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, Turner, Ryder, Milnes, Laight, Nicholson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Ferguson (for Kyriacou), MacQuarrie (for Normaschild), Denton (for Ryder)  

Wakefield welcomed back Demi Kyriacou for the match in place of the unavailable Graham Marchant. One other change to the side that started against Bradford Park Avenue saw Bobby Stevenson start in place of Steve Nicholson who dropped to the substitute's bench.

The best chance of a lacklustre first half fell to Kyriacou. Delroy Ferguson's ball into the penalty area was taken down well by the Wakefield frontman who took a shot on the volley with his second touch. His goalbound effort was beaten away by Ossett goalkeeper Neil Bennett.

In the second half the better chances fell Ossett's way. On 69 minutes a corner was headed against the crossbar and the follow up effort superbly tipped over the bar by Andy Woods.

Four minutes later Wakefield were reduced to ten men when Jay Sobers was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The winning goal came deep into stoppage time when Damian Hopkins drive across the face of the penalty area bounced into the far corner of the goal.

Result: Ossett Albion 1 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Phil Turner.

Attendance: 208.

Referee: S Ledger.

Assistant Referees: J Connolly, D Roberts.

Wakefield: Woods A, Normaschild, Turner, Ryder, Milnes, Laight, Stevenson, Sobers, Kyriacou, Howarth, Ferguson
Subs: Nicholson (for Stevenson), MacQuarrie (for Ferguson), Denton (for Kyriacou)

Wakefield had a glorious chance to equalise on 67 minutes when Marchant turned well to beat two defenders but was denied by Bradford goalkeeper Jon Worsnop in a one on one situation.

Bradford then seemingly put the game beyond Wakefield's reach four minutes later when Chris Gaghan converted a low cross at the far post.

Wakefield tried hard to find a response and Chris Howarth was denied by a good stop from Jon Worsnop on 73 minutes. The home side did pull a goal back two minutes from time when Marchant was on hand to slot home Chris Howarth's driven ball into the penalty area, but they could not find an equaliser despite sustained pressure during four minutes of added time.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 3 Bradford PA

Wakefield FC man of the match: Graham Marchant.

Attendance: 141.

Referee: A P Morbin.

Wakefield started the game without Demi Kyriacou who missed the game through injury. Declan Normaschild also missed out as he served a one match suspension. Bobby Stevenson got through a late fitness test but could only make the substitutes' bench.

Wakefield enjoyed the better of the possession in the first half and deservedly took the lead on 37 minutes when Delroy Ferguson's low drive struck Graham Marchant to wrong foot Woodley goalkeeper Liam Higginbotham and nestle in the bottom corner.

Woodley came straight out in the second half in a determined fashion and Danny Stubberfield did well to get the better of Craig Laight two minutes into the half but could only find the side netting.

Wakefield took control of the game once more and doubled their advantage on 59 minutes when Ferguson beat Higginbotham in a race to the ball to chip it over the Woodley goalkeeper and into the unguarded net.

The lively Ferguson almost made it three just four minutes later but his curling effort from 20 yards struck the post.

The closest Woodley came to pulling a goal back was when a corner flicked off the head of Marchant and hit the inside of the far post before been cleared.

But it was Wakefield who always looked more like scoring a third goal. In injury time s superb passing move ended with Marchant's low cross finding substitute Tom Denton but his near post effort flew wide.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 0 Woodley Sports

Wakefield FC man of the match: Delroy Ferguson.

Attendance: 65.

Referee: J Hermuzi.

Assistant Referees: W Cooper, M Charnock.

Wakefield were unlucky to go away with only a point after a superb performance in an entertaining game at Dimple Wells.

Wakefield started well and came close to opening the scoring on 26 minutes when great football by Chris Howarth and Demi Kyriacou set up Will Ryder, but his shot from 12 yards was well blocked by a defender.

A minute before the break a lofted ball forward left Howarth with a clear shot on goal but the Wakefield striker lifted the ball over the crossbar.

Ossett's best chance of the opening half came right on half time when Shane Kelsey's drilled effort was held by Andy Woods at the second attempt.

In the second half Wakefield hit the woodwork following a corner early on before Ossett took the lead against the run of play on 50 minutes. Following a scramble in the penalty area, the ball broke to Kelsey who made no mistake from close range.

Wakefield battered Ossett for the remainder of the game. Howarth headed just wide on 67 minutes before the equaliser finally arrived two minutes later. Tommy Agus showed good strength to hold off two defenders before squeezing a shot into the far corner of the net from a difficult angle.

Blake Norton twice volleyed just wide for Wakefield and Howarth saw a driven shot and a header well saved. Ryder also came close in the closing minutes as his hard shot cracked against the post.

Howarth then found himself in acres of space with the goalkeeper well out of position but volleyed over the bar with a first time shot.

Ossett did have a couple of chances on the break in the last ten minutes but Darrell Jenkinson found Woods in good form to make a smart save and in the final minute Steve Nicholson blocked a close range effort right on the goalline following a corner.

Result: Ossett Albion 1 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Will Ryder.

Attendance: 204.

Referee: R J Holdsworth.

Assistant Referees: E S Everson, J Illingworth.

