Report

Alsager Town: Conkey, Espley, Stokes, Owen, Elks, Evans, Miller, Blackhurst, Budrys, Heler, Rowly 
Subs: Eldershaw (for Heler), Marshall (for Miller), Smith (for Blackhurst)

Report by Phil Rann

Buxton may well have comfortably won the league by being the best side but they helped themselves to a large slice of luck against Wakefield in the Unibond Presidents Cup Final on Monday night.

Wakefield were missing influential player Ben Hardy for the game as he failed a late fitness test, while Andy Shields was still out with a cracked rib.

In an entertaining first half, both sides had good chances to take the lead, Brighton Mugadza shooting well over from the edge of the area, and then at the other end, a volley by Reed at the far post went inches wide of Andy Woods' goal.

In the twelfth minute, Wakefield took the lead, Niall O'Brien's defence splitting pass found Neil Smith, and he beat the Buxton keeper comfortably from 25 yards with a shot into the bottom corner.

Wakefield continued to play nice football, and good build up between Gareth Stoker and Mugadza set up O'Brien, but his first time shot was well over the bar.

Buxton were close to an equaliser on 26 minutes when a deep cross from a free kick was won at the back post, but the Buxton forward could only head the ball wide from a tight angle.

Mugadza shot wide again before Wakefield survived a large appeal for handball in their own penalty area when the ball bounced up and caught Damien Henderson on the arm. The referee waved away the home side's appeals.

Wakefield almost went 2-0 ahead from a O'Brien free kick which caused problems at the back post. Demi Kyriacou nodded it on, and Smith's shot at the back post was deflected behind for a corner.

Buxton equalised three minutes before half time when another free kick was won at the back post across the face of goal, and Reed had an easy finish from two yards with Woods stranded.

Two minutes into the second half, Buxton took the lead from another set piece. A corner was delivered into the six yard box, and Doxey beat both Henderson and Declan Normaschild to the ball and headed in to send all but 25 of the crowd of 712 into raptures.

The controversial moment came on the hour mark. Good play by O'Brien on the left found Marc Townsend free at the back post, and he finished well, but the ball hit the black post that keeps the net up at the back of the goal and bounced back out across the face of goal. The referee gave a goal, the Buxton fans behind the goal could be seen putting their hands on the head and the goalkeeper hoofed the ball back to the middle for the kick off before the linesman called the referee and overrode the decision, much to the disgust of Wakefield players and supporters, and much to the unbelievable surprise of the Buxton players and supporters. Three Wakefield players were booked in the aftermath in what has to be the worst decision made by an official this season.

Wakefield still had a chance to make it 2-2 ten minutes later, when a deep free kick found Smith unmarked, but he headed just wide when he really should have done better.

15 minutes from time, the game was as good as over when Doxey scored his second to make it 3-1 when he turned outside Chris Fawcus, and sent a powerful shot into the far corner, giving Woods no chance.

Understandably, Wakefield had had the confidence sucked out of them, and failed to create in the last quarter of an hour, while Buxton could have made it 4-1 but Woods got down well to save a Doxey shot.

Team: Woods, Stevenson, Fawcus, Stoker (Kendall 83), Normaschild, Henderson, Townsend, O'Brien, Smith, Mugadza, Kyriacou.
Subs not used: Collinson and Rothera.

Attendance: 712

MOM: Stoker

From Buxton site (www.buxtonfc.co.uk)

The Bucks picked up their fifth trophy in three seasons with a 3-1 victory over a plucky Wakefield side at the Silverlands on Monday night. (In the competition they first won when it was first competed for in 1982). Neil Smith gave the visitors an early lead but Mark Reed levelled on half time as Buxton began to get the upper hand. Michael Towey scored early in the second half for Buxton and Wakefield thought they had levelled but the goal was controversially ruled out following an intervention from one of the assistants. Michael Towey made sure of the victory on 78 minutes with his second goal of the game to round off a thoroughly superb season for the Bucks.
Credit to the Wakefield players and staff who were very sporting in the circumstances following the disallowed goal and gave Buxton three tough games through the season.

Wakefield continued their excellent end of season form with a superb away victory in Staffordshire.

Wakefield made two changes to the side that drew at Shepshed in midweek. Neil Smith and Darrell Kendall both started the game in place of Gareth Stoker who dropped to the bench and Rob MacQuarrie who has returned to Farsley Celtic after his loan spell expired on Friday.

Wakefield had an excellent chance to open the scoring inside the first minute. A long ball forward saw Smith beat the offside trap but his attempt at lobbing Kidsgrove goalkeeper James Coates ended with the ball sailing a couple of feet over the crossbar.

Kidsgrove deservedly took the lead on 28 minutes. Aiden Matranga battled his way through the Wakefield defence before poking the ball past Andy Woods into the bottom corner.

The home side had the ball in the net again on 31 minutes but Michael Lennon's effort was disallowed for offside.

Wakefield contained Kidsgrove much better in the second half. With their first shot on target Damien Henderson thundered a 20 yard free kick into the bottom corner on 47 minutes to level the scores.

Their second shot on target was a header from Henderson following a Ben Hardy corner that had bounced dangerously inside the penalty area. The header sailed past Coates into the goal to give Wakefield the lead.

Wakefield then defended superbly well and restricted Kidsgrove to half chances, the best of which fell to Byron Moore on 67 minutes, his shot from the edge of the area bouncing wide off the outside of the post.

Woods was also alert to get down well to a Matranga effort on 73 minutes but Wakefield held out well to secure the three points. 

Result: Kidsgrove Athletic 1 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Bobby Stevenson.

Attendance: 128.

Referee: S Martin.

Assistant Referees: J Noyce, A Legg.

Wakefield:  Woods, Stevenson, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Henderson, Townsend, Hardy, Smith, Kendall, Kyriacou
Subs: Stoker (not used), Mugadza (for Hardy), Collinson (not used)

Kidsgrove Athletic:   Coates, Henchcliffe, Eyre, Beeston, Brotherton, Jones, Matranga, Woolliscroft, Rhead, Lennon, Moore
Subs: Keilthey (for Rhead), Wilkes (not used), Biegus (not used)

Shepshed Dynamo: Noon, Cullingworth, Carter, Munn, Wilkes, Betts, Turville, Edkins, Saunders, Adelukan, Duffy
Subs: Carter (for Turvillee), Attwood (for Betts), Murdoch (for Edkins)

Result: Wakefield 1 - 2 Warrington Town

Wakefield FC man of the match: Andy Shields.

Attendance: 85.

Referee: G E Wilson.

Assistant Referees: C D Hitchcock, W Pharoah.

Wakefield: Woods, McQuarrie, Fawcus, Stoker, Normaschild, Henderson, Hardy, Shields, Smith, Mugadza, Kyriacou
Subs: Stevenson (for Mugadza), Battye (not used), Anderson (for Hardy)

Warrington Town: Wiils, Salt, Fitzsimmons, Crogan, Farrell, Jackson, Mitchell P, King, Mitchell G, Thompson, Howard
Subs: Harris (for Mitchell G), Carden (for Mitchell P), Jewson (for Thompson)

Report by Phil Rann

Two defensive errors were enough to send Wakefield to another home defeat against Warrington Town. The home side had had the better of the play before a mistake by Damien Henderson allowed Mitchell to fire home from 20 yards giving Andy Woods no chance.

Wakefield were almost back on level terms in first half stoppage time but the Warrington keeper made a fine double save from Ben Hardy as Warrington took their lead into the break.

Three minutes after half time, it was 2-0 when Howard stayed onside at the back post, rounded Hardy and poked the ball past Woods at his near post.

Wakefield continued to create chances, and first Henderson headed well over before a goalmouth scramble from a corner was just wide of getting the home side back in the match.

Eventually, debut striker Neil Smith, formerly of Leigh RMI, scored his first Wakefield goal from a Gareth Stoker corner with a shot from the outside of his boot.

Wakefield huffed and puffed but couldn't find the all important second goal. The closest they came was a one-on-one chance for Stoker but the defender reacted well and cleared the ball away.

This defeat gives Warrington an eleven point advantage over Wakefield but they have played three games more. Chorley also won, and they are now just two points behind but have also played three games more but Wakefield and Chorley still have each other to play twice.

Team: Woods, Macquarrie, Fawcus, Stoker, Normaschild, Henderson, Hardy (Anderson 75), Shields, Smith, Mugadza (Stevenson 56), Kyriacou.
Sub not used: Battye.

Attendance: 85

MOM: Shields

 This result continues Wakefield's miserable run of losing every home match in 2007. However, on the plus side, they have not yet lost an away match this calender year.

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy.

Attendance: 215.

Referee: C Grundy.

Assistant Referees: P Booth, D P Goodwin.

Ossett Albion: Bennett, Syers, Wordsworth, Utley, Riordan, West, Senior, White, Dickinson, Toronczak, Cook
Sub: Allison (for West), Vickers (for Cook), Henry (for Utley)

Wakefield: Woods, McQuarrie, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Henderson, Kenworthy, Shields, Townsend, Hardy, Kyriacou
Subs: Battye (for Kenworthy), Mugadza (for Townsend), Rothera (not used)

Phil Rann's report

Wakefield picked up a well deserved away point at neighbours Ossett Albion and it could have been even better with great chances especially in the second half.

Brighton Mugadza scored the Wakefield goal, but Mugadza himself was a substitute, replacing Marc Townsend, who came off worse with the Ossett Albion goalkeeper and a broken nose, early in the first half. Mugadza's shot was too much for the goalkeeper who took it over the line after good play from Ben Hardy and Steve Kenworthy.

Kenworthy, sharp from his two goals in midweek, was running every Wakefield attacking move, and he set up Hardy but his shot was straight at the keeper.

Ossett equalised in first half stoppage time when a long ball saw Danny Toronczak get the wrong side of Damien Henderson, and he slotted the ball coolly past Andy Woods in the Wakefield goal.

Ossett came out stronger after half time but rarely threatened Woods' goal as he didn't have any tough saves to make. The best chances were been created at the other end, where Mugadza fired wide, and then Kenworthy robbed the Ossett left back and set up Hardy, whose shot was well saved, and then Kyriacou's magnificent run past two defenders and shot was only just the wrong side of the far post.

Ossett forced a late free kick but Wakefield held out to claim a well earned point.

Team: Woods, Macquarrie, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Henderson, Kenworthy (Battye 80), Shields, Townsend (Mugadza 15), Hardy, Kyriacou.
Sub not used: _____

Attendance: 215

MOM: Kenworthy

Result: Gresley Rovers 1 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy.

Attendance: 99.

Referee: W McIntosh.

Assistant Referees: R Jackson, A Smith.

Fourth Official: M Chester.

