KEVIN GALL is looking forward to Sunday’s Welsh derby against Newport - but he could so nearly have been lining up against Wrexham.

The 28-year-old, at home on the wing or in attack, was one of Dean Saunders’ summer signings but following his release by York City at the end of last season, he had been close to joining Newport who are managed by good friend Dean Holdsworth.

But Merthyr Tydfil-born Gall won’t be doing Holdsworth any favours at the weekend when he will be targeting another three points with Wrexham.

“I was nearly going to Newport. I trained there a few times at the end of last season,” said Gall.

“I am good friends with Dean Holdsworth, I have got my own car business and he has been helping me out as he is involved with the Non-League Footballers Association.

“Dean has been great. I played against Newport for York and it went from there. I think he wanted to bring a few Welsh lads in and we have kept in touch.

“Dean is doing a good job there but I won’t be saying good luck to him on Sunday. Once you cross the white line it is different.

“I have not played in a Welsh derby since I was 13 or 14 at Cardiff City, a long time ago, and I have come a long way from there.

“I am looking forward to the game. We have got to go out, work hard and do our best. If we do that we will get another result.”

Limited to a couple of substitute appearances, Gall was given his first competitive start on Monday in the absence of injured Andy Mangan when Wrexham won 2-0 at Bath City.

And Gall, a former Wales under 21 international who has also played for Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Carlisle United and Darlington, admits he is beginning to find his feet at Wrexham.

“I came on for the last kick against Cambridge, also got on against Barrow and then got my first start at Bath which was nice,” said Gall.

“I suppose it has been frustrating but you have just got to be patient.

“I think after a couple of losses people were looking at a few changes but you just have to be professional and you will get your chance.

“Andy Mangan is a threat and has done well. I don’t know when he will be back fit.

“I have now played one game and have got used to what everyone does.”

Wrexham ended a run of four games without a win at Bath and Gall believes Wrexham showed just what they are capable of.

“The lads played well,” said Gall. “It was a tough game going down there but we knew exactly what they would be about.

“You just have to work hard and things will happen.

“It was a bit up in the air in the first 5-10 minutes but once we got the ball down and passed it, we got into the game a bit more.

“And it was good to be involved in a win. We played Bath off the pitch and showed we were better than them.

“When we play well we are a team to be reckoned with.”

Gall was convinced he should have been awarded a first-half penalty after Sido Jombati appeared to handle his shot in the area.

“It was handball,” said Gall. “The shot was going in and it was definitely a penalty.”

Victory lifted some of the pressure on under-fire Saunders who had come in for criticism following Wrexham’s poor start to the season.

And Gall is confident the Reds can build on the success.

“It was a much needed win,” said Gall. “There was a lot of pressure on everyone to do well and fans had been shouting for the gaffer’s head which is never nice.”

- Buckley & District Reds are holding a race night on Saturday, October 16, at the Hope & Anchor public house in Buckley. All the money raised from the evening will go towards helping Wrexham FC.