Report

BEARS EARN COMFORTABLE HOME WIN AGAINST GARFORTH
26th Dec 08 - Wakefield 3 vs 1 Garforth Town
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made one change to the side that won at Chorley last Saturday with Steve Nicholson starting in place of Aidan Morris who dropped to the bench.

Garforth shocked the home supporters when Greg Kelly was left to head home unmarked to give the visitors a third minute lead, but Wakefield were soon back on level terms.

A pinpoint pass picked out Marc Roberts in the centre of the 18 yard area and the tall Wakefield midfielder had time and space to pick his spot and equalise for Wakefield on 8 minutes.

Wayne Shooter fired a loose ball home to give Wakefield the advantage three minutes before half time.

The Bears were good value for their lead and the game was wrapped up ten minutes into the second half when Jay Sobers low shot fell into the path of Chris Howarth who shot low into the net past Luke Gibbons.

Garforth enjoyed some spells of possession late in the game but failed to trouble Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Attendance: 217

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson (Morris 84), Henson, Jones (Ferguson 61), Milnes, Sparkes, Roberts, Sobers, Walshaw, Howarth, Shooter (Mugadza 84). Sub Not Used: Laight.

Garforth Town: Gibbons, Wilkinson, Kamara, Fox, Renshaw (c), Harratt, Rowan, D Williams, Marchant (St Juste 63), Hayward (Connor 78), Kelly (Tiani 45). Sub Not Used: G Williams.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 14 Garforth Town 12

On Target: Wakefield 8 Garforth Town 6

Corners: Wakefield 8 Garforth Town 8

Offsides: Wakefield 0 Garforth Town 6

Fouls: Wakefield 9 Garforth Town 13

Yellow Cards: Wakefield 1 (Jones 45) Garforth Town 1 (Renshaw 45)

WAKEFIELD RUN OUT CLEAR WINNERS AT CHORLEY
20th Dec 08 - Chorley 1 vs 3 Wakefield
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield lined up in a 4-3-3 formation with Matthew Sparkes slotting in at centre back alongside Wes Milnes after Kevin Dawson's loan spell had expired. Caldon Henson and Aidan Morris were the two full backs, Jay Sobers, Adam Jones and Marc Roberts made up the midfield with James Walshaw, Chris Howarth and Wayne Shooter up front.

Wakefield opened the scoring on 15 minutes when Chris Howarth sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot after Wayne Shooter had been felled in the area. Wakefield broke from a Chorley attack to make it 2-0 on 37 minutes. Chris Howarth powering forward before squaring the ball to Wayne Shooter who provided a cool finish.

Rob Henry converted at the far post to pull a goal back for Chorley just before the hour mark, but despite their possesion Chorley failed to trouble Andy Woods further in the game. Substitute Delroy Ferguson wrapped up the win five minutes from time when he slotted home a loose ball after the Chorley goalkeeper could only parry James Walshaw's header.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Walshaw.

Attendance: 154

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris (Nicholson 82), Jones, Milnes, Sparkes, Roberts, Sobers, Walshaw, Howarth, Shooter (Ferguson 76). Subs Not Used: Wears, Mugadza, MacManus.

Chorley: Collinge, Finch (Nolan 82), Henry (c), Mullineux, Smalley, West, Farrell, Ellison (Walsh 63), Ward, Burke (Crossley 73), Sharrock. Subs Not Used: Fletcher, Kenyon.

Attempts on Goal: Chorley 7 Wakefield 10

On Target: Chorley 4 Wakefield 8

Corners: Chorley 5 Wakefield 5

Offsides: Chorley 5 Wakefield 2

Fouls: Chorley 13 Wakefield 12

Yellow Cards: Chorley 2 (Burke 17, Ward 38) Wakefield 1 (Henson 49)

Red Cards: Chorley 0 Wakefield 0

Phil Rann's Report

LATE WEARS GOAL EARNS WAKEFIELD VICTORY
6th Dec 08 - Wakefield 3 vs 2 Clitheroe
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made four changes to the side that drew with Rossendale last Saturday. Steve Nicholson, still struggling with a persistant calf injury, was replaced in the side by Caldon Henson. Chris Howarth returned from illness to replace Graham Marchant who has left for Garforth Town. Brighton Mugadza was preferred on the left wing to Delroy Ferguson who was left out of the side. One other change saw Wes Milnes return from suspension to replace Andy MacManus who dropped to the bench.

There were very few chances to score during a low tempo first half, until Clitheroe took a 37th minute lead when Carl Lomax took advantage of space in the Wakefield defence to fire past Andy Woods from 15 yards. Clitheroe were reduced to ten men on the stroke of half time when centre back Jonathan Smith was dismissed for striking James Walshaw in the face.

Wakefield equalised five minutes after the break when a superb corner by Aidan Morris was headed home by Marc Roberts, the young Wakefield midfielder's first goal for the club.

A Milnes header was superbly tipped round the post by Martin Fearon before Wakefield got their second goal on 73 minutes. An excellent move involving Wayne Shooter and Walshaw ended with the latter pulling the ball back for Jay Sobers to thunder the ball into the net from 12 yards.

Clitheroe shocked Wakefield briefly by equalising on 82 minutes. Substitute Joel Pilkington placed the ball past Woods after finding space on the edge of the area.

Wakefield scored the winner three minutes from time. A low cross by Shooter was met by Wears who wrongfooted Fearon from six yards. Wears had only just come on as substitute for Walshaw who had been injured in a challenge involving Clitheroe's Ian Flannery.

Wakefield comfortably held out for the win with Chris Howarth almost adding a fourth, but his shot flew past the wrong side of the post.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Attendance: 131

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris, Jones (Sparkes 53), Milnes, Dawson, Roberts, Sobers, Walshaw (Wears 85), Howarth, Mugadza (Shooter 67). Subs Not Used: South, MacManus.

Clitheroe: Fearon, Kozlowski, Forbes, Flannery, J Smith, Fisher (Pilkington 72), Morley, Stopforth, Johnson (A Smith 80), Lomax (c), Redhead (Hankin 80). Subs Not Used: Kavanagh, Higgins.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 13 Clitheroe 9

On Target: Wakefield 8 Clitheroe 3

Corners: Wakefield 7 Clitheroe 4

Offsides: Wakefield 3 Clitheroe 7

Fouls: Wakefield 15 Clitheroe 17

Yellow Cards: Wakefield 2 (Dawson 24, Jones 25) Clitheroe 1 (Johnson 25)

Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Clitheroe 1 (J Smith 45)

DOMINANT WAKEFIELD HELD BY ROSSENDALE
29th Nov 08 - Wakefield 2 vs 2 Rossendale United
Report by Dan Brownhill

Graham Marchant replaced Chris Howarth (illness) in the starting eleven, Steve Nicholson returned from injury in place of Caldon Henson, Jay Sobers returned from suspension and started instead of Wayne Shooter and one further changes saw Adam Jones starting with Matthew Sparkes dropping to the substitutes bench.

Wakefield gave themselves a mountain to climb after Kevin Dawson headed into his own net on 13 minutes and Matt Ward drilled in Rossendale's second with only 18 minutes played. The Bears settled down and began to create chances themselves. Marchant was unlucky to strike the inside of a post after dribbling past two Rossendale defenders but Wakefield didn't have long to wait before they were back in the game.

A Jay Sobers run on 24 minutes ended with the Wakefield midfielder playing the ball across for James Walshaw to pick his spot from 20 yards with Rossendale goalkeeper Ben Proctor rooted to the spot. Rossendale were then reduced to ten men before half time when Marcus Calvert was dismissed for stamping on Aidan Morris after the ball had gone.

Wakefield equalised four minutes into the second half, with Walshaw thundering a tremendous strike into the net off the underside of the crossbar with Proctor well beaten. Wakefield threw everything at Rossendale but could not find a third goal with Rossendale defending resolutely to leave College Grove with a point.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Walshaw.

Attendance: 122

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson (Wears 77), Morris, Jones, Dawson, MacManus, Roberts, Sobers, Walshaw, Marchant (Shooter 70), Ferguson (Henson 86). Sub Not Used: Sparkes.

Rossendale United: Proctor, Clarkson, Heywood, Bailey, Whittal-Williams, Brown, Williams (Clark 66), Turner (c), Calvert, Atkinson (Eastwood 53), Ward (Dunnan 90+2). Sub Not Used: Bailey.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 17 Rossendale United 6

On Target: Wakefield 7 Rossendale United 5

Corners: Wakefield 7 Rossendale United 1

Offsides: Wakefield 2 Rossendale United 1

Fouls: Wakefield 12 Rossendale United 15

Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 Rossendale United 1 (Bailey 79)

Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Rossendale United 1 (Calvert 34)

Phil Rann's report

Wakefield came from two goals behind to rescue a point in this home match with Rossendale Utd, and could have gone on to win it.

A bad first half started when Kevin Dawson headed in past his own goalkeeper from a Rossendale right wing cross on 12 minutes, and then things got even worse when a ball across goal struck Steve Nicholson on the arm. The referee played advantage and Matt Ward slotted the ball past Andy Woods at his near post.

Graham Marchant, back in the starting line up replacing the unwell Chris Howarth, produced the best piece of individual skill of the game so far when he brought the ball down, beat two defenders and struck the ball past the sprawling Ben Proctor in the Rossendale goal. Unfortunately for Marchant, the ball hit the far post and bounced straight into Proctor's gloves.

Wakefield didn't have long to wait for their goal though. Jay Sobers linked up well with James Walshaw on the right wing. After a one-two, Walshaw ran towards goal, and with no challenge, beat Proctor with a left footed effort from 20 yards out. Rossendale's Marcus Calvert was given a straight red card soon after the Wakefield goal for stamping on Aidan Morris, but it was Rossendale that continued to create the better chances up to half time. A long range effort was well held by Woods.

Two minutes into the second half, the scores were level when Walshaw scored a spectacular goal. The ball came to him in a similar position to his first goal, but this time his left foot strike was absolutely unstoppable as it cannonned off the underside of the bar and nearly took the net with it. Sadly for the home side, they couldn't then turn their pressure into a winning goal against ten men. Walshaw looked to be played in for his hat-trick but the defender got back to make a very important block, and then the ball hit the bar from Nicholson's corner.

More good play from Walshaw set up a ball straight through the six yard box when any touch would have resulted in a goal. Substitute Matthew Wears went on a mazy run and almost set up fellow substitute Wayne Shooter, and then unbelivably Delroy Ferguson crossed another ball which didn't get a touch from anyone when any touch would have done. Rossendale offered little in the second half, but they could have won it in stoppage time when they broke from a Wakefield corner. Fortunately for Wakefield, Andy McManus got across to block substitute Phil Eastwood's attempt.

Team: Woods, Nicholson (Wears 78), Morris, Jones, McManus, Dawson, Roberts, Sobers, Walshaw, Marchant (Shooter 72), Ferguson (Henson 87).

Attendance: 122

MOM: Walshaw.

WAKEFIELD LOSE TO LAST GASP GOAL
22nd Nov 08 - Wakefield 1 vs 2 Lancaster City
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield were in front after only five minutes. A superb free kick by Aidan Morris was headed in by James Walshaw from close range. Three minutes later the lead should have been doubled, but veteran goalkeeper Mark Thornley got down well to deny Chris Howarth.

Marc Roberts had a header cleared off the line minutes later as the early part of the game was all Wakefield. But Lancaster began to settle and equalised just before half time when Mark Jackson smashed the ball past Andy Woods.

Both sides had chances to score in an open second half with James Walshaw's long range drive for Wakefield tipped over and Lancaster's Mark Jackson denied by a superb Woods save. It was Jackson who got the winner for Lancaster in injury time when he converted from close range after the Wakefield defence had failed to clear a loose ball.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Attendance: 129

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris, Sparkes, MacManus, Dawson, Roberts, Shooter (Marchant 69), Walshaw, Howarth, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Jones, Wears, Nicholson.

Lancaster City: Thornley, Entwistle, Elderton, Teague, Stringfellow (c), Haddow (Heffernan 84), Reid (Marshall 84), Ward, Foster (Gierke 69), Jackson, Dodgson. Subs Not Used: Airey, Beesley.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 19 Lancaster City 19

On Target: Wakefield 13 Lancaster City 9

Corners: Wakefield 7 Lancaster City 6

Offsides: Wakefield 0 Lancaster City 1

Fouls: Wakefield 13 Lancaster City 11

Yellow Cards: Wakefield 1 (Henson 86) Lancaster City 3 (Teague 35, Haddow 75, Heffernan 90+3)

Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Lancaster City 0

Phil Rann's Report

Wakefield were unlucky to lose an even and entertaining match with Lancaster City thanks to a 90th minute winner from the visitors.

The home side started much the stronger, and James Walshaw headed in Aidan Morris' free kick after only five minutes. Walshaw set up Howarth one-on-one with Lancaster keeper Mark Thornley but Howarth's shot was straight at him only three minutes after the opening goal. Another excellent delivery from Morris from a corner caused problems with Lancaster having to clear Marc Roberts' header off the line, and from the next corner, the man on the back post was needed again to keep the score at 1-0.

Lancaster's number 4 was lucky to stay on the park when, after a couple of clashes with Walshaw, he fouled him again and then stamped on the back of his leg while he was on the ground. The referee deemed it only to be a yellow card offence. Lancaster equalised with their first real chance. A left wing cross resulted in a neat one-two and a shot that beat Andy Woods to his right hand side.

The second half was very even to begin with and Wakefield had the better of the chances again. Good build up play set up Walshaw but Thornley made a good save from his powerful effort.Lancaster started to have more of the possession and the play as the match wore on, and Wakefield's Kevin Dawson needed to clear an effort off the line as the scores stayed level.

Walshaw forced another flying save from Thornley before Wakefield were dealt a cruel blow in stoppage time, when after they failed to clear a Lancaster set piece, the ball was bundled in from six yards. Wakefield barely had time to mount an attack, and with the only chance they were able to have, substitute Graham Marchant could only head straight at the keeper from Morris' free kick.

Team: Woods, Henson, Morris, Sparkes, McManus, Dawson, Roberts, Shooter (Marchant 71), Walshaw, Howarth, Ferguson.
Subs not used: Wears, Jones and Nicholson.

Attendance: 129

MOM: Walshaw.

WALSHAW BRACE SEES BEARS BEAT 2ND PLACE BRIDGE
15th Nov 08 - Wakefield 3 vs 1 Bamber Bridge
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield also included centre back Kevin Dawson in the starting line up. Dawson has signed from Worksop Town on a one month loan deal.

Inside 13 minutes Chris Howarth powered clear but fired high over the bar from the edge of the area as Wakefield started brightly.

Bridge did have their chances though with Neil Zarac twice testing Andy Woods in the Wakefield goal before half time, but Woods was able to make comfortable saves.

Wakefield were denied what looked a clear penalty ten minutes before half time when Walshaw was hacked down from behind inside the area but the referee waved play on.

Two minutes later the Bears were in front. The ball broke to Delroy Ferguson who cut inside before hammering a shot pass Andy Banks from 20 yards, the Bridge goalkeeper got a hand to the ball but couldn't prevent it from crossing the line.

In the second half, Bridge upped their game for a spell. Alex Porter had an effort disallowed for offside before substiute Anthony Murt chipped the ball over Andy Woods and into the net via the foot of a post to equalise.

Wakefield came back strongly and regained the lead just five minutes later. A Jay Sobers shot had been parried by Banks and Walshaw neatly tucked away the rebound.

The game was safe three minutes into injury time when a poor Steve Brown back pass let in Ferguson who squared the ball to Walshaw. Walshaw took a touch before sliding the ball into the net past Banks.

Phil Rann's Report

Wakefield picked up an excellent home win against high flying Bamber Bridge who were joint league leaders at the start of the day.
The Bears' new signing James Walshaw was straight into the starting line up with Wayne Shooter dropping to the bench, while Kevin Dawson (brother of Premiership players Michael and Andy), on loan from Worksop Town, started at the back in place of the injured Craig Laight.

Bamber Bridge had the best of the opening first twenty minutes and Wakefield's keeper Andy Woods nearly gifted them an opener after a ball down field only reached a Bamber striker 25 yards out. Woods did well to recover to get down and hold the long range effort.

Bamber were fortunate to not go down to ten men after half an hour when Chris Howarth put Walshaw through one-on-one with their keeper Andy Banks. Just as Walshaw was preparing to pull the trigger, he was tripped from behind but the referee and linesman, both stood just yards from the incident, somehow both missed the foul which would have resulted in a penalty and a red card for the defender. Matthew Sparkes somehow missed the follow up.

Wakefield didn't have too long to wait until their opener though, when Walshaw played in Ferguson and his shot from twenty yards out was too strong for Banks, and despite him getting a good hand on the ball, it still went over the line.

There was a long stoppage early in the second half when Bamber Bridge's Ryan Zico-Black needed to be stretchered from the field with a suspected broken leg after a clash of legs with Walshaw and Steve Nicholson.

Wakefield continued to look the better side and Aidan Morris' excellent left wing cross picked out Howarth at the back post but his header came back off the post with Banks beaten, but Banks recovered to make a good block from Jay Sobers who was following up.

Marc Roberts then forced a fine point blank save from Banks but the score remained 1-0 until the visitors broke away and scored when their substitute beat the offside trap before chipping the ball over the oncoming Woods. Nicholson couldn't prevent the ball bouncing off the post and over the line.

Even after the goal, Wakefield continued to dictate the play, and they were soon back in front when Walshaw got his first for the club after an excellent run from Sobers saw the Wakefield number 8 pull the ball back to Walshaw who was left with an easy finish.

He got his second on the break in stoppage time. Howarth played it through for him, and Walshaw rounded the keeper and slid the ball into the empty net and he was almost presented with a chance for his hat-trick straight from the kick off but Howarth's pass to him in acres of space was blocked.

Team: Woods, Nicholson (Jones 80), Morris, Sparkes, Milnes, Dawson, Roberts, Sobers (Wears 90), Walshaw, Howarth, Ferguson.
Subs not used: Marchant and Shooter.

Attendance: 109

MOM: Walshaw.

9 MAN WAKEFIELD BEATEN AT SKEM
8th Nov 08 - Skelmersdale United 2 vs 0 Wakefield
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield went behind early on when Aaron Turner's early shot from the edge of the area curled sweetly into the bottom corner.

The Bears settled down and twice went close in the first half when Wayne Shooter's shot on the turn whistled past the post and Chris Howarth's effort from 20 yards was just touched round the post by the fingertips of Ryan McMahon.

The game was spoilt by the referee before half time when he sent Jay Sobers off for two bookings in as many minutes. Firstly Sobers was harshly booked for a late tackle in the centre circle and then he was incredibly dismissed after a clash of heads in the Skelmersdale half, the referee deciding to see how badly injured the Skelmersdale player was before coming to his decision.

Early in the second half Andy Woods made a good double save to deny Sean McConville and George Donnelly.

Wakefield were then reduced to nine men. Wes Milnes was booked four minutes into the second half, for a tackle where he clearly seemed to win the ball. He was then shown a second yellow just nine minutes later. The referee adjudged Milnes to have used an elbow, when it seemed clear to all that if anything he must have accidently caught Donnelly as the Skelmersdale man went to ground from a Milnes tackle.

Skelmersdale wrapped up the win on 64 minutes when Donnelly beat Woods with a low shot.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Andy Woods.

Attendance: 243

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson (Laight 90+3), Morris, Jones, Milnes, Roberts, Sparkes, Sobers, Shooter (Marchant 85), Howarth, Ferguson (Noteman 61). Sub Not Used: Mugadza.

Skelmersdale United: McMahon, Duffy (Almond 42), Crowder, Forsyth, White (c), Turner (Morrison 69), McConville, Armstrong, Houghton (Prescott 80), Donnelly, Birchall. Subs Not Used: Walker, McNally.

Attempts on Goal: Skelmersdale United 21 Wakefield 3

On Target: Skelmersdale United 10 Wakefield 1

Corners: Skelmersdale United 6 Wakefield 3

Offsides: Skelmersdale United 2 Wakefield 1

Fouls: Skelmersdale United 8 Wakefield 7

Yellow Cards: Skelmersdale United 0 Wakefield 4 (Sobers 37, 39, Milnes 49, 58)

Red Cards: Skelmersdale United 0 Wakefield 2 (Sobers 39, Milnes 58)

Phil Rann's Report
Wakefield were reduced to nine men in a 2-0 defeat at Skelmersdale Utd when the referee completely lost control of the match.

Aaron Turner fired into the bottom corner to open the scoring on six minutes after a well worked Skelmersdale move, but Wakefield started well after they fell a goal behind.

Wayne Shooter's excellent turn and shot on twelve minutes was inches wide with Skelmersdale keeper Ryan McMahon beaten, and three minutes later, Chris Howarth's forward run and shot needed a wonderful flying save from McMahon to tip the ball round the post and keep the home side ahead.

Jay Sobers received a yellow card for a foul in the middle of the park, but the first piece of controversy came a couple of minutes after his booking. Sobers won a header but also clashed heads with Skelmersdale's Michael Duffy in the process. Duffy came off by far the worse, but the referee sent Sobers off despite the fact he got the ball and there was no malice of any sort.
Despite this setback, Wakefield continued to play good football and Wes Milnes headed wide from an Aidan Morris free kick.

Skelmersdale had more of the posession towards the end of the first half and at the beginning of the second half but their only real chance was a shot straight at Andy Woods.

Wakefield's chances of a fightback were ended by the referee on the hour mark. Milnes went into the book on 57 minutes when he looked to win the ball but the referee adjudged him to have tackled with his studs up, and was then shown a straight red card only three minutes later when a tackle on the Skelmersdale forward saw him win the ball. The referee took a good three or four seconds to give a free kick and then produced a straight red card much to the bemusement of Wakefield's players, officials and supporters.

Skelmersdale doubled their lead on 63 minutes when George Donnelly squeezed a shot through Woods at his near post.

Skelmersdale understandably ran the final twenty five minutes of the match but failed to add to the scoreline against nine men while Wakefield will suffer the consequences of the abysmal refereeing decisions when Sobers will be suspended for one match while Milnes will miss three games.

Team: Woods, Nicholson (Laight 90), Morris, Jones, Milnes, Roberts, Sparkes, Sobers, Shooter (Marchant 72), Howarth, Ferguson (Noteman 82).
Sub not used: Mugadza.

Attendance: 243
MOM: Roberts.

It was the visitors who went in front though when a low cross was put into his own net by unlucky Wakefield right back Steve Nicholson.

Andy Woods tipped a Chris MacKay free kick round the post before Wakefield were given a chance to equalise four minutes before the break when a penalty was awarded for handball. Howarth's effort was well saved by Damien Rooney though and Wakefield were left to rue their missed chance.

In the second half Trafford defended bravely and restricted Wakefield to half chances until the 84th minute when a low cross by Dominic Noteman was met by Howarth inside the six yard box but he somehow put the ball over the crossbar when it seemed easier to score.

Graham Marchant had a header tipped over for Wakefield in injury time as Trafford held out for a deserved win.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 1 Trafford

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Jay Sobers.

Attendance: 105

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Henson (Morris 61), Jones, Milnes, Laight (Marchant 76), Roberts, Sobers, Shooter, Howarth, Ferguson (Noteman 69). Sub Not Used: Sparkes.

Trafford: Rooney, Woodford (c), Halligan, Southwood, Yates, Thomas, MacKay, Winter, Lundy, Barlow (Wilkinson 82), Coppin (Metcalfe 90). Subs Not Used: Kelly, Coyne, Jowsey.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 15 Trafford 8
On Target: Wakefield 6 Trafford 4
Corners: Wakefield 3 Trafford 4
Offsides: Wakefield 0 Trafford 5
Fouls: Wakefield 15 Trafford 17
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 4 (Ferguson 45+1, Shooter 51, Laight 66, Howarth 89) Trafford 2 (Winter 45+1, Lundy 63)
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Trafford 0

ROBERTS ON TRIAL AT CRYSTAL PALACE
Club News | Fri 31st Oct 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield's Marc Roberts is currently impressing Neil Warnock after being the latest player to be taken on trial by Championship side Crystal Palace.

18 year old Roberts made an immediate impression after being brought into the Wakefield squad this season and is the second player to be taken down to London by Neil Warnock.

Earlier in the year striker Tom Denton spent some time at Selhurst Park before eventually opting to sign for League One side Huddersfield Town.

Wakefield dominated the game from start to finish and could have won by a much higher margin.

On 13 minutes Chris Howarth's ball in was headed over by Wes Milnes from six yards and moments later Delroy Ferguson fired just wide before Matthew Sparkes long range effort was well saved by Halifax goalkeeper Craig Ellison.

Wakefield took the lead on 28 minutes when Steve Nicholson's corner came back off the cross bar and Howarth followed up to drive the ball into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

In the second half Wakefield continued to enjoy the better of the possesion and goalscoring opportunities.

Substitute Graham Marchant was twice denied by Ellison before a shot that photographs later proved had hit the crossbar and bounced over the line before coming back into play, was not awarded as a goal by the officials.

The second goal eventually arrived five minutes from time when Ferguson placed the ball into the net from close range after finding himself in space in the box.

Howarth's long range effort was tipped over by Ellison before Halifax scored a late consolation in injury time. Ashley Stott converted on the goalline after Andy Woods had spilled substitute Tony Barras' effort.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 1 FC Halifax Town

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Chris Howarth.

Attendance: 140

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Henson, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Sparkes, Sobers, Shooter (Marchant 73), Howarth, Ferguson (Noteman 87). Subs Not Used: Morris, MacManus.

FC Halifax Town: Ellison, King, Jemson (c), Meadowcroft, Adams, Smith, Brown (Barras 73), Phelan, Stott, Daniel, Hinsley. Subs Not Used: Kennedy, Ellis, Allen, Walker.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 28 FC Halifax Town 10
On Target: Wakefield 18 FC Halifax Town 7
Corners: Wakefield 13 FC Halifax Town 3
Offsides: Wakefield 0 FC Halifax Town 4
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 FC Halifax Town
Fouls: Wakefield 10 FC Halifax Town 6
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 FC Halifax Town 0

Wakefield made one change to the side that beat Chorley with Aidan Morris returning to the starting eleven at left back in place of Caldon Henson who was carrying an injury.

The Bears played by far the better football throughout the 90 minutes, with the tall Bamber Bridge side opting for a route one approach.

Alex Porter dragged a shot wide for Bamber ten minutes into the game, but Wakefield soon began to turn their possession into chances.

On 17 minutes a Marc Roberts flick on was put over by Chris Howarth who was always stretching to reach the ball.

Minutes later superb interplay saw Jay Sobers find Wayne Shooter in the penalty area. Shooter did well to make space to squeeze in a shot which was tipped round the post by Bamber goalkeeper Andy Banks.

Another good passing move involving Sobers, Howarth and Shooter ended with the latter firing inches wide from 12 yards as Wakefield had the Bamber defence rocking.

However, a clumsy challenge by Wes Milnes gifted Bamber a goal four minutes before the break, Alex Porter slamming the resulting penalty into the centre of Andy Woods' net.

Tom Ince then tested Woods with a long range effort but the Wakefield goalkeeper tipped the ball over the bar at full stretch,

In first half injury time, Steve Nicholson's first time cross was flicked on by Roberts to Howarth at the far post who put the ball inches wide of the target.

In the second half Wakefield continued to dominate possession, but Bamber were happy to defend and rarely ventured forward in search of another goal.

Eleven minutes into the second half Wes Milnes placed the ball over the bar from close range after a clever chipped ball forward by Sobers.

A minute later though Bamber were two goals in front, a scoreline which more than flattered them. Porter was again the scorer, firing the ball in from 12 yards after the Wakefield defence were slow to clear.

Wakefield could not find the back of the net however hard they tried. Another excellent passing move ended with Howarth pulling the ball back to Sobers, who in turn laid it off to Nicholson but the Wakefield right back placed his shot wide.

Wakefield introduced wingers Dominic Noteman and Brighton Mugadza to liven up their attacking force, but still they could not score.

Five minutes into injury time Shooter had the best chance of the afternoon for Wakefield after the ball broke to him 10 yards out, but with the goal at his mercy, he dragged his effort well wide.

Result: Bamber Bridge 2 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Steve Nicholson.

Attendance: 135

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Morris, Jones, Milnes, Laight (Noteman 62), Roberts, Sobers, Shooter, Howarth, Ferguson (Mugadza 62). Subs Not Used: Sparkes, Marchant, Henson.

Bamber Bridge: Banks, McAllister, Kennedy, McCann, Tong, Steel (c), Mason, Flitcroft (Mahoney 90+2), Zarac, Porter, Ince. Subs Not Used: Black, O'Neil, Brown.

Attempts on Goal: Bamber Bridge 7 Wakefield 19
On Target: Bamber Bridge 4 Wakefield 6
Corners: Bamber Bridge 2 Wakefield 8
Offsides: Bamber Bridge 3 Wakefield 1
Fouls: Bamber Bridge 14 Wakefield 9
Yellow Cards: Bamber Bridge 1 (Zarac 64) Wakefield 0
Red Cards: Bamber Bridge 0 Wakefield 0

In an even first half, Wakefield came within inches of taking the lead on 20 minutes, Chris Howarth's attempted finish coming back off the post after Wayne Shooter had picked him out.

At the other end Andy Woods had to be alert to deny Roger Shar on two occasions, firstly tipping his low drive round the post and then saving well at his feet after the Chorley man had raced clear of the defence.

In the second half Wakefield stepped up a gear and took a deserved lead on 58 minutes. Good work by Shooter saw make space for a low cross, Chris Howarth held off the defender and Delroy Ferguson forced the ball home from 12 yards, despite Peter Collinge getting a hand to the ball.

Three minutes later it was 2-0. Steve Nicholson's left wing free kick found Howarth at the far post. The Wakefield striker towered above the Chorley defence to power a header past Collinge from six yards.

Wakefield wrapped up the game ten minutes from time. A crossfield ball by Adam Jones picked out Jay Sobers on the right wing who was completely unmarked. Sobers took his time to send a perfect low ball into the path of the arriving Shooter who got in front of the defender to slot the ball past Collinge.

Result: Wakefield 3 - 0 Chorley

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wayne Shooter.

Attendance: 138

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Henson, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers (South 83), Shooter, Howarth, Ferguson (Noteman 81). Subs Not Used: Birkett, Bent, Glavin.

Chorley: Collinge, Finch, Henry, Fletcher (c), Mullineux, West, Eckersley (Burke 78), Parillon, Connerton, Goodeve, Shar (Farrell 66). Subs Not Used: Crossley, Smalley, Jones.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 16 Chorley 13
On Target: Wakefield 8 Chorley 6
Corners: Wakefield 2 Chorley 7
Offsides: Wakefield 7 Chorley 6
Fouls: Wakefield 8 Chorley 8
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 Chorley 0
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Chorley 0

The Bears made several changes to the side that won at Trafford, with Steve Nicholson, Phil Turner, Craig Laight, Brighton Mugadza and Chris Howarth making way for Caldon Henson, Aidan Morris, Jonathan Jackson, Delroy Ferguson and Graham Marchant.

Railway matched Wakefield in the opening quarter of the game and went in front on 20 minutes when Nathan Cartman turned inside to send the ball past Andy Woods.

Wakefield came straight back at their opponents and deservedly equalised on the half hour mark. Wayne Shooter broke clear of the defenders, beat goalkeeper Liam Sutcliffe to the ball and sweetly lobbed it over him into the unguarded net from 20 yards.

The Bears then dominated the second half, running in four goals.

Early on in the half, Marchant turned and shot wide for Wakefield whilst at the other end Woods had to be alert to tip Cartman's long range effort round the post.

Wakefield went in front on 54 minutes when a superb lob by Ferguson left Sutcliffe only able to watch as it sailed over him into the net.

Ferguson then struck the base of the post from 20 yards after Marchant picked him out with a clever backheel.

Marchant then scored himself twelve minutes from time when he placed the ball past Sutcliffe after being put clear by Shooter.

Wakefield substitute Danny South then scored within a minute of making his first team debut, sending a looping header over Sutcliffe into the goal.

Marchant added the fifth goal five minutes from time when he raced clear, beat the last defender and rounded Sutcliffe to place the ball home.

Result: Wakefield 5 - 1 Harrogate Railway

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Graham Marchant.

Attendance: 111

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris, Jones, Milnes, Jackson, Roberts, Sobers (Howarth 83), Shooter (South 80), Marchant, Ferguson (Noteman 78). Subs Not Used: Laight, Turner.

Harrogate Railway Athletic: Sutcliffe, Haigh, Ball, L Ryan (Swainston 75), Morgan, Riley (c), Thirkell, Markham (Downing 14 (Jackson 67)), Jones, Cartman, S Ryan. Sub Not Used: Birch.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 11 Harrogate Railway Athletic 9
On Target: Wakefield 7 Harrogate Railway Athletic 6
Corners: Wakefield 6 Harrogate Railway Athletic 7
Offsides: Wakefield 1 Harrogate Railway Athletic 7
Fouls: Wakefield 13 Harrogate Railway Athletic 9
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 Harrogate Railway Athletic 2 (Thirkell 40, Jones 49)
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Harrogate Railway Athletic 0

SUPER BEARS WIN AT TRAFFORD
Club News | Sat 11th Oct 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made two changes to the side that drew with Radcliffe Borough in midweek. Brighton Mugadza started in place of Dominic Noteman and Caldon Henson dropped to the bench as Steve Nicholson returned from a spell out injured.

Wakefield started brightly as Chris Howarth headed just wide when unmarked in the first minute.

The lively Wayne Shooter then took the ball down well but fired over the bar minutes later.

Marc Roberts then skimmed the post midway through the first half with a glancing header as Trafford struggled to cope with Wakefield's height from set pieces.

The home side were always dangerous when going forward however, and Andy Woods had to be alert in first half injury time to tip Andy Lundy's low drive round the post.

Wakefield went in front early in the second half when Damien Rooney flapped at Phil Turner's corner and Chris Howarth steered a back post header into the net.

The Bears did well to withstand some pressure from Trafford before extending their lead ten minutes from time from another Turner corner. This time it was Craig Laight who outjumped the defenders inside the six yard box to head home.

Trafford equalised straight from the restart when Scott Barlow rounded Andy Woods to slot home his 18th goal of the season.

However, Wakefield always looked the more likely to score and were rewarded for their hard work five minutes from time. Wayne Shooter charged down a clearance by Rooney and the ball fell to substitute Dominic Noteman who drove the ball low into the unguarded net with the outside of his boot from 30 yards.

Result: Trafford 1 - 3 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wayne Shooter.

Attendance: 140

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers, Shooter, Howarth, Mugadza (Noteman 70). Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Marchant, Henson, Morris.

Trafford: Rooney, Hall, Halligan, Yates, McCarthy, Barnes, Grandison (MacKay 82), Winter (c), Lundy, Barlow, Metcalfe. Subs Not Used: Coppin, MacLean, Woodford, Read.

Attempts on Goal: Trafford 14 Wakefield 13
On Target: Trafford 8 Wakefield 7
Corners: Trafford 8 Wakefield 5
Offsides: Trafford 5 Wakefield 3
Fouls: Trafford 6 Wakefield 14
Yellow Cards: Trafford 0 Wakefield 1 (Turner 58)
Red Cards: Trafford 0 Wakefield 0

WAKEFIELD HELD BY RADCLIFFE
Club News | Tue 7th Oct 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made three changes to the side that lost at Spalding on Saturday. Dominic Noteman started in place of Chris Hitchings and Wayne Shooter was chosen to replace the injured Ashley Westcarr. One other change saw Phil Turner return at left back with Aidan Morris dropping to the bench.

Wakefield had the better of the first half. On 16 minutes Noteman sent a 20 yard curler just over the bar and shortly after Shooter fed Howarth who did well to hold off the defenders before returning the ball to Shooter who fired into the side netting from close range.

The Bears were in front on 28 minutes. A slick counter attack saw Noteman's excellent run end with a ball to Shooter who fired across goal for Chris Howarth to slide the ball in at the far post.

Radcliffe then began to settle and came more and more into the match as the game wore on.

Early in the second half Wakefield had the ball in the net following a corner, but the referee disallowed the 'goal' for offside.

Radcliffe were level on 63 minutes. A right wing free kick found Craig Dawson who headed into the net from 6 yards.

Both sides had chances to win the game but neither could find the back of the net. The best chances for Wakefield fell to Howarth who headed a free kick wide and substitute Graham Marchant who was denied by Phil Priestley moments after been brought on and then sent a diving header just wide.

Result: Wakefield 1 - 1 Radcliffe Borough

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wes Milnes.

Attendance: 92

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Turner, Jones (Ferguson 45), Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers, Shooter, Howarth, Noteman (Marchant 76). Subs Not Used: Hitchings, Morris.

Radcliffe Borough: Priestley, Sampson, Hill, Kelly (c), Unsworth (Oates 25), Dawson, Battersby, M Jones, Howson, G Jones, Chappell. Subs Not Used: Connell, Rutter, Manning, Hall.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 11 Radcliffe Borough 17
On Target: Wakefield 4 Radcliffe Borough 5
Corners: Wakefield 10 Radcliffe Borough 10
Offsides: Wakefield 1 Radcliffe Borough 4
Fouls: Wakefield 16 Radcliffe Borough 8
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 2 (Jones 26, Henson 65) Radcliffe Borough 2 (Battersby 56, M Jones 64)
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Radcliffe Borough 0

WAKEFIELD BOW OUT OF F.A. TROPHY
Club News | Sat 4th Oct 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield stuck with the same starting XI that lost 2-1 at Halifax in midweek. However, both Darren Barrick and Josh Wright were missing from the bench as both players have now left the club. Wayne Shooter and Dominic Noteman earned a chance for the first team after recent good performances for the reserves.

Spalding settled early, playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half. The danger man was Martin Wormall who tested Andy Woods with a 20 yard drive as early as the 3rd minute, but the ball flew straight down Woods' throat.

Wormall however put Spalding in front on 10 minutes. After dispossesing Wes Milnes, he fired across the face of goal. The ball took a wicked deflection off Craig Laight before nestling into the bottom corner.

Wakefield were struggling to create chances and Spalding almost doubled their lead on 31 minutes. Ricky Miller raced clear after Caldon Henson had got caught upfield. Miller struck the ball early but Woods got down well to tip it around the post.