               Gresley Rovers: Whittle, Groves, Carter, Mills, Woolley, Slater, Brown,
               Ridgway, Edwards, Hebberd, Smith
               Subs: Simpson (for Brown), Douglas (not used), Sangha (for Hebberd)

Wakefield fell to their fourth straight home defeat after losing by a single goal against Bamber Bridge at College Grove.

Bamber started strongly, creating goalscoring chances. Alex Porter hit a free kick straight at Andy Woods, Steve Brown couldn't find a finish after skipping two challenges and Steve Williams shot on the turn was badly directed as they wasted good opportunities inside the first ten minutes.

Neil Spencer then just failed to get on the end of a low cross at the far post and Ryan Salmon's shot was well charged down by Declan Normaschild.

Wakefield began to settle down in the latter part of the first half. On 26 minutes Brighton Mugadza's head down was passed to Marc Townsend by Ben Hardy but Townsend thrashed the ball well over from a difficult position.

Three minutes later Mugadza's corner was met by Demi Kyriacou but his hooked shot was deflected wide.

Ten minutes before the break Townsend latched onto a deep free kick but his volley didn't cause Graham Bennett much cause for concern in the Bamber goal.

Bamber began to get back on top again with Danny Mahoney, Salmon, Jamie Nay and Brown all coming close in the last few minutes of the first half.

The only goal of the game came in the 53rd minute. Mike Fletcher, who was lucky to be on the field after getting away with only a yellow card after clearly throwing a punch moments earlier, eventually forced the ball home from six yards after Woods had made an excellent initial save from point blank range.

Wakefield were gifted a chance to equalise when Hardy was brought down in the penalty area with 25 minutes left, but Townsend placed the penalty wide of the post.

Wakefield could not find a way through as hard as they tried. Hardy saw one long range effort saved and another deflected wide with Bennett stranded as the game ticked into the final fifteen minutes.

Substitute Adam Tong waltzed through but shot straight at Woods at the other end as Bamber were always looking to break to try and find the second goal.

Goalscorer Fletcher was then dismissed for Bamber for a second bookable offence with eleven minutes remaining but still Wakefield could not find the net.

Damien Henderson sent a 25 yard free kick inches wide with Bennett beaten and Darrell Kendall used his strength to turn inside but screwed his shot wide of the near post.

In injury time Andy Battye, Townsend and Henderson all saw their shots blocked after an almighty melee in the Bamber penalty area as Bamber survived the five minutes of time added on to ensure their victory.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 1 Bamber Bridge

Wakefield FC man of the match: Ben Hardy.

Attendance: 84.

Referee: P A Cook.

Assistant Referees: A M Butler, A P Ward.

               Wakefield: Woods, McQuarrie, Collinson, O’Brien, Normaschild, Henderson, 
               Kenworthy, Hardy, Townsend, Mugadza
               Subs: Kendall (for Mugadza), Battye (for Collinson), Shields (for Kenworthy)

Wakefield: Woods, Collinson, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Battye, Kenworthy, Bucknall, Townsend  Mugadza, Kyriacou.
Subs: Kendall (for Townsend), McGhan (not used), Burton (for Mugadza)

Guiseley: Dickinson, Hay, Collins, Husband, Denton, Sturdy, Hall, Dunning, Pell, Marsden, Bett,
Subs: Jackson (for Husband), Knight (for Marsden), Davey (not used), Platt (not used)

Report by Phil Rann

Eastwood Town: Deakin, Chamberlain, Breach, Cooper, McKenzie, Swinscoe, Lamb, Mitchell, Knox, Meikle L, Miekle D
Subs: Rigby (not used), Smedley (for Chamberlain), Rhodes (Meikle L)  

Wakefield v Eastwood Town
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield fell to a heavy home defeat after making several defensive errors in a scrappy game of football.

                Wakefield started fairly brightly with Brighton Mugadza testing Ian Deakin with a
               hard drive after Damien Henderson's knock down in a crowded penalty area in the
               twelfth minute.

               Eastwood took the lead on 35 minutes when Gary Shaw's chipped free kick 
               somehow found its way past Andy Woods after no one picked up the run of an
               Eastwood player.

                A minute before the break Wakefield almost equalised but Henderson's point blank
               range shot struck a defender in another crowded penalty area after Mugadza's 
               corner.

                Two minutes into the second half substitute Marc Townsend had a chance to bring
               Wakefield back into the game but blazed over from a tight angle after goalkeeper
               and defender had collided to leave the net unguarded.

                On 49 minutes Eastwood doubled their advantage as Peter Knox raced clear of the
               defence to coolly slot the ball past Woods.

                The third goal came on 63 minutes. A deep free kick was misjudged by Declan 
               Normaschild and the ball bounced over him for Knox to be left to nod it home from
               close range.

                On 72 minutes Eastwood wrapped the game up when Deon Meikle bundled the ball
               over the line after a Woods mis-kick had led to an unnecessary Eastwood corner. 

               Result: Wakefield 0 – 4 Eastwood Town

               Wakefield FC man of the match: Brighton Mugadza.

               Attendance: 94.

               Wakefield: Woods, McQuarrie, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Henderson,
               Hardy, Stoker, Kyriacou, Mugadza, Kenworthy
               Subs: Townsend (for Kenworthy), Kendall (for Hardy), Battye (for Stoker)

Four minutes from the end Warrington snatched an equaliser when substitute Paul Rogers peeled away from his marker to direct a header into the bottom corner.

Despite five minutes of injury time being played, neither side was able to find a winning goal.

Result: Warrington Town 2 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Gareth Stoker.

Attendance: 120.

Referee: C M Byrne.

Assistant Referees: P J Robinson, J Mainwaring.

Wakefield: Woods, McQuarrie, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Henderson, Hardy, Stoker, Kyriacou, Mugadza, Kenworthy
Subs: Battye (for Hardy), Collinson (for Mugadza), Kendall (for Kenworthy)

Warrington Town: Mottram, Salt, Cushion, Fitzsimmons, Jackson, Halpin, Mitchell P, Otutu, Mitchell G, Jenson, Howard
Subs: Rogers (for Cushion), Buck (for Jackson), Wills (for Mottram)

Cammell Laird: Crookes, Ward, Lynch, Jebb, Atherton, Collins, McGuire, Clampitt, Morgan, Cooke, Cole
Subs: McMillan (for Jebb), McCoy (for Cole), Rey (for Cooke)

Report by Phil Rann

Cammell Laird stole all three points at College Grove on Saturday afternoon in an entertaining league clash.

The visitors started much the better side, and Ian Cooke should have put them ahead inside the first ten minutes with a free header six yards out but it only hit the crossbar and went over. Andy Woods was forced into a good save down to his left side with the next attack as Cammell Laird started to dominate.

Wakefield began to come into the game after twenty minutes, and Niall O'Brien's header was just wide from a deep Brighton Mugadza free-kick.

Down at the other end, Cammell Laird should have gone ahead on 32 minutes but Woods was at his best, making a fine double save from Morgan.

Wakefield almost took an unlikely lead five minutes before half time from a free kick just outside the area, but Cammell Laird keeper Peter Cookes saved well from Mugadza.

Cammell Laird went ahead eight minutes into the second half after a mix-up between Chris Collinson and Andy Battye let in Morgan who waltzed past Woods and placed the ball into the net.

Wakefield however, were back on level terms on the hour mark when a sweetly struck Mugadza corner was finished by a Marc Townsend bullet header which gave Cookes no chance.

Cammell Laird almost went back in front only ten minutes later, but substitute Aaron Rey's shot from 20 yards hit the outside of the Wakefield post and went wide.

At the other end, Wakefield substitute Darrell Kendall put through Steve Kenworthy but a bad first touch let the defenders get back to him, and with the next attack, Kendall's 25 yards shot was tipped onto the bar by Cookes and the ball agonisingly rolled over.

Wakefield had a let off four minutes from time when this time McGuire hoofed the ball well over the goal from eight yards after good work on the right by Morgan.

Morgan was to have the last laugh however when he latched onto a cross from the right-hand side and bundled the ball over the line in stoppage time.

Team: Woods, Collinson (Burton 90), Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Battye, Kenworthy, Stoker, Townsend (Kendall 75), Mugadza, Moxon.
Sub not used: Cressey.

Attendance: 83 

Result: Stocksbridge PS 2 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Declan Normaschild.

Attendance: 221.

Referee: M Ackerman.

Assistant Referees: A R Fashley, T Lenton.

Wakefield: Woods, Collinsen, Fawcus, O'Brien, Normaschild, Stoneman, Mugadza, Battye, Townsend, Kenworthy, Moxon Sub: Kendall (for Moxon)

Stocksbridge PS: Hodgson, Colliver, McLean, Richards, Lowe, Smith, Calcutt, Hawes, Bernard, Goddard, Cockerill 
Subs: Zoll (for Goddard), Walker (for Bernard), Beggs (for Calcutt)

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy.

Attendance: 83.

Referee: M A Horn.

Assistant Referees: J D Abey, G Liddle.

Wakefield: Woods, Collinsen, Fawcus, O'Brien, Battye, Normaschild, Mugadza, Stevenson, Kenworthy, Kyriacou, Moxon
Subs: Townsend (for Stevenson), Stoker (not used), Hoyle (not used)

Clitheroe: Horridge, Osbourne, Roberts, Parr, Anderson, Howarth C, Daniels, Reynolds, Bowker, Howarth M, Johnson
Subs: Smith (for Howarth M), Benfield (for Howarth C), Heslop (for Bowker)

On 33 minutes the Railway goal was again almost found. This time a Hoyle cross was met by the boot of Demi Kyriacou but his effort was cleared off the goalline by a defender with McLaughlin beaten.

It was Wakefield's turn to head off the line six minutes before the break, Paul Stoneman completing the clearance after a good header by the dangerous looking Nathan James.

In the second half Wakefield had the better chances again, taking the game to Railway and enjoying some good possesion.

On 51 minutes Kyriacou drove just wide from a tight angle, the shot flying just inches away from Hoyle's boot.

Substitute Mark Crossfield raced clear on 56 minutes but his lobbed effort floated just over the crossbar with McLaughlin committed.

Four minutes later Kenworthy was put in by Crossfield but placed his shot inches wide of the far post as the Railway defence struggled to contain Wakefield's attacking players.

Railway were always dangerous when breaking forward however, and a minute later Scott Ryan drilled the ball just wide from an excellent position.

The action went straight back up the other end, with Hoyle racing clear for yet another one on one opportunity. This time McLaughlin came racing out and managed to make the save.

The Railway goal came on 64 minutes. Poor defending allowed Howarth to waltz past two defenders before slotting the ball coolly past Woods.

Railway almost found an undeserved second eleven minutes from the end. Marchant pulled the ball wide of an open goal after Woods had made a good save to deny Howarth.

On 82 minutes Bobby Stevenson headed a Brighton Mugadza corner a foot wide of the far post and a Crossfield header was cleared right off the goalline by a defender as it became clear it wasn't going to be Wakefield's day.

Crossfield had a further chance on 87 minutes but his shot was deflected over the crossbar and Railway held out.

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy.

Attendance: 87.

Referee: S Rowntree.

Assistant Referees: E Kaye, C Milner.

Wakefield:  Woods, Battye, Fawcus, O’Brien, Normaschild, Stoneman, Kenworthy, Stenson, Hoyle, Mugadza, Kyriacou.
Subs: Crossfield (for Battye), Moxon (for kenworthy), Soker (not used)

Harrogate Railway: McLaughlin, Haigh, Turner, Morgan, Thirkell, James, Jones S, Gray, Howarth, Marchant, Ryan
Subs: Whitehead (not used), Jones A (for Marchant), Spence (not used)

Kidsgrove Athletic: Conkie, Henchliffe, Scott, Dodd, Barrow, Keilthy, Matranga, Dawes, Brotherton, Lennon, Eyres
Subs: Jones (for Hencliffe), Ennion (not used), Biegus (not used) 

Phil Rann's report

Result: Alsager Town 3 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Gareth Stoker.

Attendance: 111.

Referee: J A Sheffield.

Assistant Referees: G D Shearer, S J Williams.

Wakefield: Woods, Thornton, Fawcus, Hitchen, Bradshaw, Stoneman, Mugadza, Stoker, Townsend, Hoyle, Kyriacou
Subs: Kenworthy (for Townsend), Crossfield (for Hitchen), Cressey (for Thornton)

Alsager Town: Wilkes, Epsley, Stokes, Parkinson, Dicker, Ireland, Macari, Gibilru, Madin, Eldershaw, Marshall
Subs: Mitchell (for Stokes), Jump (for Epsley), Verow (for Madin) 

Wakefield held league leaders Stocksbridge to a draw at College Grove despite playing for the majority of the match with only ten men.

Captain Paul Stoneman was dismissed for Wakefield after just six minutes. Stoneman cleanly tackled Mick Goddard but the referee still awarded a free kick. Stoneman was understandably upset at the decision and responded with an attempted headbutt and the referee had no option but to give a red card. Goddard clearly made the most of it in typical fashion, rolling around on the floor for several minutes with hardly a mark on him.

Wakefield quickly regrouped and defended solidly throughout the game, with goalkeeper Andy Woods not really been troubled.

Stocksbridge's best chance of the first half fell to Goddard on 24 minutes but his free header was directed straight at Woods.

Wakefield had chances as well with Niall O'Brien having a first time volley deflected wide on 17 minutes and Matthew Hoyle shooting straight at Steve Hodgson just before half time.

Wakefield continued to stifle Stocksbridge throughout the second half. On 58 minutes Charlie Bradshaw put the ball into the side netting at the far post following Gareth Stoker's corner with the ball just too far in front of him for him to control it properly.

The home side took the lead on 75 minutes after breaking clear from a Stocksbridge corner. A flowing move saw Marc Townsend feed Matthew Hoyle down the right. Hoyle charged down towards the penalty area before putting in a superb low cross for O'Brien to convert at the far post.

Wakefield continued to defend well but were undone by a sloppy goal on 87 minutes. Goddard's left wing free kick was forced home by captain Steve Hawes after the ball had bobbled around inside the penalty area.

Result: Wakefield 1 - 1 Stocksbridge PS

Wakefield FC man of the match: Niall O'Brien.

Attendance: 142.

Referee: W Grunnill.

Assistant Referees: D M Ingham, S Stevenson.

Wakefield: Woods, Hitchen, Fawcus, Bradshaw, Farmer, Stoneman, O'Brien, Stoker, Townsend, Hoyle, Kyriacou
Subs: Kenworthy (not used), Mugadza (not used), Brompton (for Townsend)

Stocksbridge: Hodgson, Colliver, McLean, Richards, Lowe, Schofield, Ludlam, Hawes, Walker, Goddard, Cockerill
Subs: Bernard (for Richards), Zoll (for Walker), Sobers (for Schofield)


Report by Phil Rann

Wakefield stretched their unbeaten run to six matches after drawing 1-1 against league leaders Stocksbridge Park Steels at College Grove.

It was always going to be a tough match against a team from the top of the table, but this tough task was not helped when after only five minutes, captain Paul Stoneman was sent off for an apparent headbutt on Stocksbridge's Mick Goddard. Wakefield fans may remember the said Goddard putting Danny Trueman out for the season last September down at Belle Vue, and he was up to his old tricks again today, when after Stoneman had fouled him on the halfway line, he left his foot in whilst Stoneman was grounded. Understandably feeling aggrieved, Stoneman reacted but never made contact with Goddard with his head. He still went down and rolled around on the floor like he was having a fit.

Although Stocksbridge now had the advantage, Wakefield were creating chances, and Marc Townsend shot straight at the keeper and Charlie Bradshaw hit the side netting from a Gareth Stoker free kick. Andy Woods in the Wakefield goal was hardly tested, and although Stocksbridge were enjoying long spells of possession, they created few clear cut chances until space opened up on the left wing, but David Cockerill didn't trouble Woods as the ball flew into the car park.

The second half was fairly even, and sloppy defending almost let in Stocksbridge but Steve Farmer was there to clear the danger. At the other end, Matthew Hoyle shot over after a Niall O'Brien long throw had caused chaos in the Stocksbridge penalty area.

Former Wakefield player Stefan Zoll, who came on as a second half substitute for Stocksbridge had a well struck shot blocked by his own player, and then chipped over with his next effort.

Another Stocksbridge attack was this time broken down by Stoker, who fed Hoyle down the right wing. After running the length of the opposition's half, and with Townsend and Demi Kyriacou waiting in the box, Hoyle expertly picked out O'Brien who was steaming in at the back post, and made no mistake, putting Wakefield in front in the 75th minute.

Stocksbridge again had more possession after the goal, but Townsend's shot was comfortably saved by Hodgson as Wakefield looked to put the game to bed.

Disaster struck for the home side just four minutes from time, when a sloppy goal was scored from a long throw-in, and now the key was to not concede again, and home players' and supporters' hearts stopped when substitute Jay Sobers volleyed just wide in injury time.

Team: Woods, Hitchen, Fawcus, Bradshaw, Farmer, Stoneman, O'Brien, Stoker, Townsend (Brompton 79), Hoyle, Kyriacou.
Subs not used: Kenworthy and Mugadza.

Attendance: 142

Wakefield continued their good run of form with an excellent victory over Ashton United in the League Cup, a team from a division above them. Wakefield were missing first team regulars Andy Woods, Paul Stoneman, Steve Farmer, Matthew Hoyle, Liam Brompton and Gareth Stoker with reserve team players given a chance to shine.

The home side enjoyed the majority of the possession throughout the game. Two early chances fell to Charlie Bradshaw but the big centre half drove wide from the edge of the area on both occasions. Marc Townsend and Craig Hitchen both hooked over inside the first half hour as Ashton failed to live up to expectations given their Premier Division status.

The visitors best chance of the opening half came on 33 minutes when Steve Garvey saw his 20 yard effort drift just wide.

On 43 minutes Wakefield took a deserved lead. Niall O'Brien's long throw caused mayhem in the Ashton penalty area, Bradshaw flicked on and Demi Kyriacou finished superbly into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

In the second half Wakefield continued to control the game and Ashton were unable to create many clear chances. On 59 minutes Craig Hitchen's 20 yard drive was well saved by Lee Bracey and two minutes later Brighton Mugadza's corner was met by Kyriacou but his bullet header was headed off the line. The Wakefield players felt the ball had crossed the line, but the referee waved away their appeals. 

On 65 minutes Mugadza saw his powerful drive excellently charged down and Hitchen's effort from the edge of the area fizzed just wide. Three minutes later Mugadza was inches away from increasing the lead. O'Brien's long throw in was headed out and the Wakefield winger struck a sweet half volley from 20 yards out that rocketed inches wide of the goal.

Ashton's best chance of an equaliser fell to substitute Ian Bennett five minutes from the end, but his powerful effort from 15 yards was well charged down by the Wakefield defenders. To add to their woes the visitors were reduced to ten men in the dying seconds when Michael Murray was dismissed for kicking out at Liam Brompton.  

Result: Wakefield 1 - 0 Ashton United

Wakefield FC man of the match: Demi Kyriacou.

Attendance: 71.

Referee: M Griffiths.

Assistant Referees: C A Unwin, N Walker.

Wakefield:  Wright (M),  Thornton, Fawcus, O’Brien, Cressey, Bradshaw, Kyriacou, Hitchen, Townsend, Kenworthy, Mugadza Subs: Moxon (for Townsend), McGahan (for O’Brien), Brompton (fro Kyriacou)

Ashton United: Bracey, Murray, Collins, Kay, Royle, Bowker, Cooney, Traynor, Kharas, Moores, Garvey
Subs: Bennett (for Garvey), Moores (for Traynor), Baker (for Moores)

The game against Ashton saw Charlie’s make his full debut this season after appearing as a substitute at Buxton. The programme article about our first game against Ashton United in September 1993 showed that Charlie scored one of the goals.

My records indicate that his first game for the club (in the Emley days) was on November 25^th 1991 in a President’s Cup game at Bishop Auckland and his first goal was on February 11^th 1992 in a Sheffield Cup game at Denaby and Cadeby. He also scored the goal which enabled us to lift the Sheffield Cup that season against Frickley.

After leaving the club for Altincham at the end of the season he returned and made his second debut on February 13^th 1993 against Winsford; one week before Paul David made his debut. 

After leaving the club at the end of the 1993/94 season he returned again and made his third debut on September 7^th 1999 at Blyth Spartans. He made his final full appearance on March 10^th 2001 in a Sheffield Cup game against the Wetherby when he scored his final goal for the club. His final non playing substitute game was on August 27^th 2001 at Gateshead.

Wakefield FC man of the match: Niall O'Brien.

Attendance: 439.

Referee: D Meeson.

Assistant Referees: K Lawton, R Crawford.

Wakefield: Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, Cressey, Farmer, Stoneman, O’Brien, Stoker, Townsend, Hoyle, Kyriacou
Subs: Bradshaw (for Townsend), Mugadza (not used), Kenworthy (not used) 

Buxton: Hartley, Brookes, Riley, Milnes, MacPherson, Towey, Foster, Doxey, Ward, Reed, Blythen
Subs: Hall (for Brookes), Law (not used), Walker (for Blythen)

Report by Phil Rann

            Wakefield v Bridlington Town
               Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made it three wins in a row with their first home victory and first clean sheet of the season against Bridlington Town at College Grove.

The home side took the lead on 10 minutes. Great work by Brighton Mugadza down the right saw him send over a superb cross for Marc Townsend to power home a header from close range.

Bridlington rarely threatened and Wakefield had a chance to go further ahead on 32 minutes but Townsend hooked the ball just wide from Liam Brompton's low cross.

The lead was doubled right on half time in bizarre fashion. A deep cross from Mugadza looped over Nick Tudor in the Bridlington goal and struck the inside of the far post. The ball then rebounded against Tudor's arm and fell into the open net.

Bridlington never really got going, although 10 minutes into the second half substitute Drew McCoubrey did get clear of the Wakefield defence but Andy Woods pulled off an excellent save.

On 67 minutes Wakefield sealed the game. Townsend ran clean through on goal, beating the off side trap, but his attempted finish was well saved by Tudor. The rebound fell straight to the feet of Demi Kyriacou who coolly chipped the ball over Tudor, who was well out of position, and into the net.

Four minutes later Matthew Hoyle was put through down the middle but his shot was deflected wide for a corner as Wakefield looked more likely to increase their lead than Bridlington did to equalise.

On 84 minutes Kyriacou burst past the defence and turned inside, but his shot was charged down by the recovering defender.

Luck was on Wakefield's side three minutes from time when a 25 yard Bridlington free kick deflected off a defender, struck the inside of the post and bounced straight into the grateful arms of Woods.

Gareth Stoker had an excellent chance to make it four in the dying minutes, but his 20 yard drive from Hoyle's lay off flew just wide of the post.

Wakefield are likely to have a much more difficult task on Saturday when they travel to high flying Buxton, who have only lost one league game all season.

Result: Wakefield 3 – 0 Bridlington Town

Wakefield FC man of the match: Niall O'Brien.

Attendance: 110.

Referee: C Grundy

Assistant Referees: J Hermuzi, D Nutting.

Wakefield:  Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, O’Brien, Farmer, Cressey, Kyriacou, Stoker, Townsend, Hoylem Mugadza
Subs: Kenworthy (not used), Hitchen (not used), Moxon (not used)

Bridlington Town: Tudor, Harper, Bonarius, Suddaby, Giblin, Baker. Harrison, Willoughby, Barnwell, Wilkinson, Carter
Sub: McCoughbry (for Carter), Vickers (Harper), Bowsley (for Willoughby)

               Goole v Wakefield
               Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield continued their good run of form with their second successive league victory after coming from behind once again to win at Goole.

Wakefield put out an unchanged side from the one that won 2-1 at Brigg Town in midweek.

Goole took the lead in the eighth minute. Sloppy defending by Ben Cressey allowed Dean Lackie to nip in and tuck the ball away past Andy Woods from close range.

Wakefield began to take control of the game. On 18 minutes Chris Fawcus' corner was met by Marc Townsend, but the ball was at a difficult height for him and he directed it straight at Chris Hill in the Goole net.

The equaliser came on 25 minutes. A long throw in by Niall O'Brien was only half punched clear by Hill and Liam Brompton lifted the ball into the goal from 12 yards out.

Goole were limited to long range efforts on goal. On the half hour mark Andrew Jackson volleyed straight at Andy Woods, but Wakefield continued to have the better of the play.

The home side had their best spell in the first ten minutes of the second half but failed to break Wakefield down and the visitors then once again took control.

On 58 minutes Wakefield were almost in front as a Goole defender's header glanced against the face of his own crossbar.

Gareth Stoker's free kick on 73 minutes found Townsend unmarked at the far post, but the angle was just too tight for him and he headed wide.

A minute later Wakefield were in front, O'Brien's long throw once again leading to a goal. A defender and goalkeeper got in each other's way and the ball fell to Demi Kyriacou whose close range shot struck the foot of a post. The rebound fell nicely for Matthew Hoyle who tucked it away from close range.

On 79 minutes Wakefield scored their third goal. Gareth Stoker's corner wasn't dealt with by the Goole defence and Hoyle climbed highest to glance a header into the roof of the net.

Goole were almost back in the game straight from the restart, as a defensive header by a Wakefield defender looped over Woods who had come to collect the ball, but luckily bounced just wide of the goal.

Eight minutes from time a long crossfield ball put Fawcus clean through on goal but he drove into the side netting from close range.

Goole failed to create any chances in the late stages as Wakefield held out comfortably to move another place up the UniBond First Division table.  

Result: Goole 1 - 3 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Chris Fawcus.

Attendance: 171.

Referee: P Bramley.

Assistant Referees: G Liddle, R C Milner.

Wakefield Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, Cressey, Farmer, Stoneman, O’Brien, Stoker, Townsend, Hoyle, Kyriacou
Subs: Kenworthy (for Townsend), Hitchen (not used), Mugadza (for Brompton)

Goole Hill (c ), McDaid, O’Brien, Gore, Harper, Hill (B), Constable, Jackson, Bray, Lackie, Weldrake,
Subs: Dufty (for Weldrake), Longfellow (for Jackson), Berry (for Constable)

Report by Phil Rann

Absolutely excellent performance today, and thats not just two poor sides and we were marginally better, we would have beaten any side in our league with that performance today. Every player gave 100% to be first to every ball, win every challenge, get stuck in, and most of all, put Goole under pressure in every part of the field.

It didn't look like it was going to be a happy afternoon when Goole went ahead inside ten minutes after a mix-up between Andy Woods and Ben Cressey allowed Lackie to put the home side ahead after Wakefield had made an impressive start to the match.

The lead lasted less then 15 minutes when a loose ball from a corner fell to Liam Brompton, who made no mistake; placing the ball over the downed 'keeper to make it 1-1.

Wakefield were having the better of the chances but were not causing the Goole goalkeeper too many problems. However, when they did put him under pressure, he was not comfortable at all. A poor backpass almost allowed Matthew Hoyle to pounce but the referee intervened after he had adjudged Hoyle had used a high foot in challenging for the ball.

Goole started the second half much the stronger team, but similar to Wakefield in the first half, they failed to test Woods in the Wakefield goal.

The final half hour of the game was almost controlled by Wakefield as they pushed for a second away win in four days. Goole almost pressed the self-destruct button when a header from a Goole defender hit their own bar from a corner, and Gareth Stoker's free-kick from out wide was inches wide of finding the corner.

Another corner on 75 minutes saw Demi Kyriacou hit the post, but fortunately the ball fell to Hoyle who made no mistake as Wakefield took the lead.

Five minutes later it was 3-1 when Hoyle struck again, again from a set piece after the goalkeeper had flapped the ball from a corner. The last touch was from a defender who tried in vain to head the ball off the line.

Wakefield were still the better side, and it could have been 4-1 when Chris Fawcus was put through on goal by substitute Steve Kenworthy, but his shot only found the side netting.

Kenworthy himself was put through minutes later, but was hauled down by the last Goole defender. The referee and linesman gave nothing to the sheer astonishment of everyone in the ground.

Team: Woods, Brompton (Mugadza 64), Fawcus, Cressey, Farmer, Stoneman, O'Brien, Stoker, Townsend (Kenworthy 77), Hoyle, Kyriacou.
Sub Not Used: Hitchen

Attendance: 171

Colwyn Bay: Brookfield, Callaghan, Boardman, Brandreth, Coverley, Adamson, Burgess, Hussey, Armstrong, Wright, O'Brien
Subs: Burke (for O'Brien), Jones (for Wright), Williams (for Callaghan)


Phil Rann's report

Wakefield earned their first point of the season after putting in a good performance against ten man Clitheroe.

Wakefield were without Ben Cressey and Richard Carrington from the side that lost at Warrington Town last Saturday as both were absent injured. New signing Gareth Stoker and the returning Marc Townsend both started in their place.

The visitors had the better chances from the first half, but were let down by wayward finishing.

On 11 minutes, Greg Challender sent a free kick high over the bar and two minutes later Stoker dragged his shot wide after Brighton Mugadza had pulled the ball back to him on the edge of the area.

Clitheroe showed they were capable of creating chances on 16 minutes when Owen Roberts' 25 yard free kick struck the woodwork.

On 26 minutes Wakefield were almost gifted the lead. Clitheroe goalkeeper Alan Fitzpatrick came rushing out but failed to be first to the ball. Mugadza picked the ball up and tried to chip it in from 25 yards, but the defender on the line was able to head clear. The resulting rebound was pulled wide by Hoyle from a difficult angle.

Three minutes later it was Mugadza again who forced an attempt on goal, his driving run taking him to the edge of the area before he flashed a shot just wide.

Clitheroe were then reduced to ten men as Will Exton was dismissed after picking up two bookings in as many minutes. Neither booking could really be argued with as both were for very late challenges.

Home captain Simon Garner fired in a 35 yard piledriver on 39 minutes that Andy Woods in the Wakefield goal managed to get down well to and push away.

A fumble by Fitzpatrick right on half time again nearly gifted Wakefield a goal after a Niall O'Brien long throw but Steve Kenworthy's hooked effort from a difficult position floated over the crossbar.

In the early period of the second half Clitheroe were the better side. Woods was forced into a point blank range save from substitute Paul Lamb on 48 minutes after the ball fell kindly for Lamb in the box.

Five minutes later the home side were in front. Woods made an initial great save to deny Lamb once more but James Dean was on hand to put the rebound home from close range.

On 63 minutes Danny Highley's wayward shot from 20 yards flew well wide as Wakefield struggled to get the ball up to their front men. In the last ten minutes, however, they sprung into life.

On 81 minutes Mugadza picked the ball up down the right hand side after making a driving run into the box and drove the ball hard and low towards goal. Unfortunately for Wakefield the ball struck the base of the near post. A defender attempted a clearance but sliced the ball straight up in the air. Hoyle managed to get his head to the ball amongst a melee of defenders but couldn't direct his header and the ball bounced wide.

Clitheroe were always dangerous on the break and on 84 minutes Ian Johnson broke clear down the right but his shot flashed wide of the far post.

A minute later Fitzpatrick was forced into action at the other end. Demi Kyriacou laid the ball off to Kenworthy on the edge of the area and his powerful drive was well tipped over by the Clitheroe goalkeeper.

The resulting corner was cleared but Stoker was able to lift the ball back into the danger area. The ball fell to Hoyle who thrashed the ball into the goal from close range. Fitzpatrick managed to get his body to the ball, but it rebounded off him into the roof of the net.

Lamb had a chance to win it for Clitheroe in the last minute as he raced clear but his shot was weak and Woods was able to get down and make a comfortable save.

Result: Clitheroe 1 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Matthew Hoyle.

Attendance: 181.

Referee: P A Brabin.

Assistant Referees: N J Croft, F Rudd.

Wakefield: Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, Challender, O’Brien, Stoneman, Kenworthy, Stoker, Townsend, Hoyle, Mugadza Subs: Highley (for Townsend), Kyriacou (for Highley), Moxon (for Challender) 

There were two changes to the eleven that started against Shepshed Dynamo with new signing Richard Carrington and Steve Kenworthy coming into the side and Demi Kyriacou and Joe Howson missing out.

Brighton Mugadza had two early chances for the visitors but missed the target with both when in space.

Warrington took the lead on 25 minutes. A deep cross from Kevin Hannon drifted over Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods and went in off the far post in what was the home side's only attempt on target in the first half.

Wakefield played much better in the second half, showing a lot of spirit and determination.

On 47 minutes Matthew Hoyle's excellent through ball found Steve Kenworthy one on one with Richard Mottram in the home goal, but the defender behind him knoced him off balance as he shot and Mottram was able to gather comfortably.

Captain Paul Stoneman curled a free kick just wide on 50 minutes and Carrington sliced wide after Hoyle's lay off on 56 minutes as Wakefield continued to create chances.

Hoyle's attempted chip on the hour was comfortable for Mottram and Greg Challender hooked over from close range on 68 minutes after Niall O'Brien's long throw in had been flicked on.

The equaliser came on 70 minutes. A deep free kick by Liam Brompton was met by O'Brien at the far post who looped his header over the badly placed Mottram and into the goal.

Two minutes later disaster struck for Wakefield as they found themselves behind once more. The ball rebounded off two defenders to fall nicely for Hannon who was left with an easy chance from close range.

Warrington had a chance to extend their lead on 76 minutes, but substitute Simon Burton's header was well tipped over by Woods.

With a minute left Wakefield thought they had forced a replay. O'Brien's long throw was met by Hoyle on the edge of the six yard box and his looping header found the net, just inside the far post, to level the scores once more.

However, deep into injury time a corner kick caused problems in the Wakefield penalty area and Challender was penalised for a clear push. Burton sent Woods the wrong way from the spot to put Warrington through to face Clitheroe in the next round.

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy.

Attendance: 104.

Referee: C Kavanagh.

Wakefield: Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, Challender, Cressey, Stoneman, Carrington, O’Brien, Hoyle, Kenworthy, Mugadza
Subs: Townsend (for Fawcus), Kyriacou (for Mugadza, Moxon (for Carrington), Highley (not used), McGahan (not used) 

Warrington Town: Mottram, Salt, Fitzsimmins, Halpin, Farrell, Akrigg,  Baker, Latham, Mitchell, Towey, Hannan
Subs: Burton (for Baker), Tickle, Otuta (not used), Willis (not used) 

Shepshed almost raced into a first minute lead, but Royce Turville's close range effort was well blocked by Andy Woods. The visitors did take the lead on 19 minutes. Captain Andy Bourne nipped in following a free kick to put the ball home.

A minute later Wakefield almost equalised. Liam Brompton broke down the right and smashed the ball against the inside of the post from the edge of the area.

Luck was against Wakefield once more however, as Shepshed raced straight back up the field and scored their second goal, Darryl Thomas beating Paul Stoneman for pace before slotting the ball past Woods. On 26 minutes Thomas had a chance to extend Shepshed's lead but headed over from Bourne's cross when well placed.

Wakefield's first attempt on target came on 29 minutes. Hoyle picked up Chris Fawcus' low cross but his shot on the turn was easy for Jonathan Noon in the away goal. Shepshed were reduced to ten men on 34 minutes. Thomas received his marching orders after lashing out at Greg Challender after he had been fouled.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the game in the second half. On 47 minutes Brighton Mugadza's corner was headed towards goal by Niall O'Brien but Noon pulled off a good stop to push the ball away on the goalline. On the hour Challender hooked just over after Mugadza's corner had only been palmed clear by Noon and four minutes later Stoneman headed just wide from another corner.

On 68 minutes the referee made it ten against ten after dismissing Ben Cressey for a second bookable offence, only minutes after his first booking. Wakefield continued to try and create chances. On 77 minutes O'Brien's long throw was flicked on by Stoneman but Demi Kyriacou's ambitious overhead kick went wide.

Joe Howson drove wide from 30 yards with four minutes remaining but Wakefield couldn't find a breakthrough and the game ended in defeat once more.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 2 Shepshed Dynamo

Wakefield FC man of the match: Liam Brompton.

Attendance: 88.

Referee: R W Martin.

Assistant Referees: J D F Abey, D P Burton.

Wakefield: Woods, Howson, Fawcus, Challender, Cressey, Stoneman, Brompton, O'Brien, Kyriacou, Hoyle, Mugadza
Subs: Highley (for Mugadza), Stevenson (not used), McGahan (not used)

Wakefield were without Matthew Hoyle and Liam Brompton (both cuptied), Adam Oldham (returned to Worksop Town) and Marc Townsend (shoulder) from the side that lost 2-1 at Gresley Rovers on Tuesday night. Coming into the side were reserve team player Joe Howson, Demi Kyricaou returning from injury and Danny Highley and Steve Kenworthy who both started on the substitutes bench at Gresley.

Farsley first threatened on 7 minutes. A lunge by Niall O'Brien let in Gareth Grant but he curled his shot wide. On 20 minutes Grant turned provider, feeding Damien Reeves, but the latter's curling shot was well pushed over by Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods.

On 21 minutes James Knowles drifted through and placed the ball wide when well placed and then 6 minutes later a Reeves header from close range was well grasped by Woods as Farsley continued to create chances, despite failing to take a firm hold on the game.

A further chance before half time fell to Roy Stamer but he drove wide after Ryan Crossley had laid off a free kick.

Farsley should have taken the lead in the first minute of the second half, but Reeves curled his shot wide.

The closest Wakefield came was on 54 minutes, when Brighton Mugadza put in a curling effort on goal from 20 yards out but it was well saved by Tom Morgan.

Farsley final registered a goal on 58 minutes. A corner caused mayhem in the Wakefield box and Crossley eventually managed to force the ball over the line.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the game. On 70 minutes O'Brien's header following a free kick was straight at Morgan and on 73 minutes Mugadza's drive from a tight angle flew inches wide.

Farsley increased their advantage on 77 minutes when Reeves nipped in behind the defence to drive the ball past Woods into the bottom corner.

Five minutes from time Farsley scored the third goal when Chris Thackray was on hand to force the ball in following another Farsley corner.

Wakefield failed to register a goal on the scoresheet. Highley's turn and shot from 15 yards brought a good save from Morgan on 86 minutes and O'Brien's 20 yard volley flew well over with a minute left.

Wakefield have a chance to progress in another FA competition next weekend when they visit Warrington Town in the FA Trophy, a feat which looks relatively more easy to accomplish.  

Result: Farsley Celtic 3 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman.

Attendance: 280.

Referee: R Hewitt.

Assistant Referees: A R Tankard, D O'Leary.  

Wakefield: Woods, Howson, Fawcus, Challender, Cressey, Stoneman, Highley, O'Brien, Kyriacou, Kenworthy, Mugadza
Subs: Normanschild (not used), Stevenson (not used), Wright (M) (not used)

Farsley Celtic: Morgan, Stabb, Pemberton, Knowles, Crossley, Serrant, Midgeley, Krieff, Grant, Reeves, Stamer

Subs: Walls (for Serrant), Iqbal (for Crossley), Thackray (for Knowles), Nestor (not used), Cuss (not used)

Wakefield FC fell to their tenth straight league defeat after conceding a goal a minute from time at Gresley, despite putting in a superb performance at Moat Street. Wakefield welcomed Ben Cressey back into the squad after he missed out on Saturday, but were without injured players Simon Wright, Demi Kyriacou, Scott Fulton and Richard Kettlewell.

The visitors started brightly with both Chris Fawcus and Niall O'Brien having shots charged down in the opening four minutes. On 11 minutes a Liam Brompton corner was flicked on by Greg Challender to Marc Townsend who headed just wide of the goal.

The lively Paul Edwards was one player who was causing Wakefield some problems. On 12 minutes he had a shot excellently charged down and seven minutes later he headed inches over the crossbar.

On 29 minutes Wakefield were dealt a blow when Townsend left the field on a stretcher with a dislocated shoulder and was taken to hospital. Steve Kenworthy came on to replace him. Four minutes later Wakefield were again causing problems from a set piece. Fawcus' corner was flicked on again by Challender for Matthew Hoyle to head just over the crossbar. Wakefield continued to threaten. 

On 35 minutes a Brighton Mugadza cross was headed straight up in the air by Hoyle who, when the ball came down, attempted a overhead kick. The shot was superbly saved by Tommy Whittle in the home goal. On 42 minutes a Brompton cross following a flowing exchange with Hoyle was headed straight at Whittle by Kenworthy.

In the second half the action continued to come. On 47 minutes Edwards drove just wide then two minutes later Kenworthy shot inches wide from 25 yards at the other end. On 51 minutes, Challender curled a free kick just over for Wakefield and six minutes later Hoyle's curling effort also flashed just over from 20 yards.

Woods was called into action on 64 minutes when Edwards sent in a superb effort from 25 yards. The Wakefield keeper got his fingertips to the ball to pull off a superb save and tip it round the post.

Two minutes later an O'Brien long throw was flicked on by Paul Stoneman but Hoyle headed straight at Whittle. A minute later the action was back up the other end with Edwards' powerful 25 yard drive crashing against the foot of the post.

On 68 minutes, Mugadza turned inside and curled a shot just wide for Wakefield and four minutes later the visitors were within inches of taking the lead when Kenworthy's volley with the outside of his foot rattled the Gresley crossbar with Whittle beaten.

Wakefield continued to play well. On 83 minutes, Challender curled another free kick just over. Five minutes from time Wakefield finally found the back of the net. A Fawcus corner was met by a powerful header by Stoneman which flew into the net, just under the crossbar.

Two minutes later Wakefield almost snatched a winner. Danny Highley's cross was met by Hoyle but the latter headed wide of the goal.

A minute from time Gresley snatched a winning goal. Woods pulled off a good save to keep out a top corner bound effort but Sangha was again on hand to follow up and put the ball home.

Result: Gresley Rovers  2 - 1 Wakefield 

Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman

Attendance: 240.

Referee: R Steans.

               Wakefield v Belper Town
               Report by Dan Brownhill

               Wakefield are still in search of their first league point of the season after falling to 
               defeat against Belper Town at College Grove in a poor game of football.

               Wakefield came closest to scoring on 22 minutes. A long punt upfield was superbly 
               held up by the returning Matthew Hoyle for Steve Kenworthy to volley at goal, but 
               the ball flew straight at Andy Carney in the Belper goal.

               Belper took the lead on 37 minutes. Kelvin Mushambi stoked the ball home from 
               close range following a pull back from the byline. The visitors should have doubled
               their lead right on the half time whistle, but Ross Hannah's header from a deep 
       ross went well wide.

               A lacklustre Wakefield failed to break down a resilient Belper in the second half. 
               Their best chance came on 82 minutes when a ball over the top was lifted just over
         the crossbar by Hoyle.

              Belper scored their second goal two minutes from time. Hannah powered past
               Wakefield skipper Paul Stoneman to round Andy Woods and slot the ball home.

    esult: Wakefield 0 – 2 Belper Town

               Wakefield FC man of the match: Niall O'Brien.

               Attendance: 95.

               Referee: C Akers.

               Assistant Referees: M Birley, D J H England.

               Wakefield: Woods, Oldham, Fawcus, Stevenson, O’Brien, Stoneman, Brompton, 
               Challender, Townsend, Kenworthy, Hoyle
               Subs: Mugadza (for Townsend), Highley (for enworthy), McGahan (not used)

               Belper Town: Carney, Chambers, Carter, Davies, Wordsworth, Ingall, Drury, 
               Hudson, Mushambi, Hannah, Rushbury
               Subs: Hobson (for Mushambi), Steadman (not used), James (not used)

Wakefield welcomed new signings Adam Oldham and Liam Brompton into the side along with Simon Wright who was returning after a spell out injured. Demi Kyriacou dropped to the bench and Liam Berry was not selected. The other player missing from the side that won at Chester-le-Street Town was the recently departed Marc Thompson.

Harrogate were the better side in the early part of the game. On 5 minutes Graham Marchant ran through on goal but slashed the ball into the side netting from a tight angle. A minute later, Scott Ryan sent a hard volley over the crossbar from 25 yards.

On 7 minutes good work by Steve Kenworthy saw his low ball met by Liam Brompton, but the latter's shot was mishit from 12 yards.

Harrogate took the lead on 9 minutes. Marchant completely missed the ball with his first attempt, but his second was a thundering volley that left Andy Woods with no chance in the Wakefield goal.

Harrogate continued to threaten as Lyle Hillier drove wide from 25 yards on 12 minutes.

Wakefield then began to get back into a very entertaining game of football. On 18 minutes Kenworthy's 25 yard shot flew over and on 37 minutes a Bobby Stevenson cross was headed out for Kenworthy to again volley over the crossbar from 20 yards.

On 38 minutes, Harrogate goalkeeper Liam Sutcliffe handled in his own penalty area and an indirect free kick was awarded 15 yards out. Townsend touched it to Paul Stoneman but he dragged his shot well wide of the goal.

Wakefield finished the half on top as four minutes from time Brompton met a deep cross at the far post, but his effort was well charged down by a defender.

The second half began steadily, with Phil Turner curling a Harrogate free kick just over on 56 minutes and Stevenson lobbing over from 20 yards on 63 minutes at the other end following good work by Kenworthy and substitute Brighton Mugadza.

On 69 minutes, disaster struck for Wakefield. Marchant, who looked well offside to most of the spectators, waltzed through and stroked the ball past Woods. It was unlucky for Wakefield for whom Marc Townsend had been flagged offside a moment earlier at the other end when he quite clearly was not.

Harrogate should have added a third goal on 77 minutes, but Liam Gray's free header from Nathan James' cross was straight at Woods from 6 yards out.

Wakefield continued to pressurise Harrogate well and got their reward 12 minutes from time. A low cross in by Brompton was thrashed into the net by Townsend on the goalline to give them hope.

Three minutes later though the game was effectively over as Harrogate regained their two goal lead. A deep cross was pulled back by Andy Shields for Lyle Hillier to smash the ball home from close range.

Wakefield continued to create chances but without reward. On 85 minutes Demi Kyriacou's deflected shot was well saved by Sutcliffe and a minute from time the Wakefield substitute again had a shot well saved after turning inside a defender.

On 89 minutes, Kenworthy's long range effort shaved the crossbar and in injury time a Mugadza corner was met by Danny Highley but his shot from point blank range went straight into Sutcliffe's arms.

Result:  Wakefield 1 - 3 Harrogate Railway Athletic

Wakefield FC man of the match: Liam Brompton.

Attendance: 115.

Referee: R J Hargreaves.

Wakefield: Woods, Oldham, Fawcus, Stevenson, Cressey, Stoneman, Brompton, O'Brien, Townsend, Kenworthy, Wright S
Subs; Mugadza (for Wright), Highley (for Townsend), Kyriacou (for Fawcus)

Harrogate Railway: Sutclife, Haigh, Turner, Morgan, Henderson, James, Shields, Gray, Hillier, Marchant, Ryan
Subs: Howard (for Marchant), Jones (for Gray), Conway (for Shields)

               Report by Dan Brownhill
              Chester Le Street v Wakefield
               FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round

                     Wakefield progressed through to the second qualifying round stage of the FA Cup
               Sponsored by e.on after a battling performance in the north east.

               The Wakefield starting eleven saw two changes to the team that started against 
               Rossendale United. Greg Challender, absent due to a rib injury, was replaced by
               Liam Berry and Brighton Mugadza dropped to the bench in favour of Steve 
               Kenworthy. Joining Mugadza and Will McGahan on the bench were reserve players
               Declan Normaschild and Joe Howson. Reserve team goalkeeper Matt Wright had
               injured a hamstring against Woodley Sports Reserves the previous night so was 
               unavailable.

          Chester-le-Street had the first chance of a fairly even first half. Jonathan Wightman 
               ran through to just beat Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods to the ball but lifted it
               just wide of the net.

               Wakefield took the lead on 21 minutes. Berry released Bobby Stevenson down the
               left. Stevenson turned inside the full back and curled a 20 yard lob over Ian Aitken 
               in the home goal into the far top corner of the net.

               Wightman continued to cause problems for Wakefield. On 35 minutes he turned 
               inside and sent a powerful drive from the edge of the area towards goal. Woods 
               was up to the task however, pulling off a smart save to push the ball wide.

               After half time, the home side continued to press but the Wakefield defence stood 
               firm. On 51 minutes, Chester-le-Street should have equalised when the ball was 
               deflected through to Wightman to leave him with a clean shot on goal from only
               6 yards out. Luckily for Wakefield, Wightman went to power the ball into the net,
               but completely sliced it and it flew harmlessly wide.

               On 55 minutes, Aitken was forced into action at the other end. A curling free kick
               from Marc Thompson caused the danger but Aitken got his fingertips to the ball 
            o turn it over the crossbar.

               From the resulting corner taken by Chris Fawcus, Paul Stoneman rose highest to 
               head at goal but the ball flew just wide.

               Chester-le-Street continued to enjoy the vast majority of the possession but without
               having clear chances on goal. The Wakefield centre-backs in particular were up to
               the challenge an dealt with the balls into the box well.

               The closest Wakefield came to adding a second goal was 14 minutes from time.
               A Fawcus corner was met by Niall O'Brien, but his header bounced inches wide of 
               the goal.

               Result: Chester Le Street 0 - 1 Wakefield

               Wakefield FC man of the match: Ben Cressey.

               Attendance: 92.

               Referee: I E Griffiths.

               Assistant Referees: M Carr, P Keogh.

               Wakefield: Woods, Stevenson, Fawcus, O’Brien, Cressey, Stoneman, Townsend, 
               Thompson, Kyriacou, Kenworthy, Berry
               Subs: Mugadza (not used), McGahan (for Berry), Howson (for Kenworthy), 
               Normaschild (not used)

Wakefield fell to their seventh league defeat from seven games played after losing and failing to score once again at College Grove against Rossendale United.

Rossendale first came close on three minutes. A deep corner saw a looping header deflect off a Wakefield defender and bounce off the top of the crossbar with Andy Woods stranded.

On 19 minutes Wakefield created a chance of their own after breaking clear from a Rossendale attack. Marc Thompson put in Marc Townsend but he dragged his shot wide under pressure from a defender.

Three minutes later Phil Edghill was left unmarked but luckily for Wakefield his looping header bounced just wide.

Wakefield threatened again on 34 minutes, a deep Bobby Stevenson cross was met by Demi Kyriacou, but his flick header was just wide.

On 47 minutes Rossendale almost gifted Wakefield the lead. A 20 yard drive from Kyriacou was spilled by James Salisbury, but Townsend just couldn't get to the ball before Salisbury managed to grab it.

A minute later Rossendale took the lead. Phil Eastwood's drive from the edge of the area somehow made its way through Woods to register a goal which Wakefield will be desperately disappointed to have conceded.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the game. On 65 minutes Kyriacou's powerful header from 12 yards after Niall O'Brien's ball in was just over.

On 71 minutes a long ball forward by Chris Fawcus picked out Townsend's run but he was unlucky to see his flick header fall straight into Salisbury's arms.

A minute later Townsend was in the action again, this time with a sweet volley after the ball had sat up nicely for him 20 yards out. The ball flew straight into Salisbury's arms, however, and the chance was gone.

Rossendale almost snatched a second goal two minutes from time when Adam Cook raced clear, but his drive was just wide of the post.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 1 Rossendale United

Wakefield FC man of the match: Marc Thompson.

Wakefield: Woods, Stephenson, Fawcus, O'Brien, Cressey, Stoneman, Challender, Thompson, Kyriacou, Mugadza, Townsend
Subs: Kenworthy (for Mugadza), Berry (for Stephenson), McGahan (not used)

Rossendale United: Salisbury, Pickup, Warrender, Booth, Robertson, Whittal-Williams, Kitchen, Wedhill, Zarac, Eastwood, Cook
Subs: Eatcock (for Kitchen), Mackay (not used), Edginton (not used)

Attendance: 83.

Referee: M G O'Neill.

Assistant Referees: A Bowen, J L Crowther.

Wakefield crashed to their fifth UniBond League defeat from five games played to leave them still searching for their first point of the season at Lambeth Grove.

The visitors were the first to threaten in a hard fought first half. Brighton Mugadza's through ball was directed towards goal by Steve Kenworthy on five minutes but his shot was weak and Liam Higginbotham in the Woodley goal was able to make an easy save.

Woodley hit back with a first time volley from Chris Curley on six minutes which flew just wide and a long range effort from Carlos Meakin on nine minutes which was straight at Andy Woods.

A minute later a through ball from defence by captain Paul Stoneman saw Mugadza volley at goal but he hooked well over from a difficult position.

On 19 minutes Woodley had should have taken the lead when Daniel Douglas-Pringle ran through to beat Niall O'Brien to a loose ball but he hooked wide under pressure.

Five minutes later Woods was unable to hold a low cross and the rebound fell to 
Douglas-Pringle but his attempt from close range was somehow deflected over by a defender.

The action continued to come as Wakefield enjoyed their best spell of the game. A long crossfield ball by Mugadza found Chris Fawcus on the opposite wing on 27 minutes. He took the ball round the full back with his first touch, his second touch took him to the byline and his third touch was a thundering volley at goal from an impossible angle that looped over Higginbotham and crashed back out off the inside of the far post.

