Wakefield Athletic ---------------------------------- 2
Sandal FC ----------------------------------------- 1

Goals in either half from Craig Smith and David Bartholomew earned leaders Wakefield Athletic a deserved but hard-fought victory over Sandal FC in this Division One derby.

Wakefield made a solid start with striker Sikander Ibrahim leading the line well but it was midfielder Andrew Whelan who posted the early warning with two long-range efforts testing the visiting keeper. 

Sandal came more into the game and forced the home rearguard of Lee Everett, Gavin Bell, Ben Palmer and Warren Saxton on the back foot for a sustained period. They produced a couple of chances to open the scoring but could not find the finishing touch.

Wakefield regained control with Danny Barnes and Mark Tallant getting grip in the middle of the park and took the lead in the dying minutes of the half with a wonder strike from Craig Smith -a volley on the run into the top corner.

The home side doubled their lead in the 51st minute with a superb finish from striker David Bartholomew who beat the off-side trap before applying a clinical finish in a 1:1 situation with the keeper.

Sandal fought back and a spectacular finish from long-range from Reece Heath saw the visitors back in the game with a fight chance but an astonishing miss from Michael Townend from three yards out for a equaliser opportunity was to prove costly.

Wakefield finished stronger with Luke Crossley, Whelan and Ibrahim missing golden opportunