A wonder goal from Demi Kyriacou earned The Bears a point against play off hopefuls Warrington Town.

With Delroy Ferguson and Lawrance Hunter unavailable, Brandon Kane and Wayne Shooter were both handed starts on the wing. Wakefield were also still missing midfielder Marc Roberts with a troublesome knee injury.

Wakefield were forced into an early change after Brandon Kane, having only just recovered from concussion, was struck in the head by a Warrington player's knee in the opening five seconds of the game. Kane tried to carry on for 20 minutes but eventually had to be replaced by Tom Denton, with Paddy McGuire moving out to the wing.

Warrington were creating chances with some flowing, passing football, but their finishing was woeful as time after time they fired shots way off target.

Wayne Shooter curled an effort just wide at the other end and James Stansfield headed over following a set piece.

The play continued in a similar fashion in the second half, until Wakefield took the lead with 68 minutes played. Demi Kyriacou spotted the Warrington goalkeeper off his line and fired a superbly weighted lob over his head and just beyond his reach to land straight into the net from the half way line.

But the lead was short lived as Warrington were handed what some felt was a harsh penalty just four minutes later. The ball bounced badly as Shooter tried to control it just inside the Wakefield penalty area and struck the Wakefield winger on the arm. Chris Thompson sent Jan Zolna the wrong way from the spot to level the scores.

Wakefield saw out the final twenty minutes well to secure the point and continue their recent good away form. The Bears have now not lost in their last five away fixtures and conceded only two goals in those games.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wayne Shooter

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, McGuire, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane (Denton 23), Jones, South, Kyriacou, Shooter (Nicholson 80). Subs Not Used: Glavin, Edwards, Morris.

Wakefield came out on top of a pulsating local derby match against Garforth Town.

Wakefield were forced into one change from the side that beat Bamber Bridge at the weekend with Brandon Kane not fit to start after suffering slight concussion. Delroy Ferguson began the game on the right hand side of midfield in his place.

Wakefield raced into a 7th minute lead. Lawrance Hunter broke clear down the left and his powerful shot from a tight angle struck Garforth keeper Ben Higginson before looping into the corner of the net.

The Bears extended their lead on the quarter hour mark. A fantastic run from Delroy Ferguson ended with a crunching 50/50 ball with a Garforth defender. Ferguson came out on top and laid the ball to Hunter who was in acres of space 25 yards out. Hunter thundered the ball past Higginson into the top of the net to make the score 2-0 to Wakefield.

Garforth tried in vain to break down a resolute Wakefield defence and the teams went in at half time with The Bears still holding their two goal cushion.

Garforth came out at the start of the second half looking to get back into the game and pulled a goal back just after the hour mark when substitute David Brown coolly slotted the ball past Jan Zolna.

Seven minutes later the scores were level at 2-2. A deep Garforth free kick was met by captain Milton Turner at the far post. His initial header was saved by Zolna but the rebound fell nicely for him and he thrashed the ball into the top corner from an acute angle.

Wakefield were creating chance with several goalmouth scrambles ensuing. Dem Kyriacou poked a loose ball inches wide of the post, Delroy Ferguson was ddenied by Higginson after been put clean through on goal by a superb Danny South through ball and substitute Tom Denton had a great chance to score with his first touch, but headed over from six yards.

Wakefield were given their best chance to go back in front when Chris Fisher felled Ferguson from behind in the penalty area. Fisher was sent off and Denton stepped up to send Higginson the wrong way from the spot.

Garforth were denied a penalty themselves when the referee waved away their protests after a strong challenge from Luke Danville in the penalty area.

Wakefield saw out four minutes of added time to secure the three points, with Garforth having a second player sent off after the final whistle when Jamie Price was dismissed for a second booking for dissent.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Lawrance Hunter

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, McGuire, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson (Kane 81), Jones, South, Kyriacou (Denton 75), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Edwards, Morris.

Wakefield are on the brink of securing a deal to groundshare at Ossett Town for the 2011/12 season.

The Bears are only waiting for Evo-Stik League Management approval, after the Wakefield board have successfully agreed a deal with the Ossett Town directors.

Ossett are currently in a relegation battle in the Evo-Stik Premier Division and look likely to be joining Wakefield in the First Division North for the next campaign.

The proposed move to Ossett comes after The Bears were informed by landlords Wakefield Sports Club in January, that a lease on College Grove would not be granted beyond 30th June 2011.

Wakefield recorded a 1-0 home win against Bamber Bridge after coming out on top of a close game at College Grove.

The Bears were still missing Marc Roberts with a knee ligament problem and Delroy Ferguson could only make the bench after picking up a knock at Harrogate Railway in midweek. Brandon Kane started on the right wing in place of Ferguson.

The game started slowly with few chances for either side until Brandon Kane rattled the Bamber Bridge crossbar with a thundering volley from 25 yards.

Wakefield enjoyed a good spell of possession just before half time, but it was early in the second half when Demi Kyriacou headed Wakefield in front from a Lawrance Hunter corner kick.

Bamber Bridge tried to take the game to The Bears, but the home defence stood firm to record their third clean sheet in a row.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, McGuire (Shooter 80), Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane, Jones, South, Kyriacou (Denton 70), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Edwards, Morris.

Wakefield came away with a much deserved three points from their visit to Harrogate Railway.

Marc Roberts sat out the game with a knee injury he picked up at Radcliffe Borough, Paddy McGuire joined Adam Jones in the centre of midfield. Demi Kyriacou was preferred up front to Tom Denton.

Wakefield enjoyed the better possesion during a lively first half. Kyriacou had a low shot tipped round the post by Railway goalkeeper Craig Parry and South fired a 30 yard effort inches over the bar.

The Bears were then denied what looked a stonewall penalty when Delroy Ferguson was taken out chest high by a defender in the corner of the penalty area. To the amazement of both sets of supporters referee Mr Midgley waved away the appeals from the Wakefield players.

Wakefield scored the only goal of the game with half an hour gone. A long throw was flicked on by Kyriacou, the ball bounced in the area and sat up nicely for Lawrance Hunter to volley it past Parry from 15 yards.

Jan Zolna kept the score at 1-0 at half time with a superb save with his legs after a mistake by James Stansfield had left a Railway striker through one on one.

Ferguson was the victim of another bad challenge before the break and had to be replaced by Brandon Kane at half time.

South headed a corner over the bar for The Bears before Railway were reduced to ten men when their central midfielder was dismissed for a second booking after persistant fouling.

Kyriacou sent a drive just wide before he was replaced by Tom Denton with fifteen minutes left. Denton almost had an immediate impact, but headed Hunter's cross over the bar when unmarked in the penalty area.

Wakefield survived a few nervy moments with Railway pumping the ball into the area in search of an equaliser to hold on for the three points and their third successive clean sheet away from home.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Lawrance Hunter

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, McGuire, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson (Kane 46), Jones, South, Kyriacou (Denton 75), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Shooter, Edwards, Danby (gk).

A much improved performance from The Bears saw them pick up a well earned point at Radcliffe Borough.

Luke Danville and Lawrance Hunter both returned to the starting eleven for Wakefield with Brandon Kane and Paddy McGuire joining Wayne Shooter, Jay Edwards and Demi Kyriacou on a strong Wakefield substitute's bench.

In a fairly even first half, two good saves from Jan Zolna kept the score at 0-0 at half time, with Wakefield's best chance falling to Danny South, who broke clear but saw his shot well tipped over by Radcliffe goalkeeper Nick Culkin.

Wakefield enjoyed the better of the second half possession and looked to take the game to their hosts, but Radcliffe were always dangerous on the break with some swift counter attacks.

Zolna made two excellent stops to deny Radcliffe after two one on one situations.

Demi Kyriacou's attempted lob dropped just wide and Lawrance Hunter had a shot deflected off target for Wakefield late on as the game finished goalless.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Jan Zolna

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson (Kane 77), Jones, South, Denton (Kyriacou 64), Hunter (McGuire 90). Subs Not Used: Shooter, Edwards.

Wakefield suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Salford City at College Grove.

James Stansfield returned for Wakefield at the centre of defence after serving a one match ban. Marc Roberts moved back into midfield and Paddy McGuire started wide on the left in place of Lawrance Hunter who dropped to the bench. Rob Tonks also returned for The Bears at full back with Luke Danville unavailable.

A scrappy first half looked to be ending goalless, before Salford capitalised on a loose ball in the box just before half time, Mark Ayres reacting quickest to toe poke the ball home from six yards.

Wakefield enjoyed a good spell of possesion immediately after half time and were soon level, when Danny South planted a header past Andy Robertson after Tom Denton had flicked the ball on.

Wakefield went in search of a second goal, but it was the visitors who were the ones to score just after the hour mark. The hard working Jack Redshaw got his reward when his shot was adjudged to have crossed the line by the referee's assistant despite an attempted goalline clearance by Rob Tonks.

Wakefield pressed forward in an attempt to drag themselves back into the game, but couldn't find the back of the net and it was Salford who went home with the three points.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Danny South.

Wakefield: Zolna, Kane, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson, Jones, South, Denton (Shooter 85), McGuire (Hunter 90+1). Subs Not Used: Glavin, Horton, Woodhead.

A Delroy Ferguson goal early in the second half was enough to earn Wakefield a 1-0 win at Prescot.

Wakefield were without full backs Ashley Brooke and Robert Tonks due to work commitments, so started with Brandon Kane and Luke Danville at left back and right back. Marc Roberts slotted in alongside Wes Milnes at centre back, with James Stansfield sitting out a one match ban.

Paddy McGuire partnered Adam Jones in midfield with Lawrance Hunter and Delroy Ferguson starting out wide. Danny South recovered from a hamstring injury picked up at Woodley Sports to be fit to start up front with Tom Denton.

The first half was a scrappy affair with both sides struggling to get hold of the ball in midfield. A mistake by Roberts almost gifted Prescot the lead, but Jan Zolna was out quickly to make a superb stop from the Prescot striker, who had been left with a clear run on goal.

The best move of the half by Wakefield saw Adam Jones drive over after Denton's lay off. Prescot were reduced to some wayward shooting from long range.

The Bears came out after half time and took the game straight to Prescot. Some great work by South ended with him supplying a superbly weighted through ball for Delroy Ferguson to sprint clear of the Prescot defence and slot the ball under the goalkeeper to give Wakefield the lead.

Wakefield enjoyed their best spell of the game, before Prescot gradually took more possesion of the ball with several free kicks and corners helping them get the ball into the Wakefield penalty area. Their best chance fell to Tom Spearritt but his header flew over the bar.

At the other end South was inches away from doubling Wakefield's lead when his looping header brought a finger tip save from the goalkeeper to tip the ball over the crossbar.

Zolna had to be alert to grab the ball at the feet of the Prescot striker who had got away from the Wakefield defence late in the game, but The Bears saw out the four added minutes well to secure the three points.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Delroy Ferguson

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Kane, Roberts, Milnes (c), McGuire, Ferguson, Jones, South, Denton, Hunter: Subs Not Used: Glavin, Horton, Woodhead, Edwards.

A second half penalty from Tom Denton earned Wakefield a point from their fixture at Woodley Sports.

Woodley enjoyed the better of the first half chances, twice hitting the woodwork as Wakefield took time to become accustomed to the pace and bounce of the artificial surface.

Wakefield were dealt a blow just before half time when Danny South limped off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Paddy McGuire.

Woodley took the lead through Nathan Neequaye early in the second period as the Wakefield defence was torn apart.

Wakefield then settled and deservedly grabbed an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining when Tom Denton squeezed home a penalty after a handball inside the penalty area.

Wakefield enjoyed the better of the play in the last 15 minutes and took the game to their hosts, but could not find a winning goal.

Wakefield also had kitman James Small dismissed from the bench for using foul and abusive language towards the referee's assistant with six minutes left.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Robert Tonks

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson, Jones, South (McGuire 45), Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Brooke, Kane.

Wakefield were beaten 1-0 by high flying Fylde, but pushed their visitors all the way to the final whistle after a much improved performance.

Brandon Kane and Steve Nicholson both missed the game having suffered injuries in the defeat against Durham on Saturday. Wayne Shooter was also missing through illness.

Luke Danville started at full back after returning from a long spell out injured with Delroy Ferguson preferred on the right hand side of midfield. Danny South partnered Demi Kyriacou up front with Adam Jones starting in central midfield. There was also a place on the bench for Paddy McGuire who was another player on his way back from injury.

There were chances for both sides in an entertaining first half.

Glenn Steel met an early far post cross for the visitors but slammed his shot against the outside of the post.

South went close for Wakefield when his header was headed off the line by a defender.

A last gasp Danville clearance prevented a goal when the Wakefield defence was caught out before Fylde took the lead in controversial circumstances.

Michael Stringfellow was on hand to put a loose ball into the net from inside the six yard area after Jan Zolna had parried a close range effort, but Stringfellow was all alone and everyone in the ground apart from the referee's assistant believed he was offside, but the goal stood.

Wakefield pushed hard for an equaliser and had Fylde on the back foot for the rest of the game.

Demi Kyriacou twice flashed good opportunities wide and several goalmouth scrambles were somehow cleared without the ball landing in the net.

The Wakefield defence marshalled Fylde's skillful attacking players well all evening and although it was The Bears' sixth straight defeat, the improved performance will see the team travelling to Woodley Sports on Saturday believing that they can come away with the three points.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Robert Tonks

Wakefield: Zolna, Danville, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson (Denton 74), Jones, South, Kyriacou (Horton 88), Hunter (McGuire 65). Subs Not Used: Glavin, Brooke.

Wakefield were outplayed as visitors Durham City ran out 4-1 winners at College Grove.

Amar Purewal gave Durham the lead inside the first quarter of a hour with a close range finish inside the penalty area.

Demi Kyriacou heaed in a corner to level for Wakefield before Andrew Stephenson gave Durham a 2-1 half time lead when his deep ball into the box flew straight in past the stranded Jan Zolna.

Wakefield also lost both Steve Nicholson and Brandon Kane to injuries before half time.

Captain Ross Wilkinson extended Durham's lead in the second half before the goal of the game from Elliot Cutts sealed the points late on.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Demi Kyriacou.

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson (Shooter 23), Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane (Brooke 44), Kyriacou, South, Denton, Hunter (Jones 69). Subs Not Used: Glavin, Ferguson.

Wakefield slipped to a 3-2 defeat at Curzon Ashton, despite leading 2-0 with 20 minutes left.

Adam Jones was missing for Wakefield with a dead leg, Danny South replaced him in midfield with Tom Denton joining Demi Kyriacou up front.

Curzon were deservedly reduced to ten men midway through the first half when Tunji Moses was dismissed for a horrific two footed tackle on South.

Wakefield outplayed a depleted Curzon side throughout the first half and Demi Kyriacou deservedly headed the Bears in front on the goalline four minutes before the break.

Tom Denton had a glorious chance to double Wakefield's lead, but his goalbound header bounced off a divot on the poor playing surface and landed the wrong side of the post.

Wakefield did extend their lead early in the second half. A jinking run from Brandon Kane brought a good save from the goalkeeper. Lawrance Hunter sent the resulting corner straight into the net around the under par goalkeeper.

Wakefield were then reduced to ten men when referee James Mainwaring adjudged James Stansfield to be the last man and showed him a straight red after he brought down a Curzon striker.

Shortly afterwards Chris McDonagh stole in to put Curzon back in it and then added the equaliser with ten minutes left.

Curzon continued to attack with subsitute Matthew Purcell causing the majority of the problems down the right wing.

Dan Broadbent headed in the winner for Curzon with two minutes remaining and Wakefield could not find a way back.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Lawrance Hunter

Wakefield: Zolna, Tonks, Brooke, Roberts, Milnes, Stansfield (c), Kane (Shooter 88), Kyriacou, South, Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Glavin, Shirtliff, Nicholson.

Wakefield fell to a 2-0 defeat at Trafford in a game largely spoiled by the officials.

The referee showed three yellow cards to Wakefield players for what looked innocuous challenges during a first half which was otherwise devoid of major incident until just before half time.

Wakefield's best chance fell to Danny South early on but he fired over the cross bar from inside the area.

Trafford took the lead on the stroke of half time, when Danny White scored although everyone in the ground apart from the officials thought there was a clear offside.

The referee pulled out of affairs injured at half time with the senior assistant referee taking over in the middle. A replacement qualified official was found in the crowd to take over on the line and play continued.

Trafford had the ball in the net early in the second period, but this time an offside flag was raised although most thought that this was again the wrong decision, and the score remained at 1-0.

Trafford had a strong penalty shout waved away by the referee and Wakefield looked set to be given a lifeline in the last minute when Tom Denton was sent clattering to the ground in the penalty area, the sound of boot against shin pad could be heard all around the ground. The Wakefield players looked expectantly towards the referee for a penalty decision but unbelievably he waved play on, leaving Trafford to break down the field and substitute Scott Barlow to slot home the second goal.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Zolna, Tonks, Brooke, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane (Shooter 76), Jones, South, Kyriacou (Denton 67), Hunter (Ferguson 88). Subs Not Used: Shirtliff, Glavin.

Wakefield FC are to leave College Grove, their home of the last five years, at the end of the season after Wakefield Sports Club have terminated the lease.

The Sports Club have other plans to make money from the ground area and have therefore given the Bears notice to vacate at the end of the season.

The club are actively seeking a ground to play at for next season and onwards until a ground of its own is secured and built for Wakefield FC.

The club's directors already have several possible avenues for a ground to play at for the next season and are confident that the club will continue long into the future.

Wakefield were soundly beaten by Skelmersdale who moved up to second place in the league table.

Wayne Shooter returned for The Bears after passing a late fitness test. Another change for Wakefield saw Ashley Brooke starting at left back in place of Robert Tonks who was unavailable due to work commitments.

Skelmersdale played flowing football from the off and only last gasp clearances saved Wakefield on more than one occasion before the opening goal arrived midway through the first half.

The impressive Chris Almond's darting run was not picked up and he sent neat header into the net from 12 yards.

Ten minutes later it was 2-0 to the visitors when Matty McGinn's 25 yard free kick curled around the wall and underneath Wakefield goalkeeper Jan Zolna.

Wakefield tried in vain to find a response in the second period, but struggled to create goalscoring chances as Danny South and Tom Denton were well marshalled by the Skelmerdale defence.

The Bears' best chance fell to South, but his header was superbly tipped over the bar by Skelmersdale goalkeeper Tom Brocklehurst.

Skelmersdale saw out the second half well to earn their 2-0 victory, controlling the game for long periods.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wes Milnes

Wakefield: Zolna, Kane, Brooke (Horton 80), Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Shooter (Ferguson 70), Jones, South, Denton (Kyriacou 83), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Shirtliff.

Wakefield lost 3-0 away at Mossley tonight and were unable to continue their recent good form.

Wakefield started brightly but were unable to turn their early possession into a goal and hosts Mossley made them pay.

Mike Oates put the home side in front on 25 minutes when a flowing move ended with Oates slotting past Zolna from close range.

Wakefield then struggled to break Mossley down and were unable to create any clear cut goalscoring opportunities.

Mossley doubled their lead in the 70th minute when Matty Kay converted from the penalty spot after Wes Milnes had fouled in the area.

Kay scored his second goal with a minute remaining as he thundered a loose ball in via the underside of the bar to make the final score 3-0.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Zolna, Kane, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Ferguson (Denton 65), Jones, South, Kyriacou, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Shirtliff, Horton, Brooke.

Visitors Prescot had 3 men sent off as Wakefield secured a comfortable 6 - 0 victory at College Grove.

The Bears got off to a flying start with a goal in the first minute. Demi Kyriacou cross from the right and Marc Roberts flicked the ball on to Lawrance Hunter who volleyed into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

Wakefield extended their lead midway through the first half. Marc Roberts' free kick was spilled by Michael Langley in the Prescot goal and Danny South pounced to stab home on the goal line.

Prescot were then reduced to ten men when Freddie Porter was dismissed for a horrendous two footed challenge with studs up on Adam Jones.

A few minutes later the visitors had another man sent off when Liam Hollett was shown a second yellow card after neadlessly upending Hunter out wide on the left.

After half time the drama continued when Mark Calland was dismissed by referee Matt McGrath after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession.

Marc Roberts headed in from close range to make the score 3-0 to Wakefield and Demi Kyriacou slotted home the fourth with 25 minutes left to play.

It wasn't until the last minute that Wakefield found another goal, South scoring his second with a superb header.

Delroy Ferguson then slotted home the sixth goal in injury time to add to Prescot's woes.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Lawrance Hunter

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson (Ferguson 36), Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c) (Shirtliff 63), Stansfield, Kane, Jones, South, Kyriacou (Horton 78), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Brooke, Glavin.

Wakefield held a strong Witton Albion side to a 1-1 draw at College Grove.

Wakefield fielded an unchanged side after their impressive 3-2 win at Clitheroe on Saturday, but it was Witton who took an early lead at College Grove. Jan Zolna could only parry a strong shot and the ball fell into the path of Alex Titchiner who slotted away the rebound.

Wakefield reacted well and were straight back in it just three minutes later. A teasing cross from Lawrance Hunter bounced awkwardly between goalkeeper and defenders and fell to the feet of Demi Kyriacou at the far post. The Wakefield striker made no mistake, thundering the ball into the far corner from the tightest of angles.

The first half continued to be an even affair with Wakefield causing Witton problems when breaking forward, with both Brandon Kane and Lawrance Hunter both playing well in wide areas for Wakefield.

In the second period, Witton controlled possession with some intricate passing movements, but Wakefield always looked capable of scoring on the break.

Witton had two tremendous chances to win the game but found Zolna in fantastic form in the Wakefield goal. Ben Harrison's effort from six yards was superbly turned over the bar by Zolna and then Titchiner's low shot was turned around the post when the ball was heading for the bottom corner.

Only Chester have beaten Wakefield since the New Year with The Bears having now taken 10 points out of their last four matches.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane, Jones, South (Ferguson 72), Kyriacou, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Shooter, Glavin, Shirtliff, Horton.

A first class performance from Wakefield saw them deservedly pick up all three points from their game at Clitheroe with a 3-2 victory.

Wakefield were unchanged from the abandoned fixture against Radcliffe Borough on Tuesday night. Demi Kyriacou partnered Danny South up front with Tom Denton finally serving the first of a three match ban.

Wakefield controlled possesion from the off with Marc Roberts and Adam Jones both excellent in midfield all afternoon. The back four once again looked solid with Jan Zolna rarely called into action in the Wakefield goal. South and Kyriacou both worked hard throughout the match and wingers Lawrance Hunter and Brandon Kane both caused the Clitheroe full backs problems.

Despite Wakefield's possesion, Clitheroe almost snatched an early lead, but Jan Zolna pulled off a tremendous save at full stretch to tip a headed effort around the post. Zolna's heroics left the Wakefield goalkeeper carrying an injury for the rest of the game, but Clitheroe failed to take advantage.

Lawrance Hunter superbly curled a right wing free kick into the top corner and Wakefield thought they were ahead, but the referee had spotted a push in the area that few in the crowd had seen, and the "goal" was disallowed.

Wakefield continued to be the better side after the break and took the lead on the hour. The ball broke to South 25 yards out and he unleashed an unstoppable shot that flew into the corner past the goalkeeper.

Wakefield increased their lead with 15 minutes left. Excellent work by substitute Wayne Shooter saw him break from midfield and feed the ball to Brandon Kane down the right. Kane controlled the ball well before coolly slotting it into the net from 15 yards.

Clitheroe pulled a goal back four minutes from time when Tom Williams netted from close range to set up a nervous last few minutes.

Six minutes of added time were signalled to add to the pressure, but it was Wakefield who increased their advantage in the fifth minute of added time. A break from a Clitheroe attack saw the ball find its way to Shooter who raced clear before turning inside the recovering defenders and curling an excellent shot into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

There was still time for further drama as Clitheroe were awarded a penalty which was put away by Jack Higgins with the last kick of the game.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Adam Jones

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane (Ferguson 80), Jones, South, Kyriacou (Shooter 72), Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Horton, Shirtliff.

Wakefield's home game against Radcliffe Borough was abandoned after 7 minutes due to floodlight failure.

Wakefield continued their good form as three early goals saw them see off Mossley, despite a nervous final ten minutes.

An unchanged Bears side raced into the lead in the twelfth minute when Tom Denton coolly slotted away a penalty after Brandon Kane had been felled in the area.

A header back from Denton found Wes Milnes who picked himself to convert at the second attempt and double Wakefield's advantage.

Minutes later Denton superbly nodded in an excellent right wing cross to make the score 3-0 and leave Mossley with a mountain to climb.

A penalty from Matty Kay pulled one goal back for Mossley before half time after Adam Jones was adjudged to have handled in the area.

The second half was a more even affair, although Mossley struggled to break down a solid Wakefield defence and were limited to half chances on goal.

Jones conceded another penalty with 12 minutes remaining which Matty Kay duly converted to set up a tense finale, but The Bears hung on for the three points.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Tom Denton

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, McGuire (Shooter 42), Jones (Shirtliff 81), South, Denton (Kyriacou 88), Kane. Subs Not Used: Brooke, Hunter.

Probably the two worst footballing World Cup’s have been held in new places. 2002 South Korea and Japan and 2010 in South Africa.

The first not memorable for anything really, the second remembered for by an annoying horn blown by a half filled stadium at every game. Poor football, poor followings a minimum 10 hour flight for the rest of the football community and really very little for us Europeans to connect with.

So what’s it all about? I thought the World Cup was a celebration of football, hosted by nations that influence the sport and make it what it is, rather than the politics? A celebration of South American/Latin flair coupled with the competitive and strategic know how of the European game? I must be wrong.

This isn’t Formula 1. Formula 1, led by the vision of the diminutive Bernie Ecclestone had to go to places new to create a huge brand. It was way behind football in terms of followers, and always will be. Football doesn’t need to go down that route does it? It was the best way forward for F1, and Ecclestone should be congratulated for the profile raising of F1. Ok he’s made himself a billion or so in the process, but it has been for the greater good of the sport. A win-win if you will. International football, as we knew it, has been dealt a severe blow, and it looks like for generations to come.

Looking back at great World Cup’s-Argentina ’78, Mexico ’86, Spain ’82, France ’98 and in particular from a late 30’s Englishman’s point of view, Italia ’90. The last, great World Cup will be in Brazil, 2014. I fully intend to go as for me, that’s the end of the World Cup. By the time FIFA have had their way and the WC has been to Russia, Qatar, China, India, Greenland, The Antarctic and the Moon I’ll be in a stationary position six feet under. And all those competition’s will be of poor football quality. Europe and the America’s is where it’s at. Imagine hosting the FA Cup final at Worksop because it can build a stadium to house one 100,000 people on the promise of a ‘legacy’ for years to come for the 39,000 people who live there.

The reasons for appointing Russia and Qatar, two Petrodollar oil states aren’t really very clear. “Why not just put the cash in the bag and be over with it?” I heard one commentator say. That cash might not have been delivered to the nations who mattered on FIFA’s executive committee in such crude fashion but it still got to them.
It might not be concrete evidence of corruption, but it looks a plain old inducement by any other name to me. Legacy? Qatar has a population of 1.7m, half the size of Wales, and have said they will take their stadiums down and send them to Africa once the competition is over. Perhaps the Swiss dictionary definition of ‘legacy’ varies to the Oxford English Dictionary definition? It certainly can’t be a World Cup for the environmental campaigners, massive air conditioning units will be needed to cool down the 50 degree heat within the stadiums. I wouldn’t be able to take my girlfriend either as I’m unsure how the ladies will be treated-if allowed in at all. A few ales whilst watching the game will probably be out, it’s mainly a dry state due to the religious beliefs. Imagine the fun that football fans could have had making holiday plans for the United States or Australia: huge nations with inexhaustible options for things to do before, during or after the football.

It looks like Russia knew it was getting 2018. Putin didn’t bother turning up-no need, and looking at Prince William’s face before the announcement-he already knew. Reports suggest they knew 24 hours beforehand, about the same time as Wikileaks announced that the leader of Mother Russia knew all about the planned execution of Alexander Litvinenko in London. So for how long did Qatar know before the announcement? The manner of Qatar’s advertising campaign was that more of a tourist information board. They knew they had it. I knew they had it. They were already preparing for it. The $125m sponsorship of Barcelona advertising the Qatar Foundation? Shame on you Barca, for selling out. The Unicef sponsorship was a great example, lead by one of the World’s greatest football club’s-but now they too have sold out. So who else sold out? Zinedine Zidane picked up a cool $15m for his part in the TV advert and FIFA have almost certainly sold the game. Blatter and his cronies (how many of them would you trust to babysit your kids?-when you get back they too had probably been sold-or at least an organ will be missing!) have lined their pockets (according to investigative TV programs) and their families will be looked after for generations to come. And their mistresses.