On the half hour it was Fawcus again threatening the scoresheet with a long range drive but this time Higginbotham was able to gather easily. Woodley immediately 
counter-attacked as Douglas-Pringle ran clean through on goal at the other end but 
Woods pulled off a tremendous one handed save to deny him.

On 35 minutes a long range volley from Woodley captain Chris Young was 
straight at Woods and on 39 minutes Luke Horrocks ran clear down the right and crossed for Meakin to smash the ball at goal but he was denied by a fantastic finger tip save by Woods.

Woodley were beginning to make their quality and pace up front show and right on 
half time Meakin powered towards goal and tried a 20 yard drive. Woods again was on hand to make a good save to push the ball wide.

The second half began with a couple of Wakefield chances as Mugadza's long range drive on 47 minutes went well over and Marc Townsend dragged his shot to leave Higginbotham with an easy save after Mugadza's through ball on 48 minutes.

Woodley took the lead on 49 minutes. Adam Morning's left wing corner was met by
Meakin who placed his header under the crossbar. Four minutes later it was two. 
Meakin's cheeky back-heeled through ball split the Wakefield defence and Curley was on hand to slot the ball past Woods.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the game. Mugadza tried a long range effort
on the turn on 67 minutes but the ball went well over the crossbar.

On 70 minutes Douglas-Pringle saw his shot on the turn go just wide before Young 
thrashed the ball into the top corner from 20 yards after the ball came out to him following a wonderful save from Woods. The referee's assistant was waving his flag furiously to suggest an infringement but the referee chose to ignore him and the goal stood.

It clearly was not to be Wakefield's day as Demi Kyriacou saw his 30 yarder flash just wide on 73 minutes and substitute Danny Highley wasted the best chance of
the day for the visitors on 75 minutes when he beat the offside trap but blazed miles over the bar with only the goalkeeper to beat.

On 78 minutes Mugadza picked up the ball in the area and laid off to Greg 
Challender but his drive went inches wide of the far post and on 83 minutes 
Highley's shot from 20 yards was straight at Higginbotham.

Woodley added the fourth goal six minutes from time. Meakin curled the ball into
the top corner from the edge of the area as the home side broke out following a Wakefield attack, despite Woods managing to get a finger to it.

Five minutes from time Townsend was clearly elbowed in the face by Woodley substitute Mario-Sergio Daniel to leave the Wakefield man lying on the ground but neither the referee or his assistant saw it and justice was not done as no card was produced, apart from one for Townsend himself who was booked for kicking the advertising boards in frustration after getting to his feet.

In injury time the action continued to come. Daniel's shot flashed across the face of goal from a tight angle for Woodley and Wakefield had a Highley header deflected over the crossbar and a Stoneman volley brilliantly tipped wide by Higginbotham as they failed to find a consolation goal.

Result: Woodley Sports 4 - 0 Wakefield 

Wakefield FC man of the match: Andy Woods.

Attendance: 100.

Referee: P A Brabin.

Assistant Referees: M E Doherty, S Foster.

Wakefield: Woods, Rutter, Cressey, Townsend, O'Brien, Stoneman, Mugadza, Challender, Kyriacou, Kenworthy, Fawcus
Subs: McGahan (for Rutter), Highley (for Fawcus), Berry (for Kyriacou)

Report by Dan Brownhill   
Wakefield v Dunston Federation Brewery 
FA Cup Preliminary Round

Wakefield twice came from behind to progress to the next round of the FA Cup 
Sponsored by e.on at the expense of Northern League opponents Dunston 
Federation Brewery.

The visitors took the lead in the second minute. Gareth McAlindon's free kick was
volleyed first time into the bottom corner by Graeme Armstrong.Wakefield equalised on 30 minutes when a Chris Fawcus free kick found its way to Brighton Mugadza, who took the ball past a defender before drilling it into the bottom corner.

Dunston regained their lead three minutes into the second half. Armstrong beat the 
offside trap to slot the ball past Woods to register his second goal of the game.

The home side showed great spirit to get themselves back into the game seven minutes later. The lively Mugadza scored his second goal as he accepted a short free kick from Simon Wright before turning inside and driving the ball into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Dunston almost went back in front when Steve Kenworthy was forced to clear off the line with a diving header following a deep cross. Wakefield then took control of the game for the final quarter of the game, with Greg Challender having a clear effect on the team from midfield.

The winner came 12 minutes from time when new signing Demi Kyriacou climbed 
highest to head home Mugadza's deep cross after the latter had rounded Dunson 
goalkeeper Andrew Clark. Wakefield nearly scored a fourth goal on 81 minutes
after Marc Townsend had been sent clear by Kyriacou, but Townsend's drive at
goal was well saved by Clark and the game finished with no further score.

Result: Wakefield 3 - 2 Dunston Federation Brewery  

Wakefield FC man of the match: Brighton Mugadza.

Attendance: 126.

Referee: M J Foley.

Assistant Referees: P Booker, P Zylka.

Wakefield: Woods, Rutter, Fawcus, Townsend, O'Brien, Stoneman, Mugadza, Challender, Kyriacu, Kenworthy, Wright S
Subs: Mcahan (for Wright S), Highley (unused), Berry (unused), Abbott (unused), 
Wright M (unused)

Dunston FB: Clark, Pickering, Scott, Robson, O'Bern, Taylor, Scope, McAlindon, 
Armstrong, Preen, Laws
Subs: Hogg (for O'Bern), Molyneux (unused), Shore (for Scope), Irwin (unused), 
Robson (unused)

               Report by Dan Brownhill   
               Cammell Laird v Wakefield
                

               Wakefield were well beaten by Merseysiders Cammell Laird at Kirklands in a match
               that was effectively over at half time. Andy Battye and Richard Kettlewell both 
               missed the game through injury whilst Toby Rutter and Bobby Stevenson were also
               unavailable.

               The home side took the lead on 16 minutes. An exellent pull back from the byline
               was superbly put into the top corner first time by Jamie McGuire from the edge of 
               the area. The lead was doubled on 20 minutes. Eddie Jebb burst through the middle
               of the Wakefield defence and blasted the ball past Andy Woods. Cammell Laird 
               made it  3-0 nine minutes before half time. Chris Nezianya found space outside 
               the area and  thrashed the ball into the back of the net. 

                It was Nezianya who scored Cammell Laird's fourth and his second goal of the
               game right on half time as he waltzed through the Wakefield defence to coolly slot
               the ball past Woods from close range.
          
           Wakefield were playing with the wind in the second half but failed to break down a
               strong, well organised Cammell Laird side as the game ended with no further 
               addition to the score.

               Result: Cammell Laird 4 – 0 Wakefield

          Wakefield FC man of the match: Danny Highley.

               Attendance: 138.
               Referee: J Simpson.
          Assistant Referees: V Baldwin, P Evans.

               Wakefield: Woods, O’Brien, Wright, McGahan, Stoneman, Mugadza, Abbott,
               Townsend, Highley, Kenworthy, Fawcus.
               Subs: Murphy (for Abbott), Berry (for Mugadza), Bitten Price (not used)

Cammell Laird: Crookes, Sheehan, Lynch, Jeb, Atherton, Collins, McGuire, Cole, Nezianya, McMullen, Rimmer.
Subs: Cooke (for Nezianya), Norman (for Rimmer), Couch (for Jebb)

Report by Dan Brownhill
Wakefield v Buxton 

               Wakefield fell to their third league defeat from three games played but after the hard
               work and determination again shown by the players, that first victory cannot be far
               away.

               The home side were without Richard Kettlewell who picked up an injury against 
               Goole on Tuesday night. Also still unavailable were Curtis Bitton-Price and Toby
               Rutter. Marc Townsend, Brighton Mugadza and Chris Fawcus were all included in 
               the starting line up to replace Kettlewell along with Liam Berry and Danny Highley
               who both dropped to the bench.

               Wakefield were the first to have a chance on goal on 9 minutes. A defensive slip by
               Buxton allowed Townsend to pick the ball up. He fed Steve Kenworthy on the edge 
               of the area but his curling effort went harmlessly wide.Wakefield were dealt a blow 
               on 14 minutes when centre back Andy Battye was forced off injured. Dane Murphy
               came on to replace him with Niall O'Brien dropping back into defence.

               Buxton then had their first real chance when they broke out from a Wakefield corner
               kick. Captain Anton Foster was left with a clear chance on goal but miscued his 
               shot and the ball bounced well wide of the goal. The visitors took the lead on 31
               minutes. A first time cross by Jordan Hall was met by Aaron Brady who made no
               mistake at the near post, nestling the ball in the far bottom corner with a superb
               first time finish.

               Wakefield came back at Buxton well before half time but without finding a goal. A
               Townsend lay-off to Kenworthy on 34 minutes led to the latter flashing a 20 yard 
               shot  just over the bar. Then on 41 minutes a Brighton Mugadza corner saw Niall
               O'Brien climb highest to head at goal, but the defender on the line managed to head
               the ball away from underneath his own crossbar.

               Wakefield continued to press strongly in the second half. On 47 minutes Mugadza
               burst clear down the left. His ball into the area found Townsend but he couldn't 
               control his shot and the ball was easily collected by Scott Hartley in the Buxton 
               goal.

               On the hour a nasty collision between Hartley and O'Brien left the goal unguarded 
               but Simon Wright's attempted lob from 35 yards clipped the top of the cross bar
               and  went over. On 66 minutes Buxton almost extended their lead. Substitute 
               Adam Lee crossed in for Brady to divert the ball towards the net but Andy Woods
               made an excellent save from point blank range.

               Two minutes later poor Buxton defending allowed Townsend to get hold of a long
               ball forward. He managed to get a strike at goal in between two defenders but
               Hartley got down well to make a good stop. The visitors were nearly gifted the
               second goal on 78 minutes as Wright left a ball forward for Woods to collect but
               Brady was too close and nipped in to round the Wakefield keeper. He was forced
                wide however, and put the ball into the side netting from a tight angle.

               Wakefield finished the game with numerous long throw-ins and set pieces but
               resolute Buxton defending meant they were unable to find the back of the net, 
               despite a handful of goalmouth scrambles. The best chance fell to Mugadza deep
               into stoppage time after a long throw in had been cleared. The lively Wakefield man
               curled the ball towards goal from 20 yards but Hartley pulled off an excellent flying
               save to ensure Buxton went home with all three points.

               Result: Wakefield 0 – 1 Buxton

        Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman.
               
               Attendance: 160.

               Referee: S V Barber.

               Assistant Referees: P Booth, A Clearie.