Wakefield: Woods A, Normaschild, Agus, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Nicholson, Ryder, Kyriacou, Howarth, Norton 
Subs: Sobers (nu), Ferguson (for Norton), Macquarrie (nu).  

Ossett Albion: Bennett, Hopkins, Impey, Wordsworth, Riordan,  West, Morgan, Senior, Jenkinson, Kelsey, Seed. 
Subs: Boardman (for Senior), Syers (for Morgan), Parker (nu)

Report by Phil Rann

Wakefield picked up an away point this afternoon at local rivals Ossett Albion after an impressive second half performance at Dimple Wells.

The first half was ruined by the strong winds and the sloping pitch and neither side had any clear cut opportunities but Wakefield had the more of the possession in the middle of the park as the half wore on.

A couple of minutes into the second half, an Ossett defender headed against his own cross bar following a corner, and inevitably, they went down the other end and scored following a mistake from Craig Laight.

Wakefield were still the better side however, and Chris Howarth headed just wide from Steve Nicholson's left wing corner, and then Howarth had the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside while Howarth was booked for scoring.

The equaliser came twenty minutes from time when good play again from Howarth fed Will Ryder, who knocked it right to Tommy Agus. Agus got the ball on his left foot and beat Ossett keeper Neil Bennett with a well placed shot into the far corner.

Blake Norton's well struck volley flew inches wide a couple of minutes after the equaliser as Wakefield continued to impress, but Andy Woods was called into action at the other end but fortunately Ossett's shot from the edge of the area was straight at him.

The best move of the afternoon again involving Howarth and Bobby Stevenson found Will Ryder who controlled it and struck the ball well with his right foot which beat the keeper but unfortunately it bounced back off the post again.

Ossett could have snatched three points when they arguably deserved none in stoppage time when a corner that was bundled towards goal was cleared off the line by Nicholson.

Team: Woods, Normaschild, Agus, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Nicholson, Ryder, Kyriacou, Howarth, Norton (Ferguson 77).
Subs not used: Sobers and Macquarrie.

Attendance:

MOM: Howarth.

Wakefield beat Newcastle Blue Star with a confident performance this afternoon at College Grove.

Wakefield handed a debut to left back Tommy Agus who has recently signed from Alfreton Town.

The home side were in front inside the first ten minutes when good play by Chris Howarth set up Demi Kyriacou clean through on the keeper.  Kyriacou made no mistake with a similar finish to his goal at Garforth in midweek.

Fifteen minutes later, it was 2-0 when Kyriacou expertly held the ball up and slotted a brilliantly weighted ball through to Jay Sobers. After winning the ball in a challenge with the keeper, he kept his head to chip the ball home with his left foot.

Just before half time, Andy Woods pulled off a blinding point blank save when Wes Milnes had sliced his clearance to keep the Blues' two goal advantage intact.

In the second half, Howarth almost got Wakefield's third but his shot screwed just wide of the far post, while at the other end, Newcastle were mostly restricted to long range efforts but a couple of corners caused problems in the Wakefield six yard box.

Kyriacou shot straight at the keeper as Wakefield comfortably saw out the end of the match.

Team: Woods, Normaschild, Agus, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson (Nicholson 76), Sobers, Kyriacou, Howarth, Norton (Ryder 90).
Sub not used: Macquarrie.

Attendance: 76

MOM: Milnes

Thought Kyriacou and Howarth played really well together this afternoon. Demi was as good as he was at Garforth and looked at home up front whilst Howarth held the ball up well and looked comfortable. The new left back looks very consistent while Milnes had a cracker especially in the second half.

Wakefield lost again despite leading for the majority of the game at Garforth as too late goals saw them go home with no points from the game.

Wakefield were without Graham Marchant (ribs) and Blake Norton (unavailable) for the game. Jay Sobers was also only fit enough to make the substitutes bench after picking up an injury against Buxton on Saturday. Rob MacQuarrie returned to the side after a spell on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Wakefield went ahead in the 5th minute. Chris Howarth's flick on was picked up by Demi Kyriacou who lifted the ball over a defender before running around the Garforth man and slotting the ball past Karl Spratt in the Garforth goal.

Garforth failed to break Wakefield down in the remainder of the first half and the visitors went in in front at the whistle.

On 52 minutes Garforth were reduced to ten men when Nathan Kamara was dismissed for a second booking.

Wakefield searched for a second goal and came close as first Wes Milnes headed wide before Howarth missed the best chance on 72 minutes when he placed his shot the wrong side of the post after been put through by substitute Sobers.

Kyriacou saw an effort charged down by Spratt, before just as it looked like Wakefield were going to go away with three points, Garforth equalised. Substitute Sebastian Muddel turned Dale Smith down the right wing before curling the ball beyond Andy Woods and into the goal via the far post.

Greg Kelly scored the match winner for Garforth in the 6th minute of stoppage time when the ball broke to him in the penalty area and he fired it past Woods from close range.

Result: Garforth Town 2 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Demi Kyriacou.

Attendance: 87.

Referee: N Bannister.

Assistant Referees: S Hawkins, M D Hardman.