Having said all that, money has dominated the sport in England and has changed the game from the way we knew it pre Premier League. Agents fees, the biggest clubs being mortgaged to the hilt, massive TV rights and gigantic player’s salaries. However it has been for the benefit of the football we watch, and the rest of the world watches. The Premier League is the most popular league in the world, by some distance. Why? Because it is played out in front of some of the world’s most passionate fans, within a culture that has been created over many generations and it has the best players in it (with the exception of a splattering at Barcelona).

The 2018 World Cup bid which we put together, was in my mind exceptional. It was delivered as well as any commercial presentation I have ever seen. The World Cup in England would have been the best for football. Instead we (again) go to a dangerous country and will have to fly between 11 time zones if we are to watch a good spread of football. That won’t be cheap either. Getting in also won’t be cheap. Not just to the games, but into the country, as a visa will be required for each entrant. Only the Lord knows why, as you won’t want to stay there once the competition is over!

But in England football is our culture. I’d even go as far to say it is a religion, followed by a massive percentage of the population who go watch or stay at home and watch football. It is not class defined. The active head of the FA is royalty. Big Daz who comes down to watch non league football with ketchup down his shirt, is not. But they clearly both love the game, and that will never go away in any of us.

Like it or not, it is ingrained into our society and has been for well over 100 years. It is almost genetic, passed down through the generations to both males and females. It is the same in Brazil, Germany, Holland, Spain, Argentina, Mexico, France, Chile, Peru and Poland. These World Cup’s have not been awarded for the benefit of those who have made the game a great one.

So where does that leave us? Well, licking our wounds and damaged pride in the first instance, but once you sit back and have a look, we shouldn’t get too upset. We still have a great culture in which we can enjoy watching and playing football. It’s a shame other populous will not be able to sample it, but we can still enjoy it. If you want to really enjoy football at it’s cultural best, then a regular trip to non-league football is a must. You can have a pie and a pint, not get hassled and watch some good, honest, down to earth football. Or if you prefer the glitz and the magnificent stadium’s then head off to professional football-either way the English game can accommodate and satisfy all types of fans. It’s just a shame Blatter and the boys refused to acknowledge that absolute fact!
 

Wakefield earned a 1-0 home win against Clitheroe after a superb performance at College Grove.

Wakefield enjoyed the better of the first half possession and went close to scoring through Paddy McGuire's free kick that curled just over and Marc Roberts low shot that hit the outside of the post.

Captain Wes Milnes gave Wakefield a deserved lead five minutes before half time when he headed in a right wing corner.

Clitheroe came at Wakefield in the second half, but The Bears withstood the intense pressure to hold out for the three points.

The visitors hit the post and Jan Zolna was in top form to deny them on more than one occasion.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wes Milnes

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks (Brooke 63), Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, McGuire, Jones, South, Denton (Kyriacou 61), Kane (Hunter 74). Subs Not Used: Glavin, Shirtliff.

Wakefield fell to a 3-1 defeat at league leaders Chester, after playing for the majority of the game with ten men.

Wakefield had the better of the early exchanges with strikers Tom Denton and Danny South causing the Chester defence problems in windy conditions in the North West.

But the game changed inside 15 minutes when Denton was shown a red card for raising his arms after a scuffle with George Horan in the penalty area whilst waiting for a free kick to be taken. Horan escaped with only a booking.

Wakefield continued to stop Chester from playing football, with the home side making several poor placed passes and giving the ball away far too often.

James McCarthy had a "goal" chalked off for offside on twenty minutes, as Chester began to try and push forward.

Chester took the lead on the stroke of half time when Bradley Barnes flicked the ball into the far corner.

Michael Wilde scored Chester's second goal with a header just before the hour mark and substitute Robbie Booth scored a third with another header with 12 minutes left.

Brandon Kane grabbed a late consolation for Wakefield when he dispossesed a Chester defender before coolly slotting home.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Adam Jones

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, McGurie, Jones (Woodhead 84), South (Kane 58), Denton, Hunter (Brooke 64). Sub Not Used: Glavin.

Wakefield picked up a valuable three points with a narrow victory at basement side Leigh Genesis.

Wakefield were missing both Wes Milnes and Rob Tonks through work commitments, with Demi Kyriacou and Ashley Brooke slotting into the back four, in the only two changes made to the side that drew with Ossett Albion on Saturday.

Wakefield scored what proved to be the only goal of the game in the 13th minute when Patrick McGuire slotted home a loose ball after a ball into the box was only half punched clear by Leigh goalkeeper Adam Judge.

Leigh packed midfield in an attempt to out battle The Bears and get the ball forward, but they had little end product with Wakefield goalkeeper Jan Zolna having very little to do.

The young Leigh side became more comfortable as the game wore on and began to exert some late pressure on the Wakefield goal. Zolna made a good save to deny Ali Asgari from a rare chance for the home side.

Leigh continuosly pumped the ball into the box in the closing stages, but the Wakefield defence stood firm and dealt well with everything that was thrown at them to hold out for the three points.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Patrick McGuire

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Brooke, McGuire, Kyriacou, Stansfield (c), Kane, Jones (Glavin 70), South (Shirtliff 55), Denton (Woodhead 86), Hunter. Sub Not Used: Roberts.

Wakefield came from behind to draw 1-1 with Ossett Albion in the local derby fixture between two sides both struggling at the foot of the table.

