Report

Wakefield FC man of the match: Wes Milnes.

Attendance: 125.

Referee: G Atkins.

Assistant Referees: D P Burton, M Walsh.  

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Turner, Normaschild, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Denton, Howarth, Ryder
Subs: Jones (for Sobers), Hitchings (for Ferguson), Blair (nu)

Garforth Town: Spratt, Turner, Small, Renshaw, Carrick, Harding C, Ryan,
Williams D, Brown , Harding M, Kelly
Subs: Simpkins (for Brown), Williams (nu), De Melo (for Ryan)

Graham Marchant's looping header looked to have Mossley goalkeeper Ashley Connor finally beaten seven minutes before half time, but Connor managed to get a finger to the ball at the last moment and tip it over the crossbar.

Wakefield continued to create chances throughout the second half. Jay Sobers' free kick was narrowly over the bar early in the half before Wakefield finally scored on 54 minutes. Chris Hitchings' through ball found Delroy Ferguson, who easily beat Mossley centre back Lee Connor for pace before slotting the ball past Ashley Connor from a tight angle.

Four minutes later Hitchings stole in but his shot on the stretch was blocked by Ashley Connor. Marchant then saw his 20 yard drive whistle past the post.

Craig Laight then headed a Will Ryder corner against the crossbar and Sobers sent a low drive just wide as chances came thick and fast for Wakefield.

Ferguson ran clear again on 81 minutes but Ashley Connor beat away his hard drive. Wakefield got the second goal they deserved on 83 minutes when a mistake by Paul Quinn left Ferguson one on one with Ashley Connor and the Wakefield man kept his cool to finish well.

Another mistake by Lee Connor saw Marchant break away but he drove over the cross bar and then Marchant was put in once more by Ferguson a minute later but Ashley Connor was on hand to deny him. Indeed, if it hadn't been for the Mossley goalkeeper, the scoreline would have been much larger.

Adam Jones saw his low drive tipped round the post in the last minute, with Mossley unable to create any clear chances on goal throughout the match.

Result: Mossley 0 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Delroy Ferguson.

Attendance: 204.

Referee: J Waring.

Assistant Referees: P Adamson, M Popes.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Ryder, Normaschild, Jonathan Jackson, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Jones, Hitchings
Subs: Blair (for Hitchings), McGahan (for Sobers), Kendall (nu)

Mossley: Connor A, Quinn, Henry, Allison, Connor L, Thompson, Fish, Boardman, Hamlet, Conway, Ryan
Subs: Blackshaw (for Hamlet), Kirk (for Conway), Royle (nu)

Wakefield fell to a heavy home defeat against league leaders Skelmersdale at College Grove. The defeat leaves Wakefield with only four points taken from their last five home games, a complete contrast to their away form.

Wakefield were forced into two changes to the side that won at Bamber Bridge. Both Chris Howarth and Wes Milnes were unavailable so Delroy Ferguson and debutant Brian O'Callaghan both started, ex Barnsley player O'Callaghan having being drafted in to cover for Milnes.

Skelmersdale were playing with a gale force wind in the first half and the game was fairly open in the early stages.

Craig Laight headed a Will Ryder free kick just wide before Andy Woods made a smart stop to deny Paul Prescott.

Woods was on hand again to turn Chris Almond's header round the post before Jay Sobers blazed over from close range after a good quick free kick by Wakefield.

Prescott had a shot charged down before the visitors took the lead on 16 minutes. Shaun Foster broke forward to drive into the bottom corner past Woods after the ball had only been half cleared.

Foster went through on goal ten minutes later but dragged his shot wide. Chances continued to fall Skelmersdale's way as Prescott ran clean through on goal but Woods was once again to the rescue, saving well with his legs.

Ten minutes before half time Skelmersdale doubled their advantage. The ball was only partially cleared by O'Callaghan and George Donnelly pounced to finish well.

Wakefield had a glorious chance to get back in the game moments later when a free kick was deflected into the path of Laight, but his shot from close range was superbly tipped over by Ryan McMahon.

The wind died down somewhat in the early stages of the second half but Wakefield enjoyed a better passage of play, until midway through the half when Donnelly ran clear of the defence to coolly slot the ball past Woods.

Laight glanced a header wide for Wakefield before the arrears were reduced on 73 minutes. Graham Marchant's point blank range effort was charged down by McMahon but the ball fell for substitute Dominic Blair who placed the ball into the unguarded net.

The weather then worsened once more with a torrential downpour hitting the ground. In amongst it, Almond's far post header restored Skelmersdale's advantage. The victory now leaves the Merseyside club with a four point advantage at the top of the league, with Wakefield still five points away from the play off places. 

Result: Wakefield 1 - 4 Skelmersdale United

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Nicholson.

Attendance: 79.

Referee: S Ledger.

Assistant Referees: C B Bailey, D Guest.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Ryder, Normaschild, Brian O'Callaghan, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Jones, Hitchings
Subs: Denton (for Jones), Turner (for O'Callaghan), Blair (for Hitchings)

Skelmersdale United: McMahon, Foster, Hardwick, Akrigg, Duffy, Kelly, Birchall, Prescott, Burt, Donnelly, Almond
Subs: McNally (nu), Mooney (nu), Lowe (nu)

Phil Rann Report

Wakefield were well beaten at home by table toppers Skelmersdale Utd at a wet and windy College Grove tonight. The home side were missing influential central defender Wes Milnes and top scorer Chris Howarth for the match with former Republic of Ireland under 21 international Craig O'Callaghan making his debut whilst on loan from Cork City.

Skelmersdale played with the wind in the first half, but it was Wakefield that created the early chances and an excellent team move involving Graham Marchant, Chris Hitchings and Jay Sobers set up Marchant but his firm right foot shot was wide of the far post.

Within two minutes, the visitors took the lead when right back Shaun Foster took the ball past Will Ryder, turned inside O'Callaghan who slipped at the vital moment, and fired a left foot shot inside Andy Woods' near post.

Five minutes before half time, Skelmersdale doubled their lead when Wakefield were carved apart at the back and George Donnelly placed the ball past Woods.

Wakefield improved after the break, and Craig Laight almost halved the arrears on the hour mark but Skem keeper Ryan McMahon was at full stretch to tip his shot wide.

Donnelly scored his second and effectively killed off the game half way through the second half when he beat Laight for pace after Marchant had given the ball away and fired past the onrushing Woods into the net.

Wakefield brought on Tom Denton and Dominic Blair to try and register a goal, and Blair scored with just about his first touch on his debut after Marchant was denied by McMahon.

The scoring wasn't over though, but it was Skelmersdale who scored the next and vital goal with thirteen minutes remaining after Ryder was disposessed on the right wing, and Chris Almond headed past Woods from the resulting cross.

A heavy storm with even stronger winds almost helped Wakefield register a second goal but McMahon made a couple more good saves as Skelmersdale deserved their three points.

Team: Woods, Nicholson, Ryder, Normaschild, O'Callaghan (Turner 87), Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Jones (Denton 59), Hitchings (Blair 71).

Attendance: 79

MOM: Ferguson.

Wakefield started the game without Phil Turner who was missing through illness. Steve Nicholson returned to the starting eleven to take his place. Declan Normaschild pushed forward into midfield as Will Ryder slotted into the left back position.

The first 45 minutes was largely spoilt by a strong wind and torrential rain. Wakefield always looked most dangerous from set pieces with superb deliveries throughout the game. Their best chance of the first half was on 25 minutes when a corner resulted in a scramble in the Bamber Bridge box. The ball eventually broke to Craig Laight but he could only slice wide from 12 yards.

Tom Ince tested Andy Woods in first half stoppage time with a low shot but Woods reacted well to save with his legs after the ball had travelled through a crowd of players.

Bridge started the second half brightly in improving weather conditions althought the playing surface was still very poor. Ryan Bowen sent a free header straight at Woods and Danny Mahoney curled a free kick inches wide.

Wakefield were soon on top, however and began to control the game. On 55 minutes Graham Marchants clever looping header had Terry McCormick beaten but the ball struck the underside of the crossbar and fell into the mud right on the goalline.

Six minutes later Wakefield did score. Ryder's right wing cross found Marchant who sent a diving header towards goal. The ball was straight at McCormick, but the Bridge goalkeeper spilled it into the mud and Chris Howarth pounced to sidestep McCormick and drive into the empty net from inside the six yard box.

Wakefield defended superbly throughout the remaining half hour to restrict Bridge to long range efforts on goal. The closest the home side came to an equaliser was eleven minutes from time when Woods pulled off a good save to keep out Alex Porter's free kick.

Wakefield FC man of the match: Craig Laight.

Attendance: 164.

Referee: P Bankes.

Assistant Referees: N J Badger, C Duckworth.

Wakefield:  Woods A, Nicholson, Ryder, Normaschild, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Jones
Subs: Denton (for Marchant), Ferguson (for Hitchings), McGahan (nu)

Bamber Bridge: McCormick, Edmeads, Glover, Fleming, Tong, Bowen, Brown, Mahoney, Ince, Eaton, Porter
Subs: Beech (Edmeads), Banks(nu), Mason (Glover)

Phil Ran Report 

Wakefield continued their excellent run away from home with a 1-0 win at high flying Bamber Bridge thanks to a goal on 61 minutes by Chris Howarth.

Howarth's goal came after a spell of Wakefield pressure and when Graham Marchant's effort wasn't held by the Bamber Bridge keeper, Howarth was there to skip past him as he tried to reach the ball, and place the ball into the net.

Marchant had hit the bar with a fine looping header just ten minutes earlier in a half where Wakefield were arguably the better side.

The first half was badly affected by heavy rain and strong winds as both sides struggled to get on top, but when the wind dropped in the second period, it made for a better contest.

The home side also had chances but centre backs Wes Milnes and Craig Laight were in excellent form while Andy Woods was only troubled with efforts straight at him except for one chance where he made a double save.

Team: Woods, Nicholson, Ryder, Normaschild, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings (Ferguson 66), Sobers, Marchant (Denton 81), Howarth, Jones.
Sub not used: McGahan.

Attendance: 164

MOM: Laight.

A good afternoon spoilt only by some idiot busting his nose on a railing trying to duck from a loose shot in the warm up

Wakefield came from behind to defeat out of form Mossley at College Grove with a last gasp winner.

Wakefield were without Steve Nicholson who missed the game through illness. Will Ryder returned after suspension with Declan Normaschild dropping into the right back position. Delroy Ferguson returned to the side as a substitute after a short period out injured.

Mossley had the better of the early possession without troubling Andy Woods, whilst at the other end Jay Sobers saw his volley tipped round the post by Ashley Connor.

On 20 minutes Woods was on hand to pull off a good save to deny Adam Morning after the ball had fallen well for the Mossley number 7 after ricocheting off Adam Jones' head.

A good run by Gareth Hamlet three minutes later saw space open up for him, but he fired straight at Woods.

Mossley took a deserved lead on 33 minutes. Adam Morning's right wing corner was misjudged by Woods in the low sun and strong wind and sailed over him. The ball was cleared by Ryder on the line, but unfortunately it was a good two feet over the line and the referee's assistant awarded the goal.

Wakefield began to settle and come into the game more. On 37 minutes a great through ball by Chris Hitchings found Graham Marchant's run, but Marchant was stretching to reach the ball before Connor and placed his effort the wrong side of the post.

In first half stoppage time Ryder's free kick was turned goalwards by Marchant, but Connor did well to get down and turn the ball round the post.

Wakefield played much better in the second half and truck the woodwork in the opening minute when Sobers' low drive beat Connor but hit the base of the post.

Wakefield introduced Ferguson for the last 25 minutes and he had an immediate impact on the game. With practically his first touch he crossed to Chris Howarth who took the ball down well before coolly lobbing it over Connor and into the net.

Time was running out for Wakefield when Jones fed substitute Tom Denton in the first minute of stoppage time but the big Wakefield striker shot wide.

The winning goal came in the fourth minute of stoppage time when a Sobers free kick was headed into the top corner by Wes Milnes, the ball bouncing into the net off the underside of the crossbar.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 1 Mossley

Wakefield FC man of the match: Jay Sobers.

Attendance: 101.

Referee: R J Holdsworth.

Assistant Referees: I Johnston, N Kellett.

Wakefield: Woods A, Normaschild, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Ryder
Subs: Denton (for Ryder), Ferguson (for Hitchings), Mumbly (nu)

Mossley: Connor A, Quinn, Henry, Allison, Connor L, Thompson, Morning, Fish, Hamlet, Johnson, Blacklaw
Subs: Kirk (for Fish), Butters (nu), Weston (for Morning)

Phil Rann Report

Wakefield returned to winnings away against Mossley at College Grove this afternoon with two second half goals.

Mossley went ahead with a goal straight from a corner with the help of a stong wind, as Wakefield were frustrated by a Mossley side that won their fair share of second balls in the middle of the park. Chris Hitchings' shot after cutting in from the left wing was as close as Wakefield came before the break but a good save and a lucky deflection denied him.

The home side improved in the second period, and a fine run and left-foot shot from Jay Sobers came back off the post with the keeper well beaten, while Mossley and their goalkeeper in particular were happy to waste time at all opportunities.

Chris Howarth levelled the scores with twenty minutes left after a good left wing cross with his first touch from substitute Delroy Ferguson with a delicate chip over the keeper. Mossley had an effort at the back post just wide and a couple of other shots that were well over the bar, while Wakefield looked dangerous on the attack and another substitute Tom Denton hit the side netting with five minutes remaining.

However, the winning goal came in the stoppage time that had been accrued from Mossley's time wasting when Wes Milnes rose highest from a right wing cross and there was barely time for the visitors to respond.

Team: Woods, Normaschild, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings (Ferguson 68), Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Ryder (Denton 83).
Sub not used: Mumbly.

Attendance: 101

MOM: Milnes.

Wakefield failed to score at home once more as Curzon Ashton ran out the winners by a single goal at College Grove from a game in which the kick off was delayed by half an hour due to the heavy traffic in the area.

Wakefield were the better side in the first half but could not get the ball in the back of the net. On 8 minutes Chris Hitchings' low drive was fumbled away by David Carnell in the Curzon goal and four minutes later good work by Chris Howarth set up Graham Marchant but his shot was somehow saved by Carnell from point blank range.

On 16 minutes Jay Sobers fed Adam Jones but he poked the ball wide of the target as Curzon held on.

Wakefield did have the ball in the back of the net 11 minutes from the break when Marchant's clever chip went into the goal off the far post. However, the goal was disallowed as the referee's assistant was flagging to indicate that a free kick inside the Wakefield half had been taken with the ball moving.

Three minutes into first half stoppage time Wakefield gifted Curzon the lead when Declan Normaschild needlessly tripped an opposing player inside the penalty area. Michael Norton stepped up and made no mistake from the spot.

Wakefield were playing with a strong wind in the second half but failed to create as many chances as in the first period.

On 69 minutes Marchant's header was well stopped by Carnell and there were a few nervy moments for Curzon in the closing stages as Howarth almost got clear of the defence on a couple of occasions.

Then in stoppage time Howarth's effort from point blank range appeared to have been stopped by a Curzon arm on the goalline, but the referee's assistant had his flag up for offside. 

Result: Wakefield 0 - 1 Curzon Ashton

Wakefield FC man of the match: Phil Turner.

Attendance: 98.

Referee: A H Greenwood.

Assistant Referees: G Freer, G S Hock.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Turner, Normaschild, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Jones
Subs: Denton (for Hitchings), Mumbly (for Normaschild), McGahan (nu)

Curzon Ashton: Carnell, Birch, Mortimer, Watson, Parr, Ball, Giggs, Curley, Norton, Diaz, Allen
Subs: Worsley (for Allen), Ogoo (for Ball), Stanford (for Diaz)

Phil Rann Report

Wakefield failed to score for the third successive match at College Grove as they lost 1-0 at home to Curzon Ashton but deserved three points against the league's second side.

Chris Hitchings, Graham Marchant and Adam Jones all spurned good chances for the home side after the kick was put back half an hour because of traffic problems before Marchant scored with a fine chipped effort from the left wing before the linesman called play back because the ball from the free kick apparently was rolling, much to the relief of the Curzon players who had played on as normal.

Hitchings stayed on his feet after a late tackle in the Curzon area and no penalty was given, while moments before half time, Curzon's Michael Norton went down far too easily from a Declan Normaschild tackle and was given a penalty, another reward for honesty, or not.

Norton managed to dust himself down enough to take the penalty and beat Woods to his right and although Wakefield had dominated the entire half, they were 1-0 down at the break.

The second half was dour as Wakefield pushed for an equaliser but it wasn't their night. Chris Howarth's effort at the back post was handled on the line by a Curzon defender but the flag was already up for offiside, and then the referee, who was presumably being observed again by a man from the FA, started handing out yellow cards like sweets. Curzon offered little in the way of attacking football and did not test Woods throughout the entire match except for the penalty.

Team: Woods, Nicholson, Turner, Normaschild (Mumbly 81), Milnes, Laight, Hitchings (Denton 71), Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Jones.
Sub not used: McGahan.

Attendance: 98

MOM: Sobers.

Wakefield returned to winning ways and moved within six points of the play off places with a well deserved victory at Woodley Sports

Wakefield were without the injured Delroy Ferguson for the game and were also missing Jay Sobers through suspension. Demi Kyriacou, Bobby Stevenson and Rob MacQuarrie were also missing through injury.

Wakefield started brightly and were the better side in the first half, despite playing against a strong wind. They took the lead in the eight minute after breaking well from a Woodley free kick. A superb pass from Chris Hitchings found Graham Marchant who flicked the ball out to Chris Howarth on the right. Howarth took the ball past a defender with ease before driving it into the far bottom corner of the net.

A good ball through from Paddy Mumbly set up Howarth again on 18 minutes but he fired wide with a first time effort.

Woodley almost snatched a goal on the half hour mark, but Andy Woods was in good form to make a block from point blank range.Wakefield doubled their lead four minutes before half time when Will Ryder's cross was headed home by Howarth at the far post.

Wakefield were not as dominant in the second half, but Woodley never looked like getting anything from the game.

on 67 minutes a Steve Nicholson cross was put wide by Marchant and on 77 minutes Wes Milnes placed the ball wide after Wakefield had again broken well from a Woodley set piece.

A minute later Howarth took the ball inside the full back and saw his hard shot beaten away by Woodley goalkeeper Rick Whiteside. The ball almost fell to Tom Denton but he failed to connect from inside the area.

Woodley were thrown a lifeline four minutes from time when the referee's assistant adjudged Nicholson to have handled inside the penalty box. Sam Walker stepped up and placed the penalty straight down the middle, with Woods chosing to dive to his left, to reduce the arrears.

Wakefield played out the remaining moments well to secure the three points.

Result: Woodley Sports 1 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Chris Howarth.

Attendance: 75.

Referee: D Unsworth.

Assistant Referees: K Salisbury, K C Roberts.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Turner, Normaschild, Milnes, Laight, Hitchings, Mumbly, Marchant, Howarth, Ryder
Subs: Jones (for Ryder), Denton (for Hitchings), McGahan (for Mumbly)

Woodley Sports: Whiteside, Pavey, Cjallenor, Charnock, Kay, Boothby, Walker, Buckley, Jones, Coward, Stubberfield
Subs: Wignall (for Jones), Wild (for Stubberfield), Tasker (for Coward)

Wakefield made one change to the side that beat Clitheroe, with Wes Milnes returning from suspension to replace Bobby Stevenson in the starting line up. Both Stevenson and Rob MacQuarrie had picked up groin injuries in the reserve game at AFC Emley in midweek.

Wakefield had the better of the play in a fairly even first forty five minutes. On 6 minutes Graham Marchant headed on to Chris Howarth, who took the ball round a defender but could only shoot tamely straight at David Carnell in the Curzon goal.

Curzon's best chance of the opening period fell to Mark Renshaw after 15 minutes. Renshaw broke clear of the Wakefield defence, but found Andy Woods in top form, the Wakefield goalkeeper making a tremendous block to deny Renshaw.

Just before half time Marchant's looping header was well held by Carnell underneath the crossbar. Wakefield were forced into a change at half time with Paddy Mumbly coming on to replace the injured Demi Kyriacou.

The second half continued in a similar fashion to the first until Wakefield were reduced to ten men on 61 minutes when Jay Sobers was dismissed for a second booking.

Curzon dominated possession for the remainder of the game but could not find a way through a solid Wakefield back four. The visitors were restricted to only four shots on goal throughout the game.

Wakefield still had a chance of a goal themselves, particularly from set pieces. Tom Denton was twice unlucky not to get on the end of balls into the box after coming on as a late substitute.

Deep into injury time Curzon had a glorious chance to win the game, but a fantastic last ditch tackle by Craig Laight kept the score goalless. Curzon were then reduced to ten men themselves right at the death as substitute Josh Mitten was dismissed for striking Wes Milnes with a raised arm.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 0 Curzon Ashton

Wakefield FC man of the match: Craig Laight.

Attendance: 94.

Referee: W E Grunnill.

Assistant Referees: P Hartley, P Ballantyne.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Turner, Ryder, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Denton (for Marchant), Mumbly (for Kyriacou), Normanschild (for Ferguson)

Curzon Ashton: Carnell, Allen, Mortimer, Birch, Watson, Ball, Curley, Ogoo, Norton, Renshaw, Stanford
Subs:  Mitten (for Renshaw), Whelan (nu), Giggs (for Watson)

Phil Rann Report

Ten-man Wakefield held league leaders Curzon Ashton to a 0-0 draw at College Grove in a game of few chances but not lacking in talking points.

Curzon arguably had the best of an even first half but their only real chance was well saved by Wakefield's Andy Woods, while at the other end, Chris Howarth had two efforts both at the Curzon keeper.

The home side started the better in the second period and Will Ryder's goalbound shot was well blocked by a defender, and Graham Marchant was unlucky that the ball bobbled just before it fell to him eight yards out.

However, Wakefield's Jay Sobers was sent off for a second bookable offence after an hour and it looked as if Curzon would win. Although most of the play was in Wakefield's half, there were few chances; the best fell to Michael Norton after Phil Turner's backpass was short, but Craig Laight made a superb saving tackle before Norton could pull the trigger.

At the other end, Howarth had another effort straight at the keeper while substitute Tom Denton caused problems and almost set up Delroy Ferguson, but a poor first touch from the winger let the defender back in to clear.

In stoppage time, Curzon's number 7 was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Wes Milnes.

Team: Woods, Nicholson, Turner, Ryder, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson (Normaschild 86), Sobers, Marchant (Denton 66), Howarth, Kyriacou (Mumbly 45).

Attendance: 94

MOM: Nicholson.

Wakefield came away with all three points from a game in which they struggled to control all the way through.

Wakefield welcomed back Jay Sobers and Will Ryder following suspensions, but were missing Wes Milnes who sat out a one match ban with Rob MacQuarrie dropping to the bench. Phil Turner switched to centre back in place of Milnes with Ryder filling the void at left back.

Clitheroe took the lead in the 6th minute when captain Paul Osborne arrived late to slot home from close range with the Wakefield players slow to react.

Wakefield's best chance of the first half was a Craig Laight header following Turner's corner which clipped the top of the cross bar.

Clitheroe continued to prevent Wakefield from playing early in the second half and Tom Denton was introduced with 23 minutes remaining in place of Demi Kyriacou.

Denton had an immediate impact on the game and pulled Wakefield level on 74 minutes after a Clitheroe defender took his own goalkeeper out of the game, leaving Denton with an easy tap in.

With ten minutes remaining Denton scored Wakefield's second, this time climbing highest to plant a superb header beyond the reach of James Mann following another superb corner from Turner.

Despite some late corners and free kicks, Clitheroe failed to find a response and Wakefield defended the game out well to secure the points.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 1 Clitheroe

Wakefield FC man of the match: Tom Denton.

Attendance: 84.

Referee: M McGrath.

Assistant Referees: W Pharoah, C Whitaker.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Ryder, Stevenson, Turner, Laight, ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Denton (for Kyriacou), MacQuarrie (for Marchant), Mumbly (nu)

Clitheroe: Mann, Clarke, Suttleworth, Flanner, Smith J, Fisher, Osbourne P, Stopforth, Lomax, Saunders, Reynolds
Subs: Osbourne J (nu), Pilkington (for Osbourne P), Smith P (Reynolds) 

On 22 minutes Harrogate almost took the lead against the run of play when the ball hit the base of a post whilst at the other end Howarth saw a 20 yard volley well saved by Giles.

Harrogate did take the lead on 31 minutes when sloppy defending allowed David Conway to slot the ball home from close range.

Graham Marchant had an effort deflected wide and Craig Laight thundered a header against the crossbar with the last touch of the first half following a corner.

Early in the second half, Demi Kyriacou saw a shot tipped over by Giles and a header cleared away off the line but Harrogate did not hold out for long. On 56 minutes the ball fell to Howarth in the penalty area and he scrambled home the equaliser.

From then on Wakefield cruised to victory. Wes Milnes put them in the lead with a header after another corner kick before Howarth scored his second as he sent a 25 yard shot into the bottom corner.

Delroy Ferguson beat Giles to the ball to slip it into the open goal with seven minutes remaining to extend Wakefield's lead and Harrogate could not find a response.

Result: Wakefield 4 - 1 Harrogate Railway

Wakefield FC man of the match: Chris Howarth.

Attendance: 70.

Referee: M A Powell.

Wakefield were denied a penalty by the referee before half time when Chris Howarth looked to be clearly upended in the area.

Wakefield played better in the second half. They were denied a penalty again early in the half when Will Ryder was fouled, the referee somehow adjudging the offence to have taken place outside the penalty area when it was clealy a good yard inside.

On 70 minutes substitute Tom Denton failed to get a proper connection on the ball at the far post and sent it harmlessly wide with the goal gaping, following a superb corner from Phil Turner.

Five minutes later Howarth got to the byline and pulled the ball back through a defender's legs to Graham Marchant but he spooned his shot over from 6 yards.

Turner's volley was blocked by a defender and Denton headed over deep into stoppage time as Lancaster somehow hung on for all three points.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 1 Lancaster City

Wakefield FC man of the match: Steve Nicholson.

Attendance: 102.

Referee: J Hermuzi.

Assistant Referees: D Bradshaw, S Hunter.

Wakefield: Woods A, Normaschild, Tu