If you thought the National League fixture computer was nasty, the sensational 1977/78 Wrexham team, who won the Division Three championship that season, had to go to Plymouth on New Year’s Eve!

But it must have been one helluva coach trip home to North Wales as Bobby Shinton scored the only goal of the game at Home Park.

They had two days rest before drawing 3-3 with Gillingham in front of 16,281 fans at The Racecourse.

Wrexham have played 13 times on December 31 since 1921 - including a fifth round Welsh Cup exit at the hands of cross border rivals Chester City in 1952 when the Blues won 4-3.

There was also 1-0 wins at home to Barrow in 1949 and at Leyton Orient in 1988 where Kevin Russell scored the winner.

Don Weston scored twice in a 4-1 thrashing of Hartlepool at home in 1966. Also on the scoresheet was Mickey Evans. Best known for his days at right back, Evans netted 13 goals that season after joining as an inside-right from Wolves.

Peter Thompson was also at the double in a 4-2 win over Crewe Alex at The Racecourse in 1955 while Wrexham’s last game on New Year’s Eve was in 2005 when Mark Jones scored in a 2-1 home defeat by Grimsby Town.

The Reds have only played 11 games over the years on December 30 - and they had two 5-2 wins to bring in some pre-New Year cheer.

One was a Welsh Cup victory at home to Connah’s Quay in 1953 and the other was a war-time win at Chester City in 1944 where Peter Baines scored twice.

Four of the 11 matches ended goal-less against Stockport (1995), Sunderland (1978), Chesterfield (1961) and Barrow (1950)

NEW YEAR’S EVE RECORD: P 13; W 5; D 3; L 5

DECEMBER 30 RECORD: P 11; W 3; D 5; L 3