The Bears equalised seven minutes before the break. A deep cross by Aidan Morris was chested down by Jay Sobers. Sobers then hammered the ball into the top corner from an acute angle to score a goal which matched his superb strike at Halifax in midweek.

Wakefield made it to half time with the scores level, despite a scare when a mistake by Laight left Wormall clear but Woods was on hand to save well with his legs.

Spalding went back in front seven minutes into the second half. A low cross was converted by the alert Wormall from close range after Wakefield had given away possession in midfield.

Wakefield dominated the closing half hour but could not score a second goal.

A Henson free kick found Chris Hitchings at the far post but his left foot shot from 10 yards flew harmlessly over the bar.

Substitute Dominic Noteman then injected some life into the Wakefield attack. Within a minute of being introduced, Noteman volleyed inches over the cross bar from 25 yards.

He then raced clear deep into injury time, but unfortunately for Wakefield Luke McShane was down to make a smart stop with his legs and the danger was cleared.

Result: Spalding United 2 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Attendance: 70

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris, Jones, Milnes, Laight (Shooter 70), Roberts, Sobers, Westcarr (Marchant 61), Howarth, Hitchings (Noteman 78). Sub Not Used: Ferguson.

Spalding United: McShane, Holyoak, Allen, Kennedy, Julian (Carey 81), Hurst, Stanhope (c), Miller, Young (Moore 51), Wormall, Tocco. Subs Not Used: Ward, O'Neill, Roberts.

Attempts on Goal: Spalding United 13 Wakefield 12
On Target: Spalding United 8 Wakefield 6
Corners: Spalding United 3 Wakefield 5
Offsides: Spalding United 3 Wakefield 2
Fouls: Spalding United 12 Wakefield 13
Yellow Cards: Spalding United 0 Wakefield 2 (Westcarr 30, Henson 77)
Red Cards: Spalding United 0 Wakefield 0

BEARS LEFT TO RUE MISSED CHANCES AT Halifax
Club News | Thu 2nd Oct 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield started brightly in an open game. Recent signing Ashley Westcarr struck the crossbar with an effort from 20 yards as early as the 10th minute.

Chris Hitchings had a shot charged down before Jay Sobers put the Bears in front with a superb drilled effort from 25 yards midway through the first half.

Sobers was causing Halifax problems and almost doubled Wakefield's lead two minutes later, skipping through the home defence before powering a low drive against the base of the post.

Wakefield were dominant but Chris Howarth could only find the side netting after a corner had only been half cleared.

Hitchings won the ball well but fired just wide before Wakefield conceded against the run of play 11 minutes before half time.

Ashley Stott beat Craig Laight for pace before coolly slotting the ball past Andy Woods.

Halifax settled then and Woods had to be alert to tip another Stott effort over the bar a few minutes later.

A great through ball saw Howarth sprint away from Lincoln Adams but he dragged his shot wide.

A minute later Howarth ran clean through on goal once more, but Jon Kennedy came racing out to make a smart block, the ball rebounding back off Howarth but straight into the arms of the fortunate Halifax goalkeeper.

In the second half Halifax were better organised and Wakefield were unable to create as many chances.

The game looked to be heading for extra time, until with 13 minutes left Stott slotted the ball in at the far post, after Halifax had beaten the offside trap, to send the home team into the next round.

Result: FC Halifax Town 2 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Jay Sobers.

Attendance: 335

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Morris, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers, Westcarr (Barrick 71), Howarth (Marchant 80), Hitchings (Wright 68). Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Birkett.

FC Halifax Town: Kennedy, Coo, Smith, Adams, Barras (c) (Hinsley 25), Morning, Smith, Phelan, Stott, Davidson (Moore 69), Ellis. Subs Not Used: Ellison, King, Walker.

Attempts on Goal: FC Halifax Town 17 Wakefield 17
On Target: FC Halifax Town 9 Wakefield 7
Corners: FC Halifax Town 7 Wakefield 1
Offsides: FC Halifax Town 8 Wakefield 0
Fouls: FC Halifax Town 11 Wakefield 16
Yellow Cards: FC Halifax Town 1 (Smith 52) Wakefield 2 (Roberts 68, Jones 86)
Red Cards: FC Halifax Town 0 Wakefield 0

WAKEFIELD OUTCLASSED BY FLEETWOOD IN CUP
27th Sep 08 - Wakefield FC 0 vs 3 Fleetwood Town
Report by Dan Brownhill

After an even opening twenty minutes, Fleetwood stepped up the pace and took the lead through Adam Warlow who had returned to the Fleetwood side after a recent injury. Wakefield centre backs Wes Milnes and Craig Laight collided to leave Warlow with time and space to fire the ball past Andy Woods from 12 yards.

Fleetwood continued to look dangerous for the remainder of the first half. Woods was on hand to make a point blank save from Jamie Milligan's far post header and Andrew Bell glanced a header just wide.

Warlow then saw a header tipped over by Woods at full stretch and the Wakefield goalkeeper was in good form again to tip a long range drive onto the crossbar on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Fleetwood continued to have the better of the play. Kevin Leadbetter's 20 yard drive was well saved by Woods before Wakefield settled down and created a couple of chances themselves.

Firstly, Phil Turner's corner was headed over by Marc Roberts and then Wakefield were inches away from an equaliser when substitute Chris Hitchings' left wing free kick curled dangerously across the face of goal and was heading for the bottom corner until a last gasp touch by Michael Hale turned the ball around the post.

Fleetwood extended their lead on 72 minutes when Milligan powered the ball into the net from close range.

Hitchings again went close for Wakefield, driving the ball just wide from 15 yards after doing well to win back possession.

Fleetwood wrapped up the win 12 minutes from time. Woods could only parry Bell's stinging close range effort into the path of Colin Potts who headed into the open net.

Substitute Matthew Wears saw his 20 yard drive tipped over for Wakefield in the closing moments as the home side failed to get on the scoresheet.

Result: Wakefield 0 - Fleetwood Town

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Andy Woods.

Attendance: 161

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight (Wears 79), Roberts, Sobers, Westcarr (Barrick 56), Howarth, Ferguson (Hitchings 67). Subs Not Used: Jowsey, Marchant, Wright, Morris.

Fleetwood Town: Hale, Walmsley, Hills, Kilbane, Doughty, Beattie, Potts, Milligan (c), Warlow (Foster 77), Bell, Leadbetter (Peers 62 (Dunn 85)). Subs Not Used: Mercer, Beeley, Denney, Robinson.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 7 Fleetwood Town 22
On Target: Wakefield 2 Fleetwood Town 13
Corners: Wakefield 5 Fleetwood Town 17
Offsides: Wakefield 9 Fleetwood Town 2
Fouls: Wakefield 8 Fleetwood Town 10
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 1 (Laight 31) Fleetwood Town 1 (Kilbane 31)
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Fleetwood Town 0

WAKEFIELD BEATEN BY LATE CURZON GOAL
Club News | Sat 20th Sep 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made several changes to the eleven that started the midweek victory at Harrogate Railway.

Delroy Ferguson was preferred to Darren Barrick and Caldon Henson started in place of Steve Nicholson who suffered a calf injury at Harrogate. Josh Wright started in midfield in place of Adam Jones who was also missing through injury. New signing Ashley Westcarr made the substitutes bench.

The home side attacked from the start, but the Bears defence held strong and Wakefield took the lead on the half hour mark when a cross from Delroy Ferguson took a deflection off a defender and looped over goalkeeper David Carnell into the net.

Curzon equalised eight minutes later when Alex Elliott climbed to head home at the far post.

Andy Woods made several fine saves in the second half, denying Curzon hitman Michael Norton on several occassions. Curzon eventually found the winning goal following a long scramble in the Wakefield penalty area. The ball ricocheted off several players with Phil Edghill claiming the final touch.

Late in the game Jay Sobers jinked through the Curzon defence, but fired the ball across the face of the goal, inches away from leaving a tap in for any one of three Wakefield players.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Andy Woods.

Attendance: 148

Wakefield: Woods (c), Henson, Turner, Wright (Sparkes 45 (Barrick 59)), Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers, Marchant (Westcarr 81), Howarth, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Morris, Jowsey.

Curzon Ashton: Carnell, Birch (c), Whelan, Watson, Jones, Ogoo (Ball 78), Worsley (Byrne 80), Curley, Norton, Elliott, Edghill (Bailey 88).

Attempts on Goal: Curzon Ashton 27 Wakefield 10
On Target: Curzon Ashton 15 Wakefield 2
Corners: Curzon Ashton 8 Wakefield 3
Offsides: Curzon Ashton 9 Wakefield 1
Fouls: Curzon Ashton 13 Wakefield 15
Yellow Cards: Curzon Ashton 1 (Worsley 65) Wakefield 1 (Milnes 88)
Red Cards: Curzon Ashton 0 Wakefield 0

BEARS WIN AT Harrogate RAILWAY
Club News | Mon 15th Sep 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made one change to the side that beat Crook Town with Milnes replacing Matthew Sparkes in the starting eleven, Marc Roberts pushing forward into midfield.

The Bears went in front on 15 minutes, when a pinpoint cross from an Aidan Morris corner was bundled into the net by Wes Milnes.

Former Wakefield man Brighton Mugadza flashed a shot over the bar as the home side appeared to adopt a shoot on sight tactic throughout the game.

Railway's best chance to score came midway through the half when Ben Jones somehow missed the target from only six yards out.

Wakefield had the ball in the net again on 27 minutes when Chris Howarth burst clear down the left and crossed for Darren Barrick to tap home, but the goal didn't stand as Barrick was adjudged to have strayed offside.

Andy Woods was on hand to brilliantly tip over a Dan Forrest effort whilst at the other end Graham Marchant flashed a 20 yard effort wide and Howarth had a far post header well claimed by Lee Williams.

Into first half injury time Ben Jones sent a powerful shot inches over the bar after finding space in the penalty area.

Wakefield lost Steve Nicholson through injury early in the second half, with new signing from Rossendale United Carlden Henson coming on to replace him at right back.

Railway failed to break Wakefield down during the second half and were restricted to half chances as the Bears comfortably held out for all three points.

Result: Harrogate Railway 0 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wes Milnes.

Attendance: 143

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson (Henson 50), Morris, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Roberts, Sobers, Barrick (Ferguson 70), Howarth, Marchant (Wright 84). Subs Not Used: Sparkes, Hitchings.

Harrogate Railway Athletic: Williams, Haigh (c), M Morgan, Etienne, R Morgan, L Ryan, Mugadza, Cartman, Forrest, Jones, S Ryan. Subs Not Used: Ryder, Downing, Littlefair.

Attempts on Goal: Harrogate Railway Athletic 15 Wakefield 14
On Target: Harrogate Railway Athletic 4 Wakefield 4
Corners: Harrogate Railway Athletic 7 Wakefield 3
Offsides: Harrogate Railway Athletic 3 Wakefield 2
Fouls: Harrogate Railway Athletic 9 Wakefield 17
Yellow Cards: Harrogate Railway Athletic 1 (Mugadza 63) Wakefield 0
Red Cards: Harrogate Railway Athletic 0 Wakefield 0

BEARS VICTORIOUS IN SEVEN GOAL THRILLER
Club News | Sat 13th Sep 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Aidan Morris came into the starting eleven in place of the suspended Phil Turner, with one other change from the side that drew against Newcastle Blue Star in midweek - Graham Marchant preferred to Chris Hitchings.

Wakefield went straight at Crook from the off and took the lead inside the first minute, Darren Barrick showing tremendous strength to hold off the Crook defenders before squeezing the ball past Liam Connell in the Crook goal.

The visitors were back on level terms on 9 minutes when Daniel Olusola climbed above the Wakefield defence to head home following a long throw.

Chris Howarth had a shot palmed out by Connell with Barrick just unable to get to the rebound for Wakefield, before the plucky visiting side edged in front when substitute Craig Tait headed in from a corner.

Wakefield came out after half time and threw everything forward and were rewarded four minutes into the second half when Howarth was shoved in the back and a penalty was awarded. Chris Howarth picked himself up to send the penalty into the bottom corner, just beyond the reach of Connell.

Shortly afterwards Wakefield took a deserved lead. The ball was headed on by Howarth to Darren Barrick who latched onto it well before showing good strength once more to hold off the defenders and slot the ball into the net from close range.

Andy Woods had to be alert to tip over Keith Foster's free kick and Delroy Ferguson twice went close to adding to the score at the other end. First he set off on a jinking run from the left wing which ended with a low shot that was well held by Connell. Then the tricky Wakefield winger opened up the Crook defence, cutting inside and sending in a goalbound shot that unfortunately struck Darren Barrick.

As the game ticked into the closing minutes, Wakefield somehow managed to hack the ball clear after an almighty scramble in the penalty area. The clearance fell to Graham Marchant who raced clear before rounding Connell and slotting the ball into the empty net.

Tait slotted home a late consolation for Crook, but it is Wakefield who are through to the next round.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Attendance: 127

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Morris, Sparkes (Ferguson 45), Roberts, Laight, Jones, Sobers, Barrick (Wright 86), Howarth, Marchant. Subs Not Used: Bent, Firth, Hitchings, Glavin.

Crook Town: Connell, McTaggart, Green (Emerson 64), Sheridan, Nesbitt, Foster (c), Cook (McKie 72), McAvoy, Olusola, Kokes, Coad (Tait 28). Subs Not Used: Quinn, Bone, Calvert, Burdon.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 12 Crook Town 8
On Target: Wakefield 11 Crook Town 5
Corners: Wakefield 1 Crook Town 4
Offsides: Wakefield 8 Crook Town 8
Fouls: Wakefield 19 Crook Town 19
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 Crook Town 2 (Connell 49, McAvoy 53)
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Crook Town 0

BEARS HOLD BLUE STAR AT COLLEGE GROVE
9th Sep 08 - Wakefield 1 vs 1 Newcastle Blue Star
Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield started strongly, heads were high and their slick passing was concise and accurate. The Bears took a deserved lead on eight minutes when Phil Turner's corner was forced over the line by Darren Barrick after a scramble in the Blue Star penalty area.

All Newcastle could offer in response before half time was a weak header from Paul Brayson that was easy for Andy Woods in the Wakefield goal.

Wakefield worked extremely hard, closing down the Blue Star players swiftly whenever they were in possession of the ball.

After half time Blue Star came out revitalised. Dave McTiernan's shot was brilliantly kept out by Woods before the equaliser came just two minutes into the second half.

Lee Novak picked the ball up 30 yards and drilled it into the bottom corner of the Wakefield net.

Wakefield kept their heads high however and continued to contain the Newcastle possession, restricting the visitors to half chances.

Midway through the half, Delroy Ferguson was introduced along with Graham Marchant. As Newcastle pushed forward in search of a winning goal, the Bears always looked capable of creating one themselves on the break.

Marchant saw a low shot charged down by a defender and Ferguson also had a shot blocked before the final whistle came, leaving Wakefield with a deserved point.

Result: Wakefield 1 - 1 Newcastle BS

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Matthew Sparkes.

Attendance: 74

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Turner, Sparkes, Roberts, Laight, Jones, Sobers, Barrick (Marchant 70), Howarth, Hitchings (Ferguson 57). Subs Not Used: Wright, Morris, Shooter.

Newcastle Blue Star: Lowson, Tait, Talbot (Fawcett 63), Carr (c), Craddock, McClen (Hooks 73), McTiernan (Nicholson 80), Bowey, Brayson, Novak, Emms. Subs Not Used: Flynn, Stephenson.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 5 Newcastle Blue Star 18
On Target: Wakefield 4 Newcastle Blue Star 12
Corners: Wakefield 3 Newcastle Blue Star 4
Offsides: Wakefield 3 Newcastle Blue Star 3
Fouls: Wakefield 13 Newcastle Blue Star 7
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 1 (Turner 59) Newcastle Blue Star 0
Red Cards: Wakefield 0 Newcastle Blue Star 0

WAKEFIELD BEATEN AT CLITHEROE
Club News | Sat 6th Sep 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Clitheroe were in front inside the second minute, after Jay Sobers was adjudged to have committed a foul inside the box, despite him clearly getting something on the ball. Craig Sargeson squeezed the penalty inside Andy Woods' right hand post, despite the Wakefield goalkeeper getting a finger to the ball.

Wakefield had a glorious chance to equalise on 17 minutes when Chris Hitchings' cross made its way across the penalty area to Delroy Ferguson at the far post, but the Wakefield man lifted the ball over the cross bar from only six yards out.

A minute later Wakefield paid for their missed chance when Liam McManus smashed in Clitheroe's second goal, after a corner had only been half cleared.

Three minutes later and it was three. The impressive Carl Lomax was given too much space on the edge of the 18 yard area and he punished Wakefield with a hard shot into the top corner.

Lomax had a further effort deflected over the bar and Bernard Morley lifted the ball just wide of target after racing through one on one with Woods.

Wakefield also lost new signing Andy McManus with a thigh injury seven minutes before half time, with Craig Laight returning to replace him at centre back for the remainder of the game.

Wakefield failed to create enough chances in the second half to really test the Clitheroe defence.

Substitute Graham Marchant chipped the ball onto the roof of the net after spotting James Mann off his line whilst at the other end Woods was in top form to deny Ryan Fisher in another one on one opportunity.

Marc Roberts headed a corner wide and Jay Sobers saw a low drive turned round the post by Mann after a mazy run.

Woods had to pull off another great save to keep out Jonathon Smith's bullet header seven minutes from time.

Overall, Clitheroe deserved the three points and Wakefield have some work to do before the visit of in form Newcastle Blue Star on Tuesday night.

Result: Clitheroe 3 - 0 Wakefield

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Jay Sobers.

Attendance: 315

Wakefield: Woods (c), Nicholson, Turner, Sparkes, McManus (Laight 38), Roberts, Hitchings (Marchant 45), Sobers, Barrick, Howarth, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Jones, Wright, Ryder.

Clitheroe: Mann, McManus, Pilkington, Flannery, Smith, Morley (Osborne 47), Hankin, Fisher (Ward 73), Johnson (Paton 81), Lomax (c), Sargeson. Subs Not Used: Reynolds, Fearon.

Attempts on Goal: Clitheroe 17 Wakefield 12
On Target: Clitheroe 10 Wakefield 6
Corners: Clitheroe 12 Wakefield 13
Offsides: Clitheroe 4 Wakefield 6
Fouls: Clitheroe 12 Wakefield 11
Yellow Cards: Clitheroe 0 Wakefield 1 (Barrick 44)
Red Cards: Clitheroe 0 Wakefield 0

BEARS VICTORIOUS IN FA CUP
Club News | Sat 30th Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield were without goalkeeper Andy Woods for the game, with James Jowsey replacing him between the posts. Rob MacQuarrie missed the match after picking up a stomach injury in the recent draw against Ossett Albion. Other absentees were Craig Laight (ankle strain) and Adam Jones (twisted ankle).

Returning to the side after recent injuries were Jay Sobers, Steve Nicholson and Darren Barrick. There was also a place in the starting eleven for winger Chris Hitchings.

Stokesley proved to be strong opposition for Wakefield, playing much better football than their standing of two divisions below the Bears would suggest. They started the match brightly, captain Stuart Wise flashing a shot just wide on 7 minutes after a corner was only half cleared.

Straight back down the other end of the pitch and Wakefield had a glorious chance to take the lead, when Chris Howarth made space down the right wing, before picking out the unmarked Barrick, but the big Wakefield striker placed his header wide.

Neil Radigan curled a free kick just wide for Stokesley, and Matthew Sparkes volleyed wide of the target for Wakefield.

Jowsey then had to be alert to kee out a glancing header by Lev Yalcin just before half time.

The start of the second half was played at a similar tempo to the first with both sides having chances to score.

Dale Mendum's header following a corner was brilliantly tipped round the post by Jowsey and a stylish Wakefield move involving Barrick, Howarth and Delroy Ferguson ended with Ferguson hitting a shot across Daniel Johnson which was well held by the Stokesley stopper.

Wakefield began to turn up the pressure as Barrick laid the ball off to Sparkes who curled a sweet shot inches wide of Johnson's lef hand post.

Howarth then fired wide under pressure from a Stokesley defender, before the opening goal arrived twenty minutes from time.

Phil Turner curled in a free kick from 25 yards out that flicked off the head of Stokesley's Paul Crager before nestling in the top corner, leaving Johnson stranded.

Stokesley pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Wakefield secured the win with a second goal before the visitors could test Jowsey. A lovely through ball by Barrick set Chris Howarth racing clear and the Wakefield hitman made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball past Johnson into the bottom corner.

Stokesley began to tire and never looked like pulling a goal back in the closing stages.

The only sour point of the match for Wakefield came two minutes from time, when Turner was shown a straight red card for showing dissent towards a referee's assistant.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 0 Stokesley SC

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Jay Sobers.

Attendance: 72

Wakefield: Jowsey, Nicholson (Bent 85), Turner, Sparkes, Milnes, Roberts, Hitchings (Wright 77), Sobers (c), Barrick, Howarth, Ferguson (Morris 90). Subs Not Used: Pinnock, Marchant.

Stokesley Sports Club: D Johnson, Forster, Hillary, Newham, Wise (c) (Poole 62), Crager, Hamilton, Campbell (Williams 83), Radigan, Yalcin, Mendum (C Johnson 80). Subs Not Used: Agnew, Helm.

Attempts on Goal: Wakefield 13 Stokesley SC 7
On Target: Wakefield 7 Stokesley SC 5
Corners: Wakefield 1 Stokesley SC 7
Offsides: Wakefield 5 Stokesley SC 3
Fouls: Wakefield 19 Stokesley SC 12
Yellow Cards: Wakefield 0 Stokesley SC 1 (Hamilton 35)
Red Cards: Wakefield 1 (Turner 88) Stokesley SC 0

WAKEFIELD HELD IN LOCAL DERBY
Club News | Mon 25th Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

The Bears started the game without Jay Sobers and Craig Laight who had both picked up injuries at Rossendale on Saturday.

Steve Nicholson had also failed to recover from a calf injury in time to make the team and Darren Barrick was still absent with a knee injury.

There was a place in the starting eleven for forward Ashley Flynn who has signed from local side Kirkburton FC.

Wakefield should have been in front in the first minute when Chris Howarth raced clear, but an Ossett defender pulled off a superb last ditch tackle just as Howarth shaped to shoot.

Wakefield were made to pay for their missed chance when a mistake by Adam Jones left Shane Kelsey to round Andy Woods and knock the ball across the face of goal for Gareth Hamlet to touch it home.

The Bears were given another great chance to score midway through the half after Delroy Ferguson was adjudged to have been fouled in the penalty area, but Howarth's penalty was easily saved by Neil Bennett. However, Ossett's Kyle Cook, adjudged to be the last defender by the referee, was dismissed show a straight red card and Ossett were down to ten men.

Wakefield lost right back Rob MacQuarrie with a stomach injury at half time and there woe continued as new signing Ashley Flynn left the field injured just after half time and left College Grove on crutches.

Wakefield equalised within seven minutes of the start of the second period. Delroy Ferguson picked the ball up and skipped three or four challenges before thundering a 25 yard drive into the top corner.

Wakefield then edged in front on 64 minutes after a scramble in the Ossett penalty area ended with a handball by a defender. Chris Howarth stepped up and this time found the bottom corner, despite Bennett getting a hand to the ball.

However, the lead was short lived as Ossett immediately replied when Wes Milnes controlled the ball with his arm in the penalty area and Kelsey sent Woods the wrong way from the spot.

Wakefield pushed forward but could not find a third goal and the game ended with honours even.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 2 Ossett Albion

Attendance: 132.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts.

Wakefield FC: Woods (c), MacQuarrie (Ryder 45), Turner, Jones, Milnes, Roberts, Sparks, Wright (Marchant 75), Flynn (Hitchings 49), Howarth, Ferguson. Subs Not Used: Pinnock, Morris.

Ossett Albion: Bennett, Hopkins, Cook, Syers, Riordan, Utley (c), Catton (Seed 77), Allison (Jones 90+2), Hamlet (Dickinson 66), Kelsey, Senior. Subs Not Used: Parker, Bentley.

Referee: S Ledger.

Assistant Referees: A S Hayhurst, M Saville.

10 MAN WAKEFIELD BEATEN AT ROSSENDALE
Club News | Sat 23rd Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield were still without Steve Nicholson (calf strain) who could only make the bench, Chris Hitchings who had suffered a gashed leg in training and Darren Barrick who had a swollen knee after experiencing an allergic reaction to an insect bite.

Wakefield matched their hosts in the opening twenty minutes, Wes Milnes coming closest to scoring with a close range header that was palemd away by Lee Bracey.

But that effort was one of only two attempts on goal the Bears could muster up during the 90 minutes, the other effort been a Chris Howarth drive late on that was easily gathered by Bracey.

Rossendale meanwhile, had several good chances to score during the match, the experienced Phil Eastwood proving the difference between the sides with an impressive performance in the Rossendale attack.

It was Eastwood who put Rossendale in front halfway through the first half, converting a penalty after Phil Turner had handled in the area.

It was not to be Wakefield's day as they had lost both Jay Sobers (groin strain) and Craig Laight through injury by half time.

The Bears misfortune continued as Matthew Sparks glanced a header into his own goal past the helpless Andy Woods three minutes into the second half.

Wakefield never looked like getting back into the game and Eastwood wrapped up the match with 14 minutes remaining, smashing the ball home from close range after Woods had saved well with his legs.

Wakefield's woe continued as Wes Milnes was shown a straight red card late in the game after going in too high on a 50/50 ball.

Result: Rossendale United 3 - 0 Wakefield

Attendance: 101.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Andy Woods.

Wakefield FC: Woods (c), MacQuarrie, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight (Roberts 45), Sparks, Sobers (Wright 31), Marchant, Howarth, Ryder. Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Nicholson, Jowsey.

Rossendale United: Bracey, Flowers (Whittall-Williams 81), Heywood, A Watson, Brown, Robertson, T Williams, Derrick (Calvert 85), S Williams, Eastwood (c), R Watson. Subs Not Used: Daniel, Shearwood, Clarkson.

Referee: R Ackers.

Assistant Referees: M Hanley, A O'Neill.

LATE GOAL SEES PLUCKY WAKEFIELD BEATEN AT Durham

Club News | Wed 20th Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield made three changes to the side that beat Woodley Sports. Rob MacQuarrie started at right back in place of the injured Steve Nicholson and Will Ryder and Josh Wright both dropped to the bench, making way for Matthew Sparks and Delroy Ferguson.

Wakefield matched their opponents throughout the first half of a match played on a difficult artificial surface.

Ferguson burst through early on and poked the ball goalwards, but his shot was deflected just wide.

Graham Marchant then lifted a shot wide from 15 yards and had another effort comfortably caught by Craig Turns in the Durham goal.

Durham were always dangerous on the break though, with a speedy front two of Steven Richardson and Gavin Cogden causing Wakefield problems all evening.

Andy Woods was in fine form to deny Richardson with the first of a string of superb saves midway through the first half.

Woods was again on hand to save from point blank range early in the second period, the ball squirming away from him but being heroically hacked off the line by Craig Laight.

Wakefield then had a good chance to score when a driving run by Jay Sobers ended with him picking out Marchant in the area, but he headed just over the bar from eight yards.

As the game ticked into the final twenty minutes, Wakefield came under more and more pressure.

Woods twice denied Richardson with brilliant saves, stopping one effort when the Durham danger man had ran clean through on goal and turning another shot round the post with an amazing reaction save.

However, it was inevitably Richardson who won it for Durham with eight minutes remaining, lashing home from 10 yards after a scramble in the penalty area following a corner.

Result: Durham City 1 - 0 Wakefield

Attendance: 229.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Andy Woods.

Wakefield FC: Woods (c), MacQuarrie, Turner, Jones, Milnes, Laight, Sparks (Wright 78), Sobers, Marchant (Barrick 64), Howarth, Ferguson (Ryder 89). Subs Not Used: Hitchings, Roberts.

Durham City: Turns, Harrison (c), Capper, Dodds, Dixon, Houlahan (Laws 46), Morris (Fisher 75), Bell, Richardson (Farrell 86), Cogden, English. Subs Not Used: Riches, Toft.

Referee: G Hart.

Assistant Referees: M Edwards, S E Whittaker.

BEARS KICK OFF WITH A WIN
Club News | Sat 16th Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield started brightly and dominated the opening 45 minutes of the game.

A looping header by Graham Marchant went just over the bar and Chris Howarth shot wide from a tight angle after stretching to reach a loose ball inside the first 5 minutes.

Will Ryder placed one shot just off target after good work by Marchant, and then had another shot deflected into the goalkeeper's arms.

Woodley started the second half slightly better, and took the lead on 52 minutes. A poor backpass by Steve Nicholson left Woodley with the ball, and they took full advantage with Danny Queeley's header going into the net via the crossbar and the back of goalkeeper Andy Woods.

A Woodley defender nearly gifted Wakefield an equaliser on the hour, after a header from inside the six yard box landed on the top of the crossbar, but the Bears didn't have long to wait until the goal came.

Wakefield turned up the tempo and deservedly scored on 66 minutes. A push in the area left Wakefield with a penalty, and Chris Howarth calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

The winner came eight minutes from time. The ball was played across the edge of the 18 yard area by Jay Sobers and Adam Jones was on hand to strike a sweet low drive into the net, wrong-footing the helpless goalkeeper.

Wakefield safely saw out the remaining moments of the game to secure the three points.

Result: Wakefield 2 - 1 Woodley Sports

Attendance: 94.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Adam Jones.

Wakefield FC: Woods (c), Nicholson, Turner, Ryder (Ferguson 57), Milnes, Laight, Jones, Sobers, Marchant (Sparks 86), Howarth, Wright (Barrick 57). Subs Not Used: Hitchings, MacQuarrie.

Woodley Sports: Connett, Brown, Collins, Ellison, McGrath, Kerr, Hogan (Wild 45), Douglas-Pringle (c), Salmon, Queeley, Horrocks. Subs Not Used: Jarrett, Walker.

Referee: D K Benton.

Assistant Referees: M Charnock, J P Smith.

BEARS HELD IN FINAL FRIENDLY
Club News | Sat 9th Aug 08
Posted by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield had chances to win the game, coming close to scoring several times during the game.

Stocksbridge also had chances, but Wakefield goalkeeper Andy Woods was in fine form to keep a clean sheet.

The game was the first match the bears have played in their brand new kit, with the main stand also sporting a modern style new sign.

Result: Wakefield 0 - 0 Stocksbridge PS

Wakefield:
1 - Andy Woods
2 - Adam Jones
3 - Phil Turner
4 - Will Ryder
5 - Wes Milnes
6 - Craig Laight
7 - Josh Wright
8 - Matthew Sparks
9 - Graham Marchant
10 - Chris Howarth
11 - Delroy Ferguson

Substitutes:
12 - Jay Sobers (for Ryder)
14 - Darren Barrick (for Marchant)
15 - Chris Hitchings (for Wright)
16 - Mark Roberts (for Laight)
17 - Matthew Wears (for Ferguson)

SUPER RESERVES WIN AT HEMSWORTH
Club News | Fri 8th Aug 08

A Wakefield reserve side, which included several U19 and U18 players, ran out 2-0 winners in a friendly at Northern Counties East side Hemsworth.

Wakefield were in front on 12 minutes when Mark Roberts sent a bullet header into the net after rising majestically above the goalkeeper and defenders.

The second goal was scored with 20 minutes remaining when Matthew Wears sent a low drive into the net from 12 yards.

By the end of the game, over half the Wakefield side were 16 years of age, making the performance even more impressive against Hewsworth, who were fielding players from their first team squad.

After an even first half, the scores were level at 0-0 at half time, with Worksop hitting the cross bar and Wakefield's Chris Howarth lofting an early effort just over the bar.

Wes Milnes put Wakefield in front with a header following a tremendous corner by Phil Turner after half time.

A stunning 25 yard strike by David Cockerill brought the visitors level, before Wes Milnes scored his and Wakefield's second goal with another header from a corner.

Substitute Darren Barrick wrapped up the win with a neat finish late on.

Result: Wakefield 3 - 1 Worksop Town

Wakefield:

1 - Andy Woods
2 - Rob MacQuarrie
3 - Phil Turner
4 - Will Ryder
5 - Wes Milnes
6 - Craig Laight
7 - Josh Wright
8 - Adam Jones
9 - Graham Marchant
10 - Chris Howarth
11 - Delroy Ferguson

Substitutes:
12 - Darren Barrick (for Marchant)
14 - Jay Sobers (for Wright)
15 - Mark Roberts (unused)
16 - Chris Hitchings (for Ferguson)
17 - Andy Birkett (for MacQuarrie)
18 - Aiden Morris (unused)

Denton played 83 minutes of Palace's 3-2 defeat at Dagenham yesterday evening.

Teenage star Denton was plucked out of the Wakefield Under 19 side by manager Ronnie Glavin last season and thrown straight into the first team.

He impressed in his first team outings towards the end of the last campaign, scoring several important goals.

Worsbrough went in front midway through the first half when James Jowsey was left stranded from a corner and the ball was headed home.

Josh Wright, who has played for the Barnsley Academy, headed home the equaliser and Will Ryder put Wakefield in front for the first time in the match in the second half.

Chris Howarth secured the win with a penalty after Darren Barrick had been pulled down in the area.

Wakefield made several substitutions during the game, with some youth players being given a run out late on.

Result: Worsborough Bridge 1 - 3 Wakefield

Wakefield:
1 - James Jowsey
2 - Steve Nicholson
3 - Phil Turner
4 - Josh Wright
5 - Richard Lavery
6 - Joe Pinnock
7 - Delroy Ferguson
8 - Jay Sobers
9 - Graham Marchant
10 - Chris Howarth
11 - Chris Hitchings

Substitutes:
12 - Darren Barrick (for Marchant)
14 - Will Ryder (for Hitchings)
15 - Conor Glavin (for Wright)
16 - Wes Milnes (for Lavery)
17 - Elliot Stroud (for Ferguson)
17 - Matty Weir (for Howarth)
2 - Andy Birkett (for Pinnock)
# - Aiden Morris (for Turner)
# - Rob MacQuarrie (for Nicholson)
# - Adam Jones (for Sobers)

There were two new faces from last season in the starting eleven, who also started in the previous friendly at Rossington Main. These were ex Frickley Athletic striker Darren Barrick and ex Liversedge defender Matthew Sparks.

The game was fairly even throughout, but it was Selby who took the lead midway through the second half when a shot rebounded off the post and fell kindly for a Selby player to tap home.

Wakefield equalised five minutes from time when substitute Delroy Ferguson was upended in the penalty area and Chris Howarth sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot.

Result: Selby Town 1 - 1 Wakefield

Wakefield:
1 - Andy Woods (c)
2 - Steve Nicholson
3 - Will Ryder
4 - Matthew Sparks
5 - Rob MacQuarrie
6 - Craig Laight
7 - Adam Jones
8 - Darren Barrick
9 - Graham Marchant
10 - Chris Howarth
11 - Chris Hitchings

Substitutes:
12 - Wes Milnes (for MacQuarrie)
14 - Andy Birkett (unused)
15 - Tom Denton (for Barrick)
16 - Delroy Ferguson (for Hitchings)
5 - Rob MacQuarrie (for Marchant)
11 - Chris Hitchings (for Jones)

Wakefield, playing at home, were quickly into their stride and enjoyed an enormous amount of possession in the opening 10 minutes with Albion struggling to get hold of the ball.

It wasn’t long before the home side turned their possession into goals when striker George Crowcroft struck from close range after six minutes.

Winger Jack Baker added his first of five shortly after as the young Bears attacked in numbers.

Utility player Reece Bruce was outstanding after just two training sessions with the team and completed the rout with minutes remaining with a cheeky drag back and back heel into the goal from close range.

Team manager Jonny Wootton was delighted with the performance, saying: “To be honest I was a little lost for words in the first 10 minutes as I couldn’t believe the standard of football I was watching. Every single player worked hard and played with a smile on their face and you cannot ask for much more than that at nine years of age.”

“If I had to be ultra critical I would say that we could have kept a clean sheet as their goals came on the counter attack when my defenders were at the other end of the pitch trying to get a goal.”

“I think we have some talented players and if we can make playing and training fun we’ll be okay. The only thing I would like is a goalkeeper and we had to share that responsibility around.”

An adult season ticket is excellent value for money at just £100. The cost includes entrance to all league matches and a free matchday programme. A concession season ticket can be obtained for £80.

To order a season ticket please contact Dan Brownhill on 07921 156561 or at daniel.brownhill@btinternet.com.

Entrance through the turnstiles on matchdays will also be the same as last season. Charges will be £7.50 for adults and £5 for concessions, including a free programme. Children under 16 will be admitted for just £1.

The club will be known as Morley and Wakefield Spurs. First team games will be played at College Grove, with reserve and youth fixtures at North Avenue.

The team only lost one game last season on their way to the North East Regional League Premier Division title and promotion to the Northern Combination League.

For more information on the team, visit www.morley.intheteam.com.

The Bears will entertain Woodley Sports on Saturday August 16th, before making the long trip to newly promoted Durham City on Tuesday August 19th.

Wakefield then travel to Rossendale United on the second Saturday of the season, before a mouthwatering local derby against Ossett Albion on Bank Holiday Monday.

Caval are experienced recruitment consultants based in Leeds. They have over 40 years experience in the recruitment industry.

They specialise in the construction, utilities and engineering sector and supply both temporary and permanent employees.

Their new website is currently under development at www.planetcaval.com.

Halifax have been recently demoted to Division One North of the UniBond League. The match will be played during week commencing 1st September.

If they overcome Halifax, Wakefield will host Curzon Ashton in the First Round during week commencing 29th September

In the President's Cup competition, Wakefield have a bye to the Second Round, where they have been drawn at home to Harrogate Railway Athletic. The match is pencilled in to be played week commencing 13th October.

FA Cup Prelim Rd
Aug 30th Washington or Stokesley Home

FA Trophy Prelim Rd
Oct 4th Spalding Away

FA Cup 1st Qual Rd
Wakefield or Stokesley or Washington V Armthorpe Welfare or Yorkshire Amateur or Crook Town or North Shields

The club will now be known as "The Bears". A new, modern style badge has been created to fit in with the club's forward thinking image.