               Wakefield: Woods, Stephenson, Wright S, Battye, Stoneman, Townsend, 
               O ’Brien, Fawcus, Abbott, Kenworthy, Mugadza,
               Subs: Highley (for Murphy), Berry (for Abbott), Murphy (for Battye) 

Buxton: Hartley, Law, MacPherson, Hutchinson, Agus, Towey, Hall, Foster, 
Bradey, Reed, Riley
Subs; Lee (for Reed), Ward (not used), Willis (not used)

The home side threatened first on 11 minutes. Billy Abbott struck a sweet first time volley from 25 yards but Chris Hill in the Goole goal pushed the ball round the post.Goole's first attempt was a Martin Thacker free kick on 14 minutes that somehow made it through the Wakefield wall but Andy Woods got down well to make a straightforward save to his right.

Thacker and Gary Duffty both saw long range efforts fly over the cross bar before Goole took the lead on 20 minutes. A long ball over the top saw Thacker race clear. He kept his composure well to take a touch and slot the ball past Woods into the net.

Wakefield went straight down the other end from the kick off. Niall O'Brien's long throw in was headed out to Abbott who curled the ball just wide from the edge of the area. On 25 minutes Simon Wright's curling free kick was touched down to Steve Kenworthy but he lifted the ball over the crossbar from close range.

On 31 minutes Goole extended their lead. Paul Palmer found space in the box and slotted the ball past Woods from close range. Two minutes later disaster struck for Wakefield. Lee Harper picked up the ball 25 yards out and thundered it into the top corner leaving Woods with no chance.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the match. On 40 minutes the lively Abbott laid the ball off to Kenworthy down the left hand side, but the Wakefield striker's effort was easy for Hill to handle. Two minutes later another O'Brien long throw caused problems for the visitors' defence as Danny Highley climbed highest but headed just wide.

The second half started with Wakefield making a triple substitution., but it was Goole who almost extended their lead. Andrew Jackson's low drive from inside the box bounced back out off the inside of the post and was hacked clear.

Wakefield then began to press more but, initially, with little result. On 58 minutes a 
powerful Marc Townsend drive from the edge of the area brought a fantastic save from Hill. Then on 60 minutes a Paul Stoneman header from Brighton Mugadza's free kick was hacked clear from the goal line. The resulting throw in by O'Brien again caused mayhem in the Goole defence but they eventually managed to hook the ball clear.

The excellent Mugadza showed excellent skill on 81 minutes to beat two defenders to get into the box but his drive was saved well by Hill. Wakefield eventually found a breakthrough. An O'Brien long throw in came off the top of a Goole defender's head to Abbott at the far post. He hooked the ball first time from behind him into the far corner of the net but it was too little too late for Wakefield.

The last action of the game saw a Mugadza free kick headed down at the far post
by O'Brien but the ball unluckily bounced over the crossbar.  

Result: Wakefield 1 - 3 Goole

Wakefield FC man of the match: Billy Abbott.
Attendance: 145.
Referee: S D Rowntree.
Assistant Referees: D M O'Leary, L W H Smith.

Wakefield: Woods, Stevenson, Wright S, Abbott, Battye, Stoneman, O'Brien,
Kettlewell, Highley, Kenworthy, Berry
Subs: Fawcus (for Stevenson), Brighton Mugadza (for Berry), Townsend (for Highley)

Report by Dan Brownhill
Colwyn Bay v Wakefield

Wakefield's opening UniBond league fixture ended in defeat in North Wales, despite the visitors having much the better of the play.

Wakefield started the game without Curtis Bitten-Price (ankle) and Brighton Mugadza (awaiting international clearance from Zimbabwe). Otherwise, there were no other missing faces.

The away side were the first to threaten on 16 minutes in an evenly fought first half. Richard Kettlewell rose highest to head at goal following Simon Wright's corner but the ball was well pushed away by Colwyn Bay goalkeeper Ryan Brookfield.

It was Kettlewell who again threatened with a header on 24 minutes. This time it 
was Toby Rutter who crossed from the opposite wing but this time the ball fell
harmlessly into Brookfield's arms.

The hosts then began to settle down and come more into the game. On 25 
minutes Neil Black's effort from the edge of the area flashed just wide.

Colwyn Bay then took the lead on 29 minutes. Kenny Burgess was put clean 
through on goal via a flick-on header, but his attempt was well saved by Andy 
Woods. Burgess however followed up to be first to the rebound and pulled the ball back for Darren Wright to head home from close range.

Both sides finished the first half with chances to score. Robbie Williams and Burgess both saw driven shots excellently saved by Woods whilst at the other end of the field Niall O'Brien's long throw in was flicked on for Steve Kenworthy to head towards goal but the ball bounced inches wide of the post.

Wakefield dominated the second half for long periods as they tried in vain to get
back into the match.

Billy Abbott's 25 yard drive went just wide on 63 minutes. Wakefield then 
introduced Marc Townsend to replace Liam Berry with O'Brien thrown up front to 
give the away side more prescence in the box.

Townsend had an instant effect on the game as Wakefield stepped up the pace 
into another gear for the last 25 minutes. On 76 minutes Townsend's first time shot
from the edge of the area went inches wide and on 78 minutes his 20 yard effort
whistled just over the cross bar.

With nine minutes remaining Wakefield were reduced to ten men as Kettlewell was sent off for a second bookable offence. His first booking early on in the game was a certain yellow card, but the second one, although a clear foul, seemed harsh.

However, Wakefield continued to dominate during the last ten minutes. The closest they came to an equaliser was a minutes before the end. The lively O'Brien's low cross was driven hard towards the net by Townsend but Brookfield pulled off a great save to deny him.

Steve Kenworthy's snapshot on the turn was comfortable for Brookfield in injury time as the action ended with Wakefield failing to find the breakthrough and Colwyn Bay going away with three points.

Result: Colwyn Bay 1 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman.
Attendance: 256.
Referee: D A Croft.
Assistant Referees: C G Brown, A Worthington.

Wakefield
Andy Woods, Toby Rutter, Simon Wright, Billy Abbott, Andy Battye, Paul Stoneman, Niall O'Brien, Richard Kettlewell, Danny Highley, Liam Berry
Subs: Chris Fawcus (for Rutter), Bobby Stevenson (for Abbott), Marc Townsend (for Berry)

Colwyn Bay
Brookfield, Roberts, Boardman, Brandeth, Callaghan, Adamson, Burgess, 
Williams, Wright, Black, Tierney
Subs: Foran (for Adamson), Whyte (for Wright), Hogg (not used)

Friendly fixtures Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield FC have enjoyed a mixed start to the season with three wins and two defeats from their five friendly fixtures.

The friendlies began at Bay Athletic on July 13th. Wakefield won a close game 4-3 with a last gasp winner. Goalscorers were Calum Stapleton (3) and Curtis Bitten-Price.

The first game to be staged at College Grove on July 22nd saw conference side Halifax Town in opposition. Halifax included New Zealand international Shane Smeltz in their starting line up and triumphed 4-1 after outclassing Wakefield over the 90 minutes. Wakefield did manage to register a goal just after half time when Steve Kenworthy rounded the goalkeeper to slot home.

The next match saw a young Chesterfield side visit College Grove on August 1st. Wakefield put in a much improved performance to win the match 2-0 thanks to goals from Will McGhan and Brighton Mugadza who registered a superb strike from the edge of the area.

Full team:

1 - Andy Woods, 2 - Toby Rutter, 3 - Simon Wright, 4 - Mark Townsend, 5 - Andy
Battye, 6 - Paul Stoneman (c), 7 - Curtis Bitten-Price, 8 - Billy Abbott, 9 - Liam Berry
10 - Brighton Mugadza, 11 - Will McGhan

Subs: 12 - Dane Murphy, 14 - Mark Townsend, 15 - Calum Stapleton, 16 - Mark
Rowlands, 17 - Bobby Stephenson

Substitutions:
12 replaced 2; 17 replaced 8; 14 replaced 4;15 replaced 11;16 replaced 9; 
11 returned to the field and replaced 16

The reserve team then travelled to Eccleshill United on August 3rd and lost 0 - 5.

Full team:

1 - Matt Wright: 2 - Nicky Reid; 3 - Gareth Moxon; 4 - Declan Normaschild:
5 - Dyson Hanson; 6 - Richard Kettlewell (c); 7 - Jadey Ibrahin; 8 - Tom Bucknall
9 - Daryl Kendall; 10 - Anice Khalifa: 11 - Leyton Moxon

Subs:
12 - Carl Tyler; 14 - Matt Poole; 15 - Oliver Hughes; 16 - Kieran Hanogue;
17 - Rani Bhogal; '2' - Dominic Armitage; '3' - Darrie Armitage; '7' - Mickey Evans
'11' - Chris Fawcus

Substitutions
'11' replaced 11; 14 replaced 2; 15 replaced 5; 16 replaced 7; '3' replaced 3;
12 replaced 9; '7' replaced 10; '2' replaced 4; 17 replaced 6; 10 replaced '7'
9 replaced 17; 7 replaced '3'

Wakefield then visited UniBond Premier Division side Frickley Athletic on August 12th: a week before the start of the new season. The difference between the premier and first divisions showed as Frickley ran out comfortable 3-0 winners although Wakefield did create a handful of good chances which were not taken.

Full Team:

1 Andy Woods;  2 Dane Murphy;  3 Simon Wright;  4 Mark Townsend;
5 Andy Battye;  6 Paul Stoneman(Capt);  7 Curtis Bitten Price;  8 Richard Kettlewell;
9 Liam Berry;  10 Daniel Highley; 11 Brighton Mugadza

Subs All Used- 12 Niall O'Brien For Townsend;  14 Wayne Short For Bitten Price;
15 Will McGahan For Mugadza;  16 Billy Abbott For Kettlewell;
17 Chris Fawcus For Wright; 18 Kieron Hanogue For Murphy;  Gk-Matt Wright For Woods

The final warm up match involved a trip to West Riding County Amateur League side
Brighouse Town on August 15th . Wakefield put in their best performance so far to run out 3-1 winners. Richard Kettlewell drove home from 25 yards to open the scoring in spectacular fashion before Brighouse equalised from the penalty spot. Billy Abbott was tripped in the area by the Brighouse goalkeeper just before half time and Kettlewell scored the resulting penalty to regain the one goal lead. The third goal came 20 minutes from the end as substitute Will McGhan's looping header found its way into the net despite the best efforts of the defender on the goal line.

Full Team:

1 Andy Woods;  2 Toby Rutter;  3 Chris Fawcus;  4 Kieron Hanogue;  5 Andy Battye
6 Richard Kettlewell (Capt);  7 Billy Abbott;  8 Niall O'Brien;  9 Liam Berry;
10 Daniel Highley;  11 Steve Kenworthy

Subs All Used- Brighton Mugadza, Mark Townsend, Will McGahan, Simon Wright,
Bobby Stephenson, Curtis Bitten-Price & Dane Murphy