Wakefield: Woods A, Nicholson, Normaschild, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson, MacQuarrie, Ryder, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Smith (for Normaschild), McGahan (nu), Sobers (for Stevenson)

Wakefield: Trueman, Nicholson, Normaschild, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Norton
Subs: Kyriacou (for Stevenson), Ashley Duncan (for Ferguson), Dale Smith (for Normaschild)

Skelmersdale United: McMahon, Duffy, Hardwick, Akrigg, White, McConvill, Birchall, Turner, Evans, Cass,  Leadbetter
Subs: Donnelly (for Evans), Grogan (for Turner), Kelly (for Birchall)

Phil Rann's Report

Three defensive errors saw Wakefield slide to a heavy away defeat at the hands of Skelmersdale United this afternoon.

Two changes to the side from the fine win at Nantwich on Tuesday saw Declan Normaschild replace the injured Will Ryder at left back, and Blake Norton start on the left wing instead of Demi Kyriacou who was injured in the warm up.

Skelmersdale were ahead inside the first quarter hour after too much space was given to their number 8 at the back post from a left wing cross. His header was too good for the backtracking Danny Trueman.

Wakefield were having more of the play in the midfield but created few clear cut chances. They did however have a large shout for a penalty turned down when a Skelmersdale defender looked to have flicked the ball on with his hand and it was to be a key moment as the referee waved away the appeals.

In stoppage time, a good whipped cross from Norton needed any contact from Chris Howarth to level the scores but the striker couldn't quite reach it as it flew agonisingly past him.

Five minutes into the second half, the game was as good as settled when Skelmersdale scored their second goal when their number 9 beat Wes Milnes at the near post and slotted home.

After two substitutions including a debut for under 19s striker Ash Duncan, Wakefield tried, but failed to register a goal. Duncan came closest when his header at the back post hit the bar with the keeper beaten and the follow up cross saw Craig Laight head over after being unsighted by the defender in front of him.

Duncan was involved again from a Steve Nicholson cross but headed well over when unchallenged.

It was 3-0 with 20 minutes left when Normaschild miscontrolled on the left wing leaving two against one Wakefield defender. The ball was played to the far side as John Cass beat Trueman at his near post.

Now the more likely team to score was Skelmersdale but Wakefield held out to keep the score at 3-0. Wakefield handed another debut to Dale Smith at left back but it was too little too late.

Team: Trueman, Nicholson, Normaschild (Smith 76), Stevenson (Kyriacou 55), Milnes, Laight, Ferguson (Duncan 55), Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Norton.

Attendance:

MOM: Milnes.

FC United enjoyed the better of the first half possession, but largely wasted it as they more often than not opted to shoot from long range rather than try and create an easier goalscoring opportunity.

Wakefield always looked capable of worrying the FC United defence on the break throughout the opening period, and had the ball in the net on 44 minutes, but Chris Howarth's superb finish was disallowed as the referee's assistant judged he had strayed marginally offside.

In the second half, play continued in much of the same pattern. Rory Patterson shot into the side netting for FC United, before the home side were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Chris Baguley stepped up and curled a sweet shot into the goal to give FC United the lead.

Wakefield hit straight back and equalised three minutes later. Their best move of the match saw Jay Sobers put Graham Marchant clean through on goal with a nicely weighted through ball. Marchant made no mistake as he coolly slotted the ball past the oncoming Sam Ashton in the FC United net.

Demi Kyriacou rattled the FC United crossbar with a bicycle kick following Steve Nicholson's cross fourteen minutes from time, but it was the home side who were to run out the winners. They were awarded what looked a harsh free kick on the edge of the area and Baguley stepped up to beat Danny Trueman with another curling shot, which was very similar to his first goal.

Result: FC United of Manchester 2 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Wes Milnes.

Attendance: 1,955.

Referee: M R Thorley.

Assistant Referees: A Clayton, J Hull.

Wakefield: Trueman, Nicholson, Ryder, Stevenson, Milnes,  Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Bucknall (nu), Townsend (nu), Kenworthy (nu)

FC United of Manchester:  Ashton, Foster, Roscoe, Platt, Chadwick, Nuggent, Carden A, Baguley, Hanley, Wright, Patterson
Subs: Carden S (for Platt), Brown (for Chadwick), Swarbrick (for Hanley)  

PHIL RANN'S REPORT

Two dubious free kicks from 20 yards settled this encounter in a evenly contested match at Gigg Lane.

Chris Howarth had the ball in the net for Wakefield on 41 minutes at the end of a poor first half, but the play was brought back controversially for offside.

In the second half, FC United took the lead from a free kick given after both players jumped and the FC United player didn't win the ball. Good finish over the backtracking Steve Nicholson to the left of keeper Danny Trueman.

Within four minutes, Wakefield were level with their best move of the match. Delroy Ferguson collected the ball on the left wing, moved it inside to Jay Sobers, who then sent a perfectly weighted ball through to Graham Marchant who was one on one with the keeper and made no mistake to bring the scores level.

The away side were now the better side, and firstly, a three-on-two situtation was wasted when Ferguson chose to take on a second defender instead of play it wide to the better placed Marchant and Howarth, and then when Demi Kyriacou hit the bar with a fine bicycle kick from a Nicholson free kick.

