he has the tools in his locker to deal with his presence and shut down his goal-scoring threat.
During his time at Cheltenham, his defensive efforts helped them secure the League Two in 2021 title while earning him a place in the EFL’s Team of the Year.
Although he can sometimes overstep the mark with his efforts to conserve the opposition, he demonstrated his defensive prowess in Tuesday night’s win over Sutton.
He won a staggering 11 of his 12 aerial duels, made nine clearances and won 100% of his ground duels as he comfortably dealt with the physically imposing Harry Smith.
Managing to keep Langstaff quiet will be a different kettle of fish for Boyle, but having already proven he’s one of the best centre-backs in League Two previously, he certainly has the defensive capabilities to live with the clinical striker.