Wakefield were the better side for the opening twenty minutes, but it was Ossett who took the lead when Lee Bennett stole in unmarked to head the ball past Jan Zolna.

The rest of the first half was pretty even, with both sides struggling to create chances.

In the second period, the game became a tense battle with both sides wanting to pick up the three points. Wakefield found an equaliser with twenty minutes remaining when winger Lawrance Hunter arrived at the far post to convert a low ball across goal.

Ossett were reduced to ten men when Mark Ryan was dismissed for a horrendous challenge on Danny South.

Both teams had chances to win the game, with Ossett guilty of not converting several breakaways and Wakefield unable to put the ball in the net from any of the numerous balls into the box that were sent over.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Lawrance Hunter

Wakefield: Zolna, Nicholson, Tonks, McGuire, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Kane, Jones, South, Denton, Hunter. Subs not Used: Kyriacou, Glavin, Shirtliff, Brooke, Roberts.

Wakefield FC have re-signed goalkeeper Jan Zolna and youth player Ashley Brooke on work experience from Rotherham United.

Zolna played for The Bears early in the season before leaving for Yorkshire Amateur. However, in recent matches Wakefield have been leaking goals and manager Steve Nicholson has persuaded Zolna to return.

Ashley Timms, who has been the regular number one choice goalkeeper in recent weeks, did not wish to stay and fight for his place. His registration with Wakefield FC has therefore been cancelled by mutual consent.

18 year old defender Ashley Brooke is based in Wakefield and has impressed after training with Wakefield in recent sessions.

Wakefield's poor form continued as Cammell Laird came from behind to beat the Bears 3-2 in Merseyside.

New signings Pat McGuire and Rob Tonks both started for Wakefield who were missing Wes Milnes due to work commitments and Marc Roberts who failed a late fitness test.

Wakefield took an early lead as Tonks was on hand to smash the ball home from 12 yards. The Bears continued to play well for much of the first half, although Ashley Timms did have to make a couple of good stops to keep the score at 1-0.

However, the home side equalised just before half time when Adam Wilson's sliced cross flew straight in at the near post.

Marc Stevens increased Cammell Laird's lead just before the hour mark, despite looking several yards offside. Wakefield were left furious with the referee's assistant who appeared to be busy asking the home bench to sit down and therefore missed the action and didn't raise his flag.

Paul Wheeler stole in to extend Cammell Laird's lead with ten minutes left. The home side had Danny Andrews dismissed for a second bookable offence after he kicked the ball away after the referee had blown for a free kick.

Wakefield pulled a goal back through substitute Wayne Shooter's low drive which found the bottom corner in the closing stages.

Shooter was then sent off for violent conduct after raising his arms during a melee near the Cammell Laird penalty area.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Pat McGuire.

Wakefield: Timms, Kane (South 63), Tonks, Nicholson, Kyriacou, Stansfield (c), Ferguson (Shooter 63), Jones, McGuire, Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Glavin, Torbitt.

The Bears have completed the signing of Robert Tonks from Bradford Park Avenue.

34 year old Tonks returns to the club after spending several seasons with Wakefield from the late 90s onwards.

Tonks is a versatile player who is equally at home in midfield or at full back and goes straight into the squad to travel to Cammell Laird on Saturday.

Wakefield were forced to field a makeshift defence as Brandon Kane, James Stansfield, Marc Roberts and Luke Danville were all out injured. With Adam Sparkes unavailable, Demi Kyriacou was forced to start at centre back and Steve Nicholson at right back, despite both not been fully match fit.

Wakefield enjoyed the lions share of the possesion throughout the game and controlled the match throughout, but failed to score and were beaten by four swift counter attacks from Garforth.

Paul Walker fired the home side into a fourth minute lead with a shot that went in off the inside of the post. Walker then doubled the advantage on the stroke of half time.

Wakefield continued to control possesion after the break, but Garforth went further in front when Adam Priestley slotted home after another quick break away.

Ex Wakefield forward Chris Howarth scored the fourth goal with ten minutes left.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Ian Robinson.

Wakefield: Timms, Nicholson, Morris, Robinson (Shirtliff 78), Milnes (c), Kyriacou, Shooter (Ferguson 70), Jones, South, Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Firth, Glavin, Torbitt.

Wakefield were forced to make several changes to the side that held Chorley to a 2-2 draw on Saturday.

Marc Roberts missed the game after picking up a knock at the weekend but should be fit for the visit to Garforth Town this coming Saturday. With James Stansfield suspended and Luke Danville out until after Christmas with torn knee ligaments, Under 18 defender Adam Sparkes filled in at centre half. With Aidan Morris also unfit to play, Matt Torbitt started the game at left back. Adam Jones had also picked up a knock so Danny South dropped back to join Conor Glavin in midfield, with Ian Robinson playing in behind Tom Denton up front. There was also a place in the starting eleven for Delroy Ferguson, with Wayne Shooter dropping to the bench.

Harrogate enjoyed the better of the first half chances, with Ashley Timms forced to make several fine saves in one on one situations. Colin Hunter slotted Harrogate in front after 16 minutes after capitalising on a poor pass across defence by Wes Milnes.

Danny South got the last touch to score for Wakefield following a corner to pull the scores back level five minutes later.

But Harrogate continued to look dangerous when breaking forward and went back in front when Paul Stansfield raced clear to score after half an hour.

The second half saw fewer chances at both ends, with Wakefield searching in vain for an equaliser.

Harrogate wrapped up the win ten minutes from time when Kevin Ryan scored to put them into the quarter-finals at Wakefield's expense.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Danny South.

Wakefield: Timms, Kane (Woodhead 90+1), Torbitt, Glavin (Shirtliff 57), Milnes (c), Sparkes, Ferguson (Shooter 70), Robinson, South, Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Morris, Nicholson.

