| Emley
AFC Wakefield & Emley AFC Wakefield - Emley AFC Wakefield AFC AFC Emley |
WAKEFIELD
AFC |
| Date of Game |
Report |
| Dec 26th |
Stocksbridge
Park Steels v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill A depleted Wakefield side were eventually beaten by Stocksbridge at Bracken Moor after two goals in the last fifteen minutes. Wakefield were without Demi Kyriacou and Bobby Stevenson in addition to injury victims Matthew Hoyle, Gareth Stoker and Ben Cressey. Stocksbridge were the better side in a poor first half. On 16 minutes Andy Woods was forced into a terrific point blank save to deny Mick Goddard's header after a deep ball into the penalty area. On 39 minutes Curtis Bernard had a low drive well saved by Woods after a battling run forward and a minute later Dave Cockerill rattled a post with a header. Wakefield stepped up a gear in the last few moments of the first half with a good chance falling to Andy Battye after a Brighton Mugadza left wing free kick. Battye's shot with his second shot was well saved by Steve Hodgson however and the scores remained goalless. Wakefield played a lot better in the second half but without finding an end product. On 47 minutes Niall O'Brien released Mugadza down the right but his drive shot was straight at Hodgson. On 54 minutes Bernard had a close range shot superbly saved by Woods after a low ball in for Stocksbridge as the home side continued to create a few chances. Wakefield broke from a Stocksbridge free kick on the hour but Mugadza's low drive was again straight at Hodgson. With fifteen minutes to go Stocksbridge broke the deadlock. Bernard raced clear of the Wakefield defence and coolly slotted the ball past Woods. Wakefield couldn't create any response and Stocksbridge added a lucky second with an own goal with a minute left. Ben Walker's low cross struck Paul Stoneman and flew in past a helpless Woods. Result:
Stocksbridge PS 2 - 0 Wakefield 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
|
| Dec 23rd |
Wakefield
v Clitheroe Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield moved further clear of the bottom two teams in the league after a battling victory over fellow strugglers Clitheroe. Demi Kyriacou joined Steve Kenworthy up front for Wakefield, with Matthew Hoyle only making the bench due to a groin injury. Recent signing Chris Collinsen made his debut at right back with Bobby Stevenson starting in midfield. Reserve team regulars Declan Normaschild, Andy Battye and Leighton Moxon all started the game for Wakefield. Wakefield had an excellent chance to score in the third minute. Kenworthy was put in after a lovely through ball by Stevenson and was hacked down from behind as he shaped to shoot. Amazingly the referee didn't give the penalty and the score remained goalless. Kyriacou then forced Clitheroe goalkeeper Paul Horridge into an excellent stop with an overhead kick from close range as Wakefield had the better of the first half play without getting many shots in on goal. The closest Clitheroe came in the first half was a 25 yard drive by Neil Reynolds that was well pushed away by Andy Woods. Wakefield finished the half strongly with Kenworthy's shot on the turn bouncing just wide and Normaschild's flick header from Niall O'Brien's long throw flying straight at Horridge. Clitheroe started the second half brightly with Ian Johnson seeing his drive from a tight angle tipped over by Woods and Gary Bowker somehow stabbing over from close range after a deep ball in caused chaos in the Wakefield defence. Wakefield then took more control of the game and went ahead on 66 minutes. A cross was only half cleared and the ball fell nicely for Brighton Mugadza to drive home from 15 yards. Clitheroe had an excellent chance to equalise 12 minutes from time but substitute Chris Heslop somehow headed wide from point blank range when it seemed easier to score. Kenworthy had a further chance on 83 minutes when he raced clear of the Clitheroe defence but his shot was weak and trickled wide. A minute later Wakefield sealed the game with a second goal. A Mugadza corner was touched against a defender by Kyriacou and then fell to Normaschild who bundled the ball in. Wakefield could have a thrid goal two minutes from the end when substitute Marc Townsend raced clear but Horridge came out and saved well with his legs. Wakefield will take heart from this performance into a difficult game at Stocksbridge on Boxing Day. A clean sheet was achieved despite the absence of Paul Stoneman at the back. Battye and Normaschild did very well all afternoon and fellow reserve player Moxon never stopped running throughout the 90 minutes. Result: Wakefield 2 - 0 Clitheroe Wakefield
FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy. Clitheroe:
Horridge, Osbourne, Roberts, Parr, Anderson, Howarth C, Daniels, Reynolds,
Bowker, Howarth M, Johnson |
| Dec 9th |
Harrogate
Railway v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield missed out on a chance to move further away from the bottom of the UniBond First Division table after missing a hatful of good chances at Station View. The only change to the side that drew at Bridlington Town in midweek saw defender Andy Battye coming in to replace long term injury victim Luke Farmer, with Bobby Stevenson moving into midfield and Steve Kenworthy starting the game in attack. A superb opening 12 minutes from Wakefield saw Matthew Hoyle miss a great chance to put the visitors in front when he got stuck in the mud just eight yards out and the ball trickled harmlessly into nervy goalkeeper John McLaughlin's hands. Harrogate had already survived a goalmouth scramble at this point. Railway settled down a bit and showed they could also threaten when Graham Marchant shot just over on 23 minutes. On 25 minutes the less than convincing McLaughlin missed a Wakefield corner but Hoyle hooked the ball over the crossbar from a difficult position. A minute later Andy Woods was called into action at the other end, pulling off a great save to deny Chris Howarth. Another minute had passed when the action was back in the Railway penalty area once more. Hoyle laid the ball off to Kenworthy, but he could only find the side netting with a driven effort from 12 yards. 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.
