Saturday 19th September 2026 | Austin Ainsworth
Barely two weeks have passed since Wakefield AFC went back to the past, with the return of Adam Lockwood to the dugout signalling the dawn of another new era for The Falcons. He ensured a feel-good vibe eased the disappointment of another managerial change after the departure of Jason Blunt, and backed that up with an impressive win his first game.
However, it has certainly been a baptism of fire for Lockwood, as a run of tricky fixtures awaited him; The Falcons falling to defeat in their next two games as they succumbed to Wombwell Town in their last league outing, before exiting the FA Vase to the side that broke Wakefield hearts at the end of last season in the play-off final – Worsbrough Bridge Athletic.
There were positive signs in both games, particularly in the second half at Worsbrough, and with that in mind Lockwood made just one change to the starting line-up from that game – Jay Davies making his first start since his return from injury in midfield in place of the suspended Craig Nelthorpe.
Wakefield briefly looked to have made the better start on Field’s pristine pitch, the midfield trio of Davies, Sam Drake and the more advanced Callum Nicell helping to control possession. The first 10 minutes saw Davies go close when a cheekily audacious effort from distance almost embarrassed the goalkeeper, whilst Aris Cunha – playing in the centre of an attack-minded front three that also featured James Eyles and Harry Shepherd – nearly finished a good move when he shot straight at the ‘keeper from the edge of the box.
However, Field began to take control of the game after Wakefield’s bright start, and the away side were soon on the back foot. At times Wakefield were too passive off the ball, failing to pressure the opposition with any real intent. That, comprised with their advanced front three, meant spaces started to open up for the home side as Wakefield’s midfield was dragged out of position time and time again; whilst Wakey’s full-backs were often left exposed to overloads on the wing.
Field soon capitalised and took the lead in the 18th minute. It was poor from a Wakefield perspective as Field were allowed to take a quick free kick in their own half, with the ball played short and then their player progressing all the way to the Wakefield box all-but unopposed. From there credit must go to Field, who showed why they were challenging right at the top of the league this season with an incisive move that saw the ball drilled into feet on the edge of the box. The receiving player then flicked the ball on for the perfectly timed run of his team mate, who cut the ball back for Kieron Batey to finish. Blink and you would have missed it – Wakefield were 1-0 down.
Wakefield goalkeeper Drew Bremer made an excellent save not long after, in what was the only real moment of threat in a first half that became bit-part and rather flat. Whether that was the reason or the result of a generally lethargic atmosphere amongst just 70 attendees is open to debate, but the only real action for much of the game involved the referee and his brandishing of yellow cards – each side receiving four, though Wakefield perhaps a little aggrieved at cynical fouls constantly disrupting their attempted attacks.
The away side certainly saw more of the ball in the second period as they looked to press for an equaliser, though disappointingly failed to test the home side’s goalkeeper. Eyles worked tirelessly in his unfamiliar wide position and went closest for Wakefield with a lovely lob from wide that went just over the bar – that move coming from a good Wakefield counter-attack.
Meanwhile Josh Lockwood and Davies in front of him had made decisive defensive interventions, as well as eye-catching progressive passes forward throughout the game. That was ultimately to no avail as Field still saw the best of the chances on goal, repeatedly breaking on Wakefield to race in on goal.
Bremer stopped three almost certain goals from close range, one of which also saw a last-ditch block somehow prevent the player shooting into an open goal on the rebound. Then, in the fifth minute of injury time, any hope of a Wakefield equaliser subsided with the award of a penalty to Field for a foul just inside the box. However, Bremer stepped up again to make a brilliant save low to his right. His heroics aside, there was insufficient time for Wakefield to make the most of that reprieve as the final whistle went soon after.
With that, Wakefield were confined to their third successive defeat, the two in the league dropping them to ninth in the NCEL Division One, six points off the play-off positions. Field remained second, three points off top spot with a game in hand – a measure of their fine start to the season.
It is no time for crisis for The Falcons however, as Lockwood looks to settle back into the job and steady the ship. He and everyone else will be desperate to return to winning ways, but next face another tough test in yet another away game, seventh placed Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday 26th September; kick:off 15:00PM.
Match Stats
Half Time: 1-0
Full Time: 1-0
Attendance: 70
Wakefield AFC Starting XI:
Drew Bremer – Kenzie Dillon, Josh Lockwood, Matthew Swift, Owen Thomas (C) – Sam Drake, Jay Davies – Harry Shepherd, Callum Nicell, James Eyles – Aris Cunha
Wakefield AFC Subs Used:
52m, Ify Ofoegbu for Harry Shepherd
57m, Mo Conteh for Jay Davies
61m, Zak Cottle for Arts Cunha
70m, Mason Rubie for Kenzie Dillon
Goals:
18m, Kieron Batey
Wakefield AFC Cards:
Harry Shepherd (Yellow)
Matthew Swift (Yellow)
Josh Lockwood (Yellow)
Zak Cottle (Yellow)
Attempts
Wakefield AFC
First Half
Shots on Target: 1
Shots off Target: 1
Second Half
Shots on Target: 0