As the match ticked into the final ten minutes, FC United were gifted another free kick inside the D, and the same player beat Trueman with a well placed shot into the corner.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the match, but the best they could come up with was a header at the back post by Ferguson which went harmlessly wide.

Team: Trueman, Nicholson, Ryder, Stevenson, Milnes, Laight, Ferguson, Sobers, Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou.

Subs not used: Bucknall, Townsend, Kenworthy.

Attendance: 1955

MOM: Milnes.

Wakefield were fortunate to come away with this match with a point after a poor performance for the second home match in a row.

The home side were still without the injured Andy Woods, Blake Norton, Delroy Ferguson and Andy Shields, with new signing Jay Sobers coming into the side, while Marc Townsend made his first start of the season after scoring in midweek at Garforth.

Graham Marchant hit the bar for the home side in a poor first half, while Wakefield received some more bad news at half time when Rob Macquarrie went to hospital with a suspected broken foot.

All the best chances in the second half fell to Chorley. Danny Trueman was called into action with two point blank saves before Chorley hit the post as Wakefield rode their luck to stay on level terms.

Former Wakefield striker Neil Smith came off the bench for the away side and beat Trueman with a right foot shot but it flew just wide of the post.

Wakefield almost pressed the self destruct button when Wes Milnes backward header caught out Trueman after a lack of communication but the ball rolled wide.

The home sides best chance of the second period fell to Chris Howarth but his shot from the edge of the area was blocked, while substitute Steve Kenworthy attempted to lob Chorley keeper Peter Hollinge but he recovered to get back to his line in time.

Team: Trueman, Macquarrie (Stevenson 46), Fawcus, Kyriacou, Milnes, Normaschild, Sobers (Laight 89), Bucknall, Marchant, Howarth, Townsend (Kenworthy 65).

Attendance: 96

MOM: Trueman

Wakefield Football Club wish to announce that Manager, Gareth Stoker, has decided to revert to being solely a player.  In his early thirties he wishes to continue playing for a few more seasons and, with his other coaching interests, is finding the added burden of managing a UniBond club too time consuming at this stage of his career.

Gareth joined Wakefield F.C. as a player/coach at the beginning of last season and took over as manager at the turn of the year.  The Club's fortunes improved as his hard work and coaching skills brought progress on the field and a position of respectability was achieved by the end of the season.  The club wishes to place on record its gratitude for his honest endeavour and enterprise as both a player and coach during the past twelve months.

Former Manager, Ronnie Glavin, has agreed to rejoin the club immediately and looks forward to the challenge, of returning Wakefield F.C. to the position of strength it enjoyed when he was last in charge.  

Wakefield were left to rue several missed chances after falling to defeat by a single goal at the Giant Axe. Wakefield were without the unavailable Graham Marchant and Andy Shuttleworth for the game, with Declan Normaschild returning to the side after a long suspension and Gareth Stoker, Demi Kyriacou and Andy Woods starting the match after sitting out the game at Goole.

Wakefield started strongly. A Stoker corner in the second minute was not dealt with by the Lancaster defence but Kyriacou's powerful header was well kept out by Mark Thornley in the Lancaster goal.

Another Kyriacou header on 5 minutes after Steve Kenworthy's cross was easy for Thornley and then on 12 minutes Andy Shields struck the crossbar with a 20 yard free kick as Wakefield continued to look the more likely side to score.

On 17 minutes a Chris Howarth deflected shot was well saved by Thornley before Lancaster were gifted a glorious chance to take the lead after Rob MacQuarrie was harshly adjudged to have fouled a Lancaster player in the Wakefield penalty area. Ryan-Zico Black stepped up but found Andy Woods in superb form to keep out both the penalty and the follow up attempt.

Kyriacou and Delroy Ferguson both sent efforts off target before another Stoker corner again found Kyriacou but he headed just wide. Howarth then battled his way through on goal but fired over from a good position and a Chris Fawcus centre found Kyriacou, who did well to make space for a shot, but again missed the target.

As the game approached half time, Wakefield continue to press forward. Kyriacou headed over once more from Howarth's cross and again rose to meet a Stoker corner but sent the ball off target yet again.

Wakefield went behind four minutes into the second half. No one picked up the run of Chris Lysons after a deep ball in and he was able to come round the back of the Wakefield defence to smash the ball into the net.

Wakefield tried in vain to get back into the game. A Wes Milnes header was well kept out by a combination of goalkeeper and defender after another quality Stoker corner and Shields drove wide from 20 yards after Thornley had punched the ball clear.

At the other end, Woods kept out efforts by Stephen Skinner and Black as Lancaster were always dangerous on the counter attack.

Wakefield's best chances of an equaliser came in injury time. Firstly Stoker won the ball well with a hard tackle, but shot too close to Thornley from 15 yards and then a Stoker corner again caused Lancaster problems. Thornley managed to half punch clear but only as far as Wakefield goalkeeper Woods who had come forward for the set piece in a last ditch attempt to get something from the game. Woods controlled the ball well eight yards out, but then saw his dipping volley strike the cross bar.

Result:  Lancaster City 1 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Andy Woods.

Attendance: 190.

Referee: R L Johnson.

Assistant Referees: S Lyons, P Wilcox.

Wakefield: Woods, MacQuarrie, Fawcus, Stroker, Milnes, Normaschild, Ferguson, Shields, Kenworthy, Howarth, Kyriacou
Subs: Henderson (for Kenworthy), Hussain (nu), Hutchings (for MacQuarrie)

Lancaster City: Thornley, Ripley, Marshall, Greenwood, Lysons, Entwhistle, Skinner, Stringfellow, Foster, Zico Black, Redhead
Subs: Helliwell (for Rigby), Love (for Skinner), Stevens (nu) 

Report by Phil Rann

For the third time this season, Wakefield lost 1-0 in a league match that they deserved at least a point from, and in this case, perhaps three points.

Demi Kyriacou tested the Lancaster keeper in the first minute but he was equal to the task, and then Delroy Ferguson lifted his right wing shot over the keeper but also over the cross bar.

Andy Shields hit the bar with a curling free kick with the keeper beaten, before Lancaster were awarded a penalty when Rob Macquarrie brought down a Lancaster forward. Andy Woods however saved the poor spot kick, and then made an even better save to deny the same player with the follow up.

Kyriacou's flick on led to Shields shooting just over before Wes Milnes' far post header was a whisker away from opening the scoring.

Same old story, and four minutes into the second half, Lancaster took the lead with the first mistake from the Wakefield defence.

Wakefield struggled to create the same number of chances as the first half after the goal, but Chris Howarth almost levelled the scores twenty minutes from the end but his touch wasn't enough to prod the ball home, and the touch took the ball away from Milnes sliding in at the back post.

Lancaster should have made sure of the win when a long ball through found a forward in acres of space. Woods held up the play with a good block, and that allowed Chris Fawcus to get back and make a great challenge.

Wakefield almost found a late equaliser but the Lancaster keeper was again equal to Kyriacou's header, and the Lancaster sub who had just come on helped him clear the ball off the line.

Just to prove that it wasn't Wakefield's day was still to follow though, and in a ridiculous two added minutes when it should have been at least six or seven, Woods came up for a Gareth Stoker corner. He chested the ball down, and volleyed the ball from six yards out. The ball hit the cross bar and went over with just about the last kick of the match.

Team: Woods, Macquarrie (Hutchings 84), Fawcus, Stoker, Milnes, Normaschild, Ferguson, Shields, Kenworthy (Henderson 70), Howarth, Kyriacou.
Sub not used: Hussain.

Attendance:

MOM: Woods

Comment by Phil Rann

Thought the officials today were as ever, consistently inconsistent. The ref gave Lancaster a penalty, could say Macquarrie went through the back of him, but then the linesman missed a clear handball in the Lancaster area in the second half, I think it was their number three who had his arms up by his chest and controlled the ball with them. He let a number of Lancaster players roll around on the floor for a good minute or two each time, and then when they made a sub, their players made sure they crawled back to the dugout to waste some more time. The ref said he kept adding the time on but his watch must have stopped when he issued two minutes of stoppage time. It should have been at least six or seven. On another occasion, the officials allowed two Lancaster defenders to shove Kenworthy away from the ball which was creeping to the goal line. Just as well the advert boards weren't a bit closer and they would have shoved him over those as well. As Stoker put it 'Anywhere else on the pitch it would be obstruction and a booking'. So hard to take again, another 1-0 defeat when we deserved a lot better, the one difference was that Lancaster took their chance, we didn't.

Lets be honest, the referee had a shocker completely lost control of the match, and in the end, gave the decisions the way of the team that moaned the loudest, usually Ossett's bench. The way Ossett appealed for everything and I mean everything was ridiculous, they weren't interested in playing football, they came to stop us playing football and would stop at nothing to do that. How they only had booking amazes me especially as he booked Wakefield players for petty things.

Ossett defended well to stop us playing the kind of football we have played in the opening three matches but there were constant fouls being made time and again in their own half and in my opinion, the referee did little to stop that. Meanwhile he sent off Shuttleworth, a yellow card for each foul he made in the match, both just clumsy fouls in the middle of the park.

Wakefield weren't at their best today, but still deserved at least a point from the game. Ossett, playing against ten men for a third of the match weren't interested in anything but route one and wingeing to the officials at every opportunity.

Hopefully just a blip.

From www.wakefieldtoday.co.uk

Albion take derby spoils

DERBY DAYS: Albion take all three points

Wakefield FC 0 - 1 Ossett Albion 

OSSETT Albion took all three points from the first Wakefield derby of the new campaign with victory in a tight contest with UniBond Division One North rivals Wakefield FC, writes Nick Rigg.
Dave Boardman's strike just before half time was enough for Eric Gilchrist's men, who made it two wins in three days and ended Wakefield's unbeaten start to the season.

Both teams came in to the clash full of confidence following impressive weekend victories and it showed in the early stages with both sides being presented with good chances to take an early advantage.

Delroy Ferguson caused the Albion defence a host of problems with his pace and the winger came close to opening the scoring a number of times.

While at the other end, the Dimple Wells club will have been feeling hard done by after referee Storrie denied what looked to have been a clear-cut penalty by awarding a free-kick on the edge of the box.

But although Gareth Stoker's men were playing the more flowing football in the first 45 minutes it was Albion who took the advantage in to the break as Boardman was left unmarked to power a close-range effort in to the empty net after Dave Syers saw his effort blocked.

Further chances came in the second half to both sides but Albion managed to cling on to all three points to shoot them up the table after a slow start to their new campaign.

Wakefield FC: Woods, McQuarrie, Coupe, Shuttleworth, Milnes, Shaw, Ferguson, Sheilds (c), Marchant, Howarth, Kyriacou. Subs: Stoker, Kenworthy, Henderson.

Albion: Bennett, Syers, Boardman, Utley (c), Riordan, West, Senior, Seed, Bentley, Jenkinson, Wordsworth. Subs: Dickinson, Ryan, Bennett.

 Supporter comments:

1.

We certainly didn't deserve to lose with the referee doing his best to ruin what was potentially a very good game. We did seem a little disjointed upfront though. Good to see Demi back in the starting line up despite the fact that he could have perhaps done better on a couple of occasions.

Was disappointed with the reaction of some of their players at the final whistle, although I guess their over celebrations further underline their relief as they were extremely fortunate to get all three points.

Hopefully today's defeat will be nothing more than a minor set back as there wasn't too much wrong with the overall performance, just a lack of a killer ball in the final third.

Wakefield fielded an unchanged line up from Saturday's home win against Radcliffe Borough, apart from Tom Bucknall replacing Chris Woods on the substitutes bench.

Newcastle took the lead in the tenth minute. A poor clearance by Chris Fawcus left Dave McTiernan with a clear shot on goal and he made no mistake from close range.

Wakefield began to come into the game more as the half progressed and came close on 18 minutes but Damien Henderson's header flew over the crossbar.

The visitors had another good chance to score on 26 minutes following a Gareth Stoker free kick, but Delroy Ferguson blasted over after Gary Shaw had headed the ball down.

A minute later, Ferguson was felled in the area, the referee's assistant signalling the penalty. Chris Howarth stepped up and found the bottom corner, despite Newcastle goalkeeper Daniel Lowson getting a hand to the ball, to equalise for Wakefield.

Wakefield continued to look the better side. Gareth Stoker drove the ball goalwards on 39 minutes after Steve Kenworthy had laid it off, but Lowson got down well to make a good save.

Newcastle came out stronger at the start of the second half and regained their lead on 53 minutes. Lee Novak finished from close range after a low cross, with the Wakefield players appealing in vain for offside.

Wakefield began to have better possesion again. Demi Kyriacou came on to replace the injured Henderson and almost equalised on 58 minutes, his shot on the turn cracking against a post.

On 76 minutes Howarth raced clear for Wakefield and attempted to lob Lowson, but the Newcastle goalkeeper managed to stretch and get a hand to the ball to turn it around the post.

Just as it looked like Wakefield were to taste defeat, they found an equaliser three minutes into injury time. Ferguson drove at goal from 20 yards. Lowson looked to have the shot covered as it flew towards the goal, but it took a wicked deflection off a Newcastle player and nestled into the bottom corner.

Result: Newcastle Blue Star 2 - 2 Wakefield

Wakefield FC man of the match: Wesley Milnes.

Attendance: 160.

Referee: G Eltringham.

Assistant Referees: D Chapman, C Garside.

Wakefield: Woods A, MacQuarrie, Fawcus, Stoker, Milnes, Shaw, Ferguson, Shields, Henderson, Howarth, Kenworthy
Subs: Coupe (for Kenworthy), Kyriacou (for Henderson), Bucknell (not used) 

Newcastle Blue Star: Lowson, Webster, Scott, Carr, Townsley, Hooks, McTeirnan, Nicholls, Novak, Bell, Pringle
Subs: Critchlow (for Bell), Davies (for McTeirnan), Robinson (not used)

Damien Henderson lashed straight at Radcliffe goalkeeper Tim Dittmer on 5 minutes and Chris Howarth's attempted lob on 10 minutes just didn't have the legs to make into the net as Simon Kelly was able to hack the ball clear.

Radcliffe then enjoyed a good spell and went in front on 16 minutes, Ian Fitzpatrick given time and space to pick his spot in the bottom corner from 15 yards.

Wakefield equalised on 28 minutes after Delroy Ferguson's effort had been blocked in the penalty area by a Radcliffe arm. Chris Howarth stepped up to send Dittmer the wrong way from the spot.

Andy Woods pulled off a point blank range save on 32 minutes to deny Lee Connell but two minutes later Radcliffe were back in front as Steve Howson was able to divert the ball into the net via the upright, after been left free at the far post.

On 38 minutes Wakefield equalised once more. Delroy Ferguson picked the ball up out wide and coolly lobbed Dittmer from 20 yards, the ball just nestling inside the far post.

Wakefield went in front for the first time in the game three minutes into the second half. Ferguson's effort was turned behind for a corner, which was taken by Gareth Stoker. Henderson rose highest to power home a header.

On 66 minutes Dittmer did well to deny subsitute Demi Kyriacou and the follow up effort from Steve Kenworthy, keeping Radcliffe's deficit at a single goal.

Wakefield wrapped the game up with a fourth goal four minutes from time. Howarth scored his second after been given time and space to pick his spot over Dittmer and into the top corner from 20 yards.

Result: Wakefield 4- 2 Radcliffe Borough

Wakefield FC man of the match: Chris Howarth.

Attendance: 102.

Referee: A Greenwood.

Assistant Referees: S Hawkins, P Saunders.

Wakefield: Woods A, MacQuarrie, Fawcus, Stoker, Milnes, Shaw, Ferguson, Shields, Henderson, Howarth, Kenworthy
Subs: Coupe (for Kenworthy), Kyriacou (for Ferguson), Woods C (not used) 

Radcliffe Borough: Dittmer, O'Neil, Whealing, Kelly, Waine, Connell, Eames, Forest, Howson, Fitzpatrick, Kay
Subs:  Oates (for Kay), Hendley(not used), Dawson (not used)


Report by Phil Rann

Wakefield won their first match of the league season for the first time since 2000 with a 4-2 home victory against Radcliffe Borough at College Grove.

With Graham Marchant unavailable, Damien Henderson partnered fellow new striker Chris Howarth up front, and both started well with Howarth having an effort cleared off the line early on but neither could do anything to stop Radcliffe taking the lead after 15 minutes; Ian Fitzpatrick finishing well beyond Andy Woods' outstretched arm after Rob Macquarrie's clearance hit the referee and bounced to him.

The home side were level just twelve minutes later after a handball in the area gifted them a penalty, Howarth made no mistake from the spot sending Radcliffe keeper Tim Dittmer the wrong way.

However, Wakefield were only on level terms six minutes before Steve Howson put the visitors back in front after sloppy defending from the home side.

Once again Wakefield came back and equalised again on 38 minutes when Delroy Ferguson's cross/shot was misjudged by Dittmer and went over him straight into the net.

Radcliffe were unlucky to not regain the lead before the break when a bullet header rebounded off the post as Wakefield rode their luck.

The second half was a much better all round performance from the home side, and they were in front for the first time in the match as early as the 48th minute when Henderson met Gareth Stoker's inch perfect corner, leaving Dittmer no chance.

Dittmer kept Radcliffe in the match when he later denied substitute Demi Kyriacou's effort, and then a minute later he denied Steve Kenworthy from slotting the ball over him.

Radcliffe's Simon Kelly's good run forced Woods into a smart stop eight minutes from time, but Howarth was to score his second goal with a chip that oozed confidence in the 87th minute to make the three points safe.

Team: A. Woods, Macquarrie, Fawcus, Stoker, Milnes, Shaw, Ferguson (Kyriacou 64), Shields, Henderson, Howarth, Kenworthy (Coupe 77).
Sub not used: C. Woods

Attendance: 102

MOM: Howarth 

Comment: 

Bay Athletic (away) (reserves) - Friday 13th July  -  lost 1-2

Eccleshill United (away) - Thursday 26th July  -  lost 0-2

Athersley Recreation (away) - Saturday 28th July  -  won 5-1

Heckmondwike Town (away) (reserves / U19) - Monday 30th July  -  drew 0-0

Frickley Athletic (away) - Tuesday 31st July   -  drew 2-2

Kirkburton (away) (reserves / U19) - Wednesday 1st August  -  lost 1-3

Cherry Tree (home) - Friday 3rd August  -  won 11-1

Pontefract Collieries (away) (first team) - Monday 6th August  -  won 3-0

Altofts (away) (reserves / U19) - Monday 6th August -  won 2-0

Cumberworth United (home) (reserves / U19) - Tuesday 7th August  -  drew 2-2

Whitby Town (away) - Saturday 11th August  -  won 2-1

Brighouse Town (away) (reserves / U19) - Saturday 11th August  -  lost 1-2

Worksop Town (away) - Tuesday 14th August 1 - 0

Hall Green United (away) (u19) - Thursday 16th August - won 5 - 3

Liversedge (away) (U19) - Wednesday 22nd August (7pm)

Hall Green United  3 - 5  Wakefield Under 19's 

Wakefield struggled in the first half in a strong wind and Hall Green deservedly took a two goal lead. Scott Savage pulled one back for Wakefield before Hall Green scored their third goal on the stroke of half time. Wakefield were a different side in the second half and took control of the game. Tom Denton stroked the ball home to pull a goal back after some neat footwork before Barry Rothera drove home the equaliser. Matt Jackson put Wakefield in front and Seedy Jaiteh bundled home the fifth goal from close range after a fumble by the home goalkeeper.

Worksop Town 0 - 1 Wakefield 

Wakefield were given a glorious chance to take the lead midway through the first half from the penalty spot after Delroy Ferguson had been felled, but Chris Howarth hammered the ball against the post. In the second half Wakefield continued to be the better side and controlled the game well. The winning goal came on 83 minutes, Chris Woods rounding the Worksop goalkeeper before attempting to finish from an acute angle. The ball was hacked clear off the goalline by a defender but the referee's assistant ruled it had crossed the line and the goal was given. There was still time for Tony Pemberton to have the ball in the net but his effort was disallowed for offside. Wakefield gave debuts to Tony Pemberton and former Guiseley player Andy Shuttleworth.

Wakefield: Woods (sub Lee Wilson), MacQuarrie, Fawcus, Stoker (sub Shuttleworth), Battye, Shaw, Ferguson (sub Hutchings), Shields (sub Coupe), Henderson (sub Woods), Howarth (sub Pemberton), Kenworthy (sub Kyriacou).

Tally Ho commented: 
 I thought it was an excellent performance last night. Not just footballing but the committment the side showed till the final whistle.

I don't think the goalies had much to do. The back four were solid and confident enough to play the ball out. Its the first time I've seen Gary Shaw. The midfield were lively, pacey and creative. Forward line looked good. I was impressed with Damien Henderson in his role.

Right to the end the tempo was quick.
Now I've not been Gareth Stoker's biggest fans but I was well impressed by his performance both on and off the pitch. He played well and I thought he managed well, keeping the team going till the death and not allowing them to let up.

Things look on the up with the likes of Marchant, Normanschild and Hardy(?) to add to the squad and those that may have been on trial last night.

Whitby Town  1 - 2  Wakefield  

Wakefield went ahead through Chris Howarth in the first half. Whitby equalised in the second half before Demi Kyriacou scored Wakefield's winner four minutes from time.

Statto comment: 

Brighouse Town  2 - 1   Wakefield Reserves 

Frickley Athletic 2 - 2 Wakefield 

Frickley recovered from falling behind twice to share the honours in a friendly with rivals Wakefield at South Elmsall.
There was a lack of fluency among the Blues while their Division 1 opponents snatched at whatever opportunities came their way.
The visitors lost goalkeeper Andy Woods through injury in the 11th minute, Liam Sutcliffe taking over between the posts, and doing well in the 24th minute to turn a curling corner from Chris White from under the bar, and the ball was knocked back into the middle where Adam Pollock lifted his shot over.
After a free-kick by White had seen both Nathan Hotte and Richard Medcalf have shots blocked, the ball was cleared to Delroy Ferguson on the right and he made space before knocking in a low cross for Chris Howarth to fire Wakefield in front after 35 minutes.
A deep cross from Hotte was headed off the line by Andy Shield in the 43rd minute as the Blues tried to level, and Steve Ball shaved an upright with a 30 yard free-kick.
Changes were made at the interval and Frickley tried to increase the tempo, Aaron Allanson sending a 35 yard drive just wide in the 56th minute, although it needed a fearless save from Andy Jeffrey to prevent Howarth improving the visitors lead a minute later.
The Blues got on terms in the 77th minute when a low free-kick on the right from Ryan Morton was volleyed in from ten yards by Steve Heath.
Ball rattled the bar for the home side with a 35 yard drive, only for Wakefield to regain the lead in the 81st minute, a raid down the right leading to Chris Coupe's ten yard shot being partially saved by Adam Nicklin but the ball finished just inside the near post.
Once again Frickley dragged themselves back into the game, Sutcliffe being judged to have brought down Hotte in the 83rd minute.
Although the keeper manager to partially block Ryan Morton's spot kick, he was unable to prevent the same player tucking in the rebound.

from Frickley website

I think squad was: (not sure of numbers though)

Woods, McQuarrie, Fawcus, Battye, Normaschild, Andy Shields, Stoker, Ferguson, Howarth, Marchant ,Coupe

Liam Sutcliffe early sub for Woods.
Kendall also came on and at least 1 other.

Steady performance, thought Howarth and Marchant played well.

Enjoyed a pint, pies and peas and the over top enthusiasm of the tannoy announcer!!!!

Wakefield's first team fell to defeat in their opening friendly at Eccleshill after a goal either side of half time. New strikers Chris Howarth and Graham Marchant put in strong performances for Wakefield as did captain Andy Shields in midfield. The only injury for Wakefield was Chris Collinson who left the field midway through the first half with a calf injury. Damien Henderson also missed the game injured, but should be fit soon.

Shields, Howarth and Marchant particularly stood out for me. Steve Ball (ex Bradford PA) started the game and did ok. MacQuarrie and Fawcus were also solid. Substitutes used in the second half as we experimented a bit with different players / trialists.

Over the summer Wakefield have signed two new strikers from Harrogate Railway Athletic. Graham Marchant and Chris Howarth have both been working very hard in training and it is hoped that they can make a real impression in the goals department this year.

Leaving College Grove is Niall O'Brien. O'Brien has found himself as third choice midfielder behind Gareth Stoker and Andy Shields and has decided to leave for Eastwood Town. Attacking player Demi Kyriacou has joined local rivals Ossett Town and tall frontman Neil Smith has signed for Warrington Town.

Bay Athletic 2 - 1 Wakefield Reserves

Reserves lost at Bay on Friday night. This game was played at Bay's training ground at Salendine Nook. No regular first teamers from last season were involved. Hopefully, we will have news of other friendlies soon - the pitch had been reseeded some time back but one half didn't take very well so has had to be reseeded again. Unfortunate, but that's the way it goes.

Info from www.wakefieldfc.com says the friendlies against Ossett, Matlock, Ruthin Town (?) and Thackley have all been postponed due to reseeding of pitch.

That leaves Frickley and Whitby away at the moment.