|
| Dec 5th |
Bridlington
Town v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield were held to a draw at basement side Bridlington after conceding a dubious penalty just before half time on a poor playing surface at Queensgate. Wakefield were without Tony Brown for the game whose back injury had flared up again. Steve Kenworthy came into the squad to replace him. Kenworthy played in midfield with Wakefield switching to a 4-4-2 formation. The visitors should have been in front in the second minute. Luke Farmer was put clean through on goal after a long punt forward held up in the wind but his lobbed effort over goalkeeper Dane Whittleston bounced inches wide of the post. Farmer had further chances to score. He was put through again by Brighton Mugadza but in taking the ball round the goalkeeper was forced too far wide. Then he saw a looping header from a corner pushed over the crossbar by Whittleston. Five minutes from half time Farmer again raced clear. This time Whittleston denied him yet again, saving well with his legs. Disaster struck for Wakefield just before the break. A free kick was powered at the helpless Mugadza, the ball striking him on the arm from close range. The referee pointed to the spot and a very harsh penalty was awarded. Kevin Smith stepped up and although Andy Woods guessed the right way and got a hand to the ball, the shot was just too powerful and the ball rolled into the corner. Wakefield were back in the game eight minutes into the second half. A long throw from Niall O'Brien caused mayhem in the mud in the Bridlington penalty area and Farmer eventually got enough on the ball to force it in, despite the best efforts of the defender on the goalline who just couldn't stretch far enough to clear. Bridlington almost scored straight from the restart when Phil Harrison burst through but Andy Woods pulled off a good save. On 68 minutes Farmer, just fifteen minutes after scoring his first Wakefield goal, left the field on a stretcher after a two footed knee high challenge by Dean Douthwaite. Farmer required oxygen before been taken to hospital with damaged knee ligaments and could be out of the game for some time. Wakefield dominated the possession during the last twenty minutes but couldn't get the ball in the net. On 81 minutes Mugadza's quick free kick picked out Matthew Hoyle but he placed the ball over the crossbar on the stretch. Woods was called into action three minutes from the end, tipping Smith's free kick over the bar. Wakefield almost snatched the win in injury time when a slip by a defender left O'Brien with a clear shot on goal. Whittleston pulled off a wonderful save to turn the ball round the post and deny him and earn a point for the home side. Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman. Attendance: 98. Referee: C L Reeves. Assistant Referees: A Jones, L W H Smith. Subs: Crossfield (for Farmer L), Battye (not used), Stoker (for Kenworthy) Bridlington Town: Whittleston, Hyam, Barnes, Bonarius, Giblin, Wallace, Harrison, Douthwaite, Wilkinson, Smith, Brunton Subs: McCoubrey (for Harrison), Gildea (not used), Dixey (for Wilkinson) |
| Dec 2nd |
Wakefield
v Brigg Town Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield moved out of the bottom three after a last gasp win against Brigg Town at College Grove. Brigg started strongly and on two minutes Andy Woods was forced into action, tipping Karl Baggaley's spectacular first time volley over the cross bar. From the corner Brigg scored a controversial opening goal. Steve Housham headed the ball in at the far post, but the referee's assistant had his flag raised for offside and Wakefield appeared to have stopped playing. The referee initially disallowed the goal before consulting with his assistant, who appeared not to have noticed Bobby Stevenson stood on the goalline, and allowing the goal to stand. Wakefield's best chance of the first half came on 28 minutes. Luke Farmer forced his way between two defenders to latch onto a long ball forward. His initial effort was well parried by Brigg goalkeeper Damien Steer and his follow up from a difficult angle only found the side netting. Six minutes later Wakefield found an equaliser. Brighton Mugadza's speculative shot from all of 30 yards out bounced wickedly in front of Steer, wrong footing him so all he could do was push the ball further into the goal. In the second half, Wakefield searched more and more for the winning goal as the half went on. On 58 minutes Paul Stoneman hit the top of the crossbar with a header from Niall O'Brien's long throw in then on 67 minutes Matthew Hoyle latched onto a short back pass but Steer saved well at his feet. With ten minutes left Demi Kyriacou had a 20 yard volley well saved by Steer and with just four minutes remaining Hoyle missed an excellent close range chance, thrashing the ball over the bar from close range following Mugadza's quick free kick. Three minutes into stoppage time Wakefield found the winner with the last chance of the game. Mugadza was again the creator, sending in a low cross for Hoyle to get in front of the defender and touch the ball in from close range. Result: Wakefield 2 - 1 Brigg Town Wakefield FC man of the match: Paul Stoneman. Attendance: 92. Referee: I Smith. Assistant Referees: J F Connolly, N Kellett. Wakefield: Woods, Stevenson, Fawcus, Brown, Normaschild, Stoneman, O’Brien, Kyriacou, Farmer L, Hoyle, Mugadza Subs: Crossfield (for Farmer), Kenworthy (for Brown), Battye (not used) Brigg Town: Steer, Baggaley, Cochrane, Warren, Hope, Spall, Borland, Eyre, Roach, Grimes, Housman Subs: Slack (for Roach), Ainsley (for Eyre), Ward (for Baggaley) Report by Phil Rann Brigg were ahead inside two minutes when an offside decision was over-ruled by the referee and allowed to stand. It took Wakefield a long time to settle down, but Brighton Mugadza had two well struck shots saved, and Luke Farmer struck the side netting when well placed. Mugadza levelled things up on 35 minutes with a 20-yard shot that deceived the goalkeeper and beat him down to his right side. The second half was much better from a Wakefield point of view, and a Niall O'Brien header from a Bobby Stevenson corner clipped the top of the bar, while O'Brien hit a fine 30 yard effort into the goal but play was brought back for a foul. The home side, who had been denied a win by a last minute goal in their last home match against Kidsgrove, changed their fortunes when Matthew Hoyle flicked home Mugadza's cross in stoppage time. Team: Woods, Stevenson, Fawcus, Brown (Kenworthy 71), Normaschild, Stoneman, O'Brien, Kyriacou, Farmer (Crossfield 74), Hoyle, Mugadza. Sub not used: Battye Attendance: 92
|
| Nov 29th |
Silsden
v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield won through to the next round of the West Riding Cup after outclassing Silsden in the latter part of their Second Round tie. Wakefield were dealt an early blow with the news that Niall O'Brien had pulled up injured in training, leaving them with only one substitute. O'Brien is however expected to be fit for Saturday after sitting out the match. The early signs were good for the visitors when on 3 minutes Matthew Hoyle nipped in after a mistake by Silsden captain Michael Rosser. Hoyle's shot was wide however and flew well over the crossbar. Two minutes later Steve Kenworthy scored his first goal of the season for Wakefield in some style. He raced clear of the Silsden defence before volleying the ball first time over Phil Rishton from the edge of the area. Silsden began to settle down and came close on 20 minutes when Dale Hoyle's bullet header following a corner flew straight at Andy Woods. On 36 minutes Bobby Stevenson had a great chance to make it two but his header went just over the bar after Gareth Stoker's corner. Four minutes before half time disaster struck for the visitors. Aaron Hollindrake climbed high to beat Andy Woods to a long ball forward on the edge of the Wakefield penalty area. His flick on trickled towards the net and it was Hollindrake who was fastest to the ball to lash it in on the goalline. Wakefield began to control the game in the second half. On 61 minutes Stoker was left with a clean shot on goal following Kenworthy's cross but he didn't connect properly and the ball was easy for the goalkeeper. Ten minutes later Hoyle fired wide from a tight angle after turning inside and then an attempted lob by Stevenson was pushed over by Rishton at full stretch. Rishton was again called into action on 75 minutes, pushing Stevenson's rasping drive round the post. A minute later Wakefield found their second goal. Stevenson's corner caused mayhem in the Silsden penalty area and eventually centre back Andy Battye bundled the ball in. On 82 minutes Hoyle again came close for Wakefield. His snapshot on the turn being well saved by Rishton low to his left. Six minutes from time Silsden had a great chance to get back into the game. Hollindrake was left with a clear shot on goal from six yards, but Woods somehow pulled off a miraculous save to save Wakefield's day. On 87 minutes Wakefield wrapped it up when Silsden again struggled with a Stevenson corner. This time Demi Kyriacou got in front of Rishton to power a header into the net. Result: Silsden 1 - 3 Wakefield Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Kenworthy. Attendance: 50. Referee: J Moss. Wakefield: Woods, Crossfield, Fawcus, Moxon, Battye, Normaschild, Stevenson, Stoker, Kenworthy, Hoyle, Kyriacou Sub: Kendall (for Stoker) Silsden: Rishton, Rhodes, McNulty, Rosser, Airey, Bentham, Holden, Thompson, Hollindrake, Hoyle, Packer Subs: Walbank (for Thompson), Dibb (for Hollindrake), Spencer (not used)
|
| Nov 22nd |
Harrogate
Railway v Wakefield (League Cup) Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield were left to rue missed second half chances after going to down to an extra time defeat at Station View in the League Challenge Cup in a match full of action. Railway had the better of the opening half. On 9 minutes captain Liam Gray almost opened the scoring with a thunderous 25 yard drive but Andy Woods was in fine form in the Wakefield goal, touching the ball over the crossbar. On 18 minutes Scott Ryan flashed a far post header just wide and a minute later Graham Marchant turned inside and saw his 20 yard effort tipped over by Woods as Railway continued to threaten to open the scoring. Wakefield almost scored a fluke goal on 22 minutes, but Luke Farmer saw his deflected cross bounce away off the top of the crossbar. Railway did take the lead on 32 minutes. A corner kick was flicked on for Chris Howarth to head home unmarked from close range. Two minutes later it was almost two, but Nathan James low shot whistled just past the post after Howarth's lay off. On 35 minutes Wakefield hit the crossbar for the second time in the game, this time it was Steve Kenworthy's flick header following Ben Cressey's deep free kick that was pushed onto the bar by Railway goalkeeper John McLaughlin who went on to play a huge part in the game in the second half. Railway started the second half fairly brightly. Three minutes in Marchant's powerful volley from six yards was miraculously kept out by Woods who managed to divert the ball over the bar by flinging himself away to his left. Wakefield began to dominate the game and created numerous chances in the final twenty minutes of normal time. On 70 minutes Kenworthy's driven cross was dropped by McLaughlin but Farmer just couldn't stretch far enough to hook the ball in from six yards. A minutes later Wakefield did find an equaliser. Brighton Mugadza's corner was met by Bradshaw whose deflected shot hit the crossbar. Kenworthy headed the rebound goalwards but the defender on the line headed it clear. The ball then fell to Demi Kyriacou who drove the ball into the net from 12 yards. Eleven minutes from time Farmer picked out Mugadza as Wakefield threatened to score again, but McLaughlin was out quickly to save well at Mugadza's feet. On 84 minutes Mugadza turned creater setting Farmer through on goal but McLaughlin again saved well with his legs. Three minutes later Kenworthy's close effort was somehow charged down and Wakefield simply couldn't force the ball home after the resulting melee in the penalty area. Wakefield almost snatched a win in injury time but Bobby Stevenson's shot was excellently saved by McLaughlin after Kenworthy had broken the offside trap and pulled the ball back. In extra time Railway began to create good chances. On 96 minutes they went back in front when a mistake by Charlie Bradshaw let in James who finished coolly past Woods. On 102 minutes Ryan turned inside and drove the ball against the inside of the post but he didn't have to wait long to get on the scoresheet. Two minutes later he was left with a free header from close range and made no mistake. A minute into the second half of extra time the game looked to be over when Howarth stroked home his second goal from 15 yards after Kyriacou's clearance was deflected back into his own penalty area. Wakefield introduced Darrell Kendall who had two excellent chances to score on his first team debut. On 110 minutes he was put through on goal but McLaughlin was again in fine form. Then on 112 minutes Kenworthy pulled the ball back to him, taking the goalkeeper out of play, but he somehow managed to hit the covering defender on the line with his attempted finish and Railway held out to move into the next round. Result: Harrogate Railway 4 - 1 AET Wakefield Wakefield FC man of the match: Bobby Stevenson. Attendance: 111. Referee: P Bramley. Assistant Referees: E S Everson, S R Thomsomn. Wakefield: Woods, Crossfield, Cressey, O'Brien, Normaschild, Bradshaw, Mugadza, McGahan, Farmer (L), Kenworthy, Kyriacou Subs: Fawcus (for Cressey), Stevenson (for McGahan), Kendall (for Farmer) Harrogate Railway: McLaughlin, Haigh, Turner, Morgan, Henderson, James, Spence, Gray, Howarth, Marchant, Ryan Subs: Jones (for Marchant), Whitehead (for Spence), Thirkle (for Turner)