Wakefield twice came from behind to hold promotion hopefuls Chorley to a 2-2 draw at College Grove.

Wayne Shooter earned a start for Wakefield in place Conor Glavin as The Bears switched to a 4-4-2 formation.

Steve Flitcroft's deflected shot put Chorley ahead on the quarter hour mark, but Wakefield continued to frustrate the visitors and Tom Denton lashed home an equaliser from close range after a corner.

Chorley hit straight back as Jordan Stepien stole in unmarked to divert the ball into the bottom corner to give them a half time lead.

Chorley continued to enjoy the better of the possesion in the second half but found the Wakefield defence difficult to break down and struggled to create efforts on goal.

The home side punished them with fifteen minutes left when subsitute Ian Robinson converted at the near post.

Wakefield survived some late pressure from Chorley to leave the final score at 2-2.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Timms, Kane, Morris, Roberts (Glavin 77), Milnes (c), Stansfield (Danville 90+1), Shooter (Robinson 65), Jones, South, Denton, Hunter. Subs Not Used: Ferguson, Nicholson.

Wakefield slipped to a 4-1 defeat at Bamber Bridge, although the scoreline flattered the home side.

Bridge were gifted their first goal in the 13th minute when a poor kick by Ashley Timms fell straight at the feet of Warren Beattie who curled the ball into the open goal from 30 yards.

The home side's advantage was doubled ten minutes later when full back Michael White headed in unmarked at the far post.

Marc Roberts pulled a goal back for Wakefield on the half hour mark via a Marc Roberts header and began to search for an equaliser.

The Bears played some excellent football after the break, with Wayne Shooter entering the field as a substitute at half time and making a real difference on the right hand side of midfield.

But the goal just wouldn't come for The Bears and White scored Bridge's third goal from the penalty spot with eleven minutes left after Timms was adjudged to have upended a Bridge striker in the penalty area.

Alistair Waddecare made sure of the points by converting a low ball into the box with just a few minutes remaining.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wayne Shooter.

Wakefield: Timms, Kane, Morris, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Glavin (Shooter 46), Jones (Edwards 87), South, Denton, Hunter (Firth 79). Subs Not Used: Torbitt, Ferguson.

Wakefield suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat at bottom of the table Harrogate Railway to go out of the West Riding Cup at the first round stage.

Wakefield made one change to the side that drew with Warrington, with Matthew Torbitt coming into the side at left back and Steve Nicholson moving to right back in place of Brandon Kane who was unavailable.

Wakefield were much the better side for the opening quarter of the match. Lawrance Hunter rattled the crossbar with a curling free kick and The Bears were denied a penalty when Danny South looked to be clearly pulled down inside the area.

But it was the home side that took the lead when Jon Maloney scored after a break down the left hand side.

Danny South had a shot well saved by Railway goalkeeper Leigh Walker as Wakefield searched for an equaliser.

The Bears were second best throughout the second half as Railway dominated for long periods.

Nicholson limped off with a hamstring injury and Wakefield were forced to play with Adam Jones at right back and Ryan Pleasants at left back for the latter part of the game.

Kevin Ryan doubled Railway's lead on the hour and late goals from Luke Durham and Steve Palfrey added to Wakefield's woes.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Wes Milnes

Wakefield: Timms, Nicholson (Edwards 50), Torbitt (Pleasants 65), Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Firth (Glavin 79), Jones, South, Denton, Hunter.

Wakefield picked up a good home point against Warrington Town at College Grove.

Wakefield started with Steve Nicholson at left back in place of the injured Aidan Morris and Brandon Kane taking up the right back slot. James Stansfield returned at centre half after being cup tied in midweek. Danny South partnered Tom Denton up front in a 4-4-2 formation.

Wakefield matched their opponents, who had only lost one league game all season, throughout the first half.

Good work by Danny South just before half time saw him get the better of the Warrington defender before crossing for Tom Denton to plant a header into the net to give The Bears a half time lead.

Warrington came out after half time and attacked from the off. The Wakefield defence stood firm until twenty minutes from time when Chris Gahgan stole in to equalise.

Their were chances for both sides to win the game, but in the end a 1-1 draw was probably a fair result.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: James Stansfield

Wakefield: Timms, Nicholson, Kane, Roberts, Milnes (c), Stansfield, Firth (Robinson 46), Jones, South, Denton, Hunter (Pleasants 77). Subs Not Used: Edwards, Torbitt, Danville.

Wakefield recovered from conceding an early goal to win 2-1 at Woodley Sports.

The Bears made several changes to the side that lost at Salford. Brandon Kane and Matt Torbitt came in at full back in place of Steve Nicholson and Aidan Morris who dropped to the bench. Marc Roberts partnered Wes Milnes at centre half, with James Stansfield cup tied.

Conor Glavin replaced the unavailable Adam Jones in midfield, alongside Jay Edwards. New signing from Silsden Lawrance Hunter started on the left wing with Josh Burgin handed a start on the right. Danny South returned from a long suspension, partnering Tom Denton up front.

Woodley took a fourth minute lead with a headed goal, but it was Wakefield who were to go on and enjoy the better of the first half possesion, without finding the back of the net.

The Bears always looked to have the beating of the Woodley defenders on set pieces and it was no surprise when South headed in a corner for a deserved equaliser early in the second half.

Milnes stabbed home Wakefield's second goal from another corner just after the hour marke after Edwards had headed down Hunter's ball into the box.

Wakefield survived five minutes of stoppage time, with Woodley hitting the cross bar from long range but unable to find an equaliser.

Wakefield FC Man of the Match: Marc Roberts

Wakefield: Timms, Kane, Torbitt, Roberts, Milnes (c), Glavin, Edwards (Shirtliff 82), Hunter, South, Denton, Burgin (Lyn 54). Subs Not Used: Morris, Nicholson, Woodhead.