|
| Nov 18th |
Wakefield
v Kidsgrove Athletic Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield surrended a two goal lead at College Grove to only register, in the end, a disappointing draw with Kidsgrove after having much the better of the overall play throughout the match. Wakefield were by far the better side throughout the first half. On 13 minutes new signing Luke Farmer beat the offside trap to race clear but Kidsgrove goalkeeper Matt Conkie saved well with his legs. A minute later a mistake by Charlie Bradshaw let in the lively Michael Lennon but he put the ball well wide from 20 yards when he had time and space to take the ball further. The opening goal came from an own goal 25 minutes into the game. Matthew Hoyle slipped the ball inside to Gareth Stoker. His shot was pushed out by Conkie but only against the unfortunate Anthony Keilthy. Keilthy's touch was enough for the ball to trickle over the line and open the scoring. Nine minutes later it was two nil. A Niall O'Brien long throw was only half punched clear by Conkie and Demi Kyriacou was on hand to hook the ball home from close range. On 37 minutes a Stoker corner was met by Hoyle at the near post. His header was well saved by Conkie who pushed the ball out. The ball then found its way to Kyriacou and he drove inches wide from 20 yards as Wakefield threatened to increase the scoreline. In the second half Wakefield still looked the better side but Kidsgrove were always dangerous on the break. On 53 minutes Hoyle turned inside but had his shot blocked by a defender. The rebound fell straight back to him but he blazed the ball well over the crossbar. Three minutes later Hoyle should have made it three. He ran clean through on goal but his shot was well charged down by Conkie from point blank range. A minute later O'Brien's powerful volley whistled just wide of the net. Wakefield continued to push and on 68 minutes it was Brighton Mugadza's turn to have shot. His first time drive from 30 yards was well kept out by Conkie. Another three minutes later and Mugadza turned provider, slipping the ball through to put Farmer in on goal, but the angle was too tight and Conkie was able to make another good save. Kidsgrove pulled a goal back on 72 minutes. Wayne Brotherton's low cross found Lennon who had time to take a touch before shooting. His initial shot was well saved by Woods with his legs, but the ball fell back to Lennon who drilled it between Bradshaw's legs on the goalline and into the net. Lennon had a chance to equalise on 78 minutes when Aiden Matranga put him in, but he lifted his attempted lob over the goal from the edge of the area. As the game ticked into the final minute Wakefield almost scored the third goal. Again Conkie was able to save, however, as Kyriacou scuffed his shot after he had been picked out unmarked at the far post by Mugadza. Three minutes of injury time had passed (although the referee only signalled for two) when Kidsgrove equalised. A conspicuous free kick was pumped into the penalty area for Brotherton to drill the ball home and break Wakefield's hearts. Result: Wakefield 2 - 2 Kidsgrove Athletic Wakefield FC man of the match: Matthew Hoyle. Attendance: 52. Referee: R Holdsworth. Assistant Referees: A Parsonage, G Freer. Wakefield: Woods, Crossfield, Cressey, O;Brien, Brown, Bradshaw, Mugadza, Stoker, Farmer (L), Hoyle, Kyriacou Subs: Kenworthy (not used), Fawcus (not used), McGahan (not used) Kidsgrove
Athletic: Conkie, Henchliffe, Scott, Dodd, Barrow, Keilthy, Matranga,
Dawes, Brotherton, Lennon, Eyres Phil Rann's report A
combination of poor finishing, sloppy defending and dreadful refereeing
decisions saw Kidsgrove grab a last-gasp point with a 94th minute
equaliser; this after the referee had only given two added minutes at the
end of the match. |
| Nov 14th |
Wakefield
v Woodley Sports Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield fell to their second successive defeat after losing
at home to Woodley Sports despite putting in a battling second half display. |
| Nov 11th |
Alsager
Town v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield slumped to defeat at Alsager Town after conceding two goals at the start of the second half. Brompton and O'Brien were both suspended whilst Farmer had returned to Hednesford. Wakefield had the better of the chances in a first half in which they were playing with a strong wind at their backs. On 9 minutes Gareth Stoker's curling free kick was well pushed wide by Adam Wilkes and two minutes later Matthew Hoyle had a looping header cleared off the line. Marc Townsend challenged the goalkeeper on 17 minutes and the ball fell to Hoyle but his attempt at the open goal was cleared away by Ryan Dicker who had got back to cover. On 37 minutes Stoker's free kick again caused mayhem in the Alsager defence but Charlie Bradshaw's shot bounced just wide. In the second half Wakefield were slow to get going and Alsager capitalised. On 46 minutes Joe Gibilru drove the ball home from the edge of the area to open the scoring. Three minutes later the lead was doubled when a low cross was turned in by Simon Eldershaw from close range. Wakefield tried to get back in the game and created a couple of chances of their own. On 58 minutes Demi Kyriacou's header was well held by Wilkes following Stoker's cross. Six minutes later the lead was halved. Paul Stoneman's deep cross was misjudged by Wilkes and Gareth Stoker turned the ball in at the far post. Wakefield pressed for an equaliser but to no avail. Brighton Mugadza's 20 yard drive was deflected into the keeper's arms with 15 minutes remaining and substitute Mark Crossfield's effort from 18 yards flew over with four minutes left. The visitors were inevitably caught on the break five minutes into injury time when Eldershaw slotted the ball home from close range to seal the victory for Alsager. Result:
Alsager Town 3 - 1 Wakefield
|
| Nov 4th |
Wakefield
v Stocksbridge PS Report by Dan Brownhill 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 Attendance:
142. Referee: W
Grunnill. Assistant
Referees: D M Ingham, S
Stevenson. Stocksbridge:
Hodgson, Colliver, McLean, Richards, Lowe, Schofield, Ludlam, Hawes,
Walker, Goddard, Cockerill A
piece of bad news today other than Stoneman's three match ban, which
should include the next round of the Unibond Challenge Cup, is that Steve
Farmer is returning to Hednesford Town after impressing for Wakefield in
six appearances over the last month. Best wishes to Steve. |
| Oct 31st |
Wakefield
v Ashton United Report by Dan Brownhill 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. Result:
Wakefield 1 - 0 Ashton United 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 Report by Phil Rann Ian
Steele’s comment about Charlie Bradshaw
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. |
| Oct 28th |
Buxton
v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield continued their excellent form with a hard earned point at league leaders Buxton who only got anything from the game due to a late equaliser. The visitors were playing with the wind in the first half and had much the better of the play. Buxton threatened first however, when Mark Reed glanced a header just wide in the fifth minute. Wakefield then began to create chances. Marc Townsend was felled in the area on 10 minutes but the referee waved away Wakefield's strong penalty claims. Seconds later space opened up for Demi Kyriacou but he dragged his 20 yard drive and the shot was easy for Scott Hartley in the Buxton goal. On 13 minutes Townsend had a shot blocked from close range after Niall O'Brien had caused mayhem in the home penalty area with a long throw in. Then on 15 minutes Paul Stoneman met Gareth Stoker's deep cross and saw his looping header cleared off the line. Two minutes later Townsend's snapshot from 18 yards flew just over the bar and on 20 minutes O'Brien's first time volley from 25 yards flew wide, just out of reach of both Townsend and Matthew Hoyle's lunges. Buxton went close on 21 minutes when Michael Blythen glanced a header just wide after the home side had created space for a cross down the left. Shaun Doxey's cross hit a Buxton head on 31 minutes but it was Wakefield's turn to clear off the line as O'Brien was alert to the danger to head the ball away. Wakefield took the lead on 34 minutes in controversial fashion. Buxton goalkeeper Hartley was adjudged to have felled Hoyle just outside the area and was arguing with the referee on the edge of the 18 yard area when Townsend put the ball down and chipped the free kick into the unguarded net. The referee allowed the goal to stand and Wakefield were in front. The second half was all Buxton as Wakefield valiantly attempted to hold out. On 56 minutes Doxey's low free kick was superbly saved by Andy Woods and Woods was agin in fine form on 67 minutes to deny Doxey once more from point blank range. Twelve minutes from time Michael Towey should have scored for Buxton but placed his header straight at Woods. Wakefield continued to defend well and keep the ball out until disaster struck three minutes from the end. Doxey found space in the penalty area 15 yards out and drove the ball into the bottom corner to level the scores; leaving Woods with no chance Result: Buxton 1 - 1 Wakefield 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 Buxton:
Hartley, Brookes, Riley, Milnes, MacPherson, Towey, Foster, Doxey, Ward,
Reed, Blythen Good
result against the league leaders away from home. Wakefield were much the
better side in the first half, and chances fell to Marc Townsend, Demi
Kyriacou and Paul Stoneman, but a combination of good saves, good fortune
and a header off the line kept the score 0-0 until Townsend put the
away side ahead on 34 minutes from a quick free-kick after Matthew Hoyle
was fouled by the 'keeper. Buxton defenders and goalkeeper couldn't
believe that the goal was allowed to stand after Townsend has received
confirmation from the referee that he was allowed to take it quickly. |
| Oct 24th |
Wakefield v Bridlington
Town 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. Wakefield
FC man of the match:
Niall O'Brien. Attendance:
110. Referee: C
Grundy Assistant
Referees: J
Hermuzi, D Nutting. Report by Phil Rann |
| Oct 21st |
Goole v Wakefield 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. 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 Goole Hill
(c ), McDaid, O’Brien, Gore, Harper, Hill (B), Constable, Jackson, Bray,
Lackie, Weldrake, Report
by Phil Rann
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Last
nights victory at Brigg Town was our first League win since February 11th
when we won 1 - 0 at Guiseley. Since then we had a league record of: Played 23 Won 0 Draw 4 Lost 19 Goals For 10 Against 50 In that period our only victories were against Mar 8th South Kirkby Colliery H 2 - 1 (SHSC) Sep 2nd Dunston FB H 3 - 2 FA Cup Sep 16th Chester Le Street A 1 - 0 FA Cup As we came from behind to win a league game I have checked the last time this occured: Oct 8th 2005 AFC Telford United A - we won 3 - 2 after being 0 - 2 down Last night therefore ended a run of 42 league games since we had achieved such a victory. Looking at the teamsheet before the start of the game Bob and I both commented that it looked strong on paper and at last we were feeling confident that we had a team that should be able to compete. The recent away displays at Gresley, Warrington, Clitheroe and now Brigg have all be good and we could have got something out of all of them |
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| Oct 18th |
Brigg
Town v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield moved off the bottom of the UniBond First Division after a deserved first win of the season at Brigg. There were three changes to the side that started against Colwyn Bay. Ben Cressey and Marc Townsend were now both fully fit and replaced Steve Kenworthy and Craig Hitchen and Brighton Mugadza dropped to the bench to make way for Demi Kyriacou in a starting eleven which took on an experimental 3-5-2 wing back formation for the game. Brigg took the lead on 13 minutes. A low cross somehow evaded two Wakefield defenders to find itself to Stuart Ainsley who was left totally unmarked. He had time and space to take a touch before slotting the ball past Andy Woods. The home side always looked vulnerable at the back and Wakefield began to cause a threat. On 17 minutes poor defending allowed Marc Townsend to nip in but he chipped the ball just wide from the edge of the area with Damien Steer well off his line. Woods was called into action for Wakefield on 28 minutes. Ainsley sent in a crashing drive from the edge of the area, but the Wakefield goalkeeper pulled off a tremendous save to push the ball wide. On 36 minutes Liam Brompton had a long range drive tipped over and two minutes later Townsend's shot was charged down after Steer had pulled off an excellent save to deny Gareth Stoker from close range as Wakefield continued to create chances. The second half started slowly, but Wakefield soon began to create chances again. On 55 minutes an almighty scramble in the box ensued after a free kick was headed back across goal but Wakefield couldn't force the ball in. Brigg won a free kick on 68 minutes and Craig Stones missed a great chance to increase their lead, heading wide from close range. Wakefield eventually found their equaliser on 72 minutes. Steve Farmer's long punt forward found Townsend in between the two Brigg centre backs. He was able to take a touch before lobbing the ball over the onrushing Steer into the unguarded net. The second Wakefield goal came four minutes from time. Townsend again found himself in possession just outside the penalty area. He took the ball past the last Brigg defender before driving it into the bottom corner from 15 yards. Brigg failed to breakdown Wakefield in the closing moments and the visitors held on to pick up their first win of the season. Result: Brigg Town 1 - 2 Wakefield Wakefield FC man of the match: Marc Townsend. Attendance: 115. Referee: S V Barber. Assistant Referees: J Ingham, A P Ward. Wakefield: Woods, Brompton, Fawcus, Cressey, Farmer, Stoneman, Kyriacou, O'Brien, Hoyle, Stoker, Townsend Subs: Kenworthy (not used), Mugadza (for Brompton), Hitchen (not used) Brigg Town:
Steer, Spall, Cochrane, Warren, Hope, Housham, Borland, Stones, Maxwell,
Grimes, Ainsley |
| Oct 14th |
Wakefield
v Colwyn Bay Report by Dan Brownhill Colwyn Bay came from behind to defeat Wakefield at College Grove as the hosts once again failed to pick up any home points. Wakefield were without Greg Challender (ankle strain) and Marc Townsend (shoulder) from the side that drew at Clitheroe in midweek. They were replaced in the starting eleven by new signing Steven Farmer and Craig Hitchen. Wakefield were almost gifted a fluke goal as early as the third minute. An attempted punch clear by Colwyn Bay goalkeeper Ryan Brookfield rebounded against his own defender and hit the outside of the post. On nine minutes Wakefield took the lead. A chipped free kick from just outside the area was headed in by Matthew Hoyle off the inside of the post. The defender on the line managed to clear the ball but the referee's assistant ruled that it had just crossed the line and the goal was awarded. On 31 minutes another chance fell to Hoyle, but he sliced just wide from 20 yards after Brighton Mugadza's lay off. Disaster struck for Wakefield in first half injury time. A harsh free kick was awarded to Colwyn Bay 25 yards out and John Boardman stepped up to superbly curl the ball into the top corner. Two minutes into the second half Wakefield thought they were back in front when Hoyle raced clear and slotted the ball home. However, the assistant referee had his flag raised and the goal was disallowed for offside, from what looked to be a very tough call. Six minutes later Colwyn Bay took the lead at the other end. Darren Wright was allowed time and space to cut inside and drive an excellent shot into the bottom corner from 20 yards. The lead was almost increased on 57 minutes, but Kenny Burgess saw his close range header brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Andy Woods. Liam Brompton was put through on goal for Wakefield on 65 minutes but seemed to rush his shot and the ball flew well wide of the goal. Lewis Callaghan should have increased Colwyn Bay's lead on 72 minutes. Steve Hussey's pull back was met by Callaghan just six yards out but he somehow managed to blaze the ball well over the crossbar. A minute later Wakefield had a chance to equalise as full back Chris Fawcus raced clear of the defence. Again he seemed to rush his shot somewhat and the ball flew comfortably into Brookfield's arms. Wakefield struggled to create chances against a Colwyn Bay side that enjoyed the majority of the possession. The closest they came to an equaliser in the closing period was on 83 minutes when Demi Kyriacou's downward header was hacked clear off the line by a defender. Result: Wakefield 1 Colwyn Bay 2 Wakefield FC man of the match: Gareth Stoker. Attendance: 68. Referee: A P Morbin. Assistant Referees: S Hawkins, S Royston. Wakefield: Woods, Hitchen, Fawcus, O'Brien, Farmer, Stoneman, Brompton, Stoker, Hoyle, Kenworthy, Mugadza Subs: Kyriacou (for Brompton), Moxon (not used), Townsend (not used) Colwyn Bay:
Brookfield, Callaghan, Boardman, Brandreth, Coverley, Adamson, Burgess,
Hussey, Armstrong, Wright, O'Brien Pretty
much the same old story, only this week we took the lead instead of
falling behind, Matthew Hoyle scoring in his third consecutive match from
a header. Colwyn Bay had lots of possession but few clear cut chances
until they equalised right on the stroke of half time from a free-kick. |
| Oct 10th |
Clitheroe
v Wakefield Report by Dan Brownhill 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. 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) Clitheroe:
Fitzpatrick, Nay, Roberts, Daniels, Anderson, Matthews, Johnson, Jones,
Dean, Exton, Garner |
| Oct 7th |
Warrington
Town v Wakefield FA Trophy Peliminary Round Report by Dan Brownhill Wakefield bowed out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle despite twice coming from behind to equalise at Warrington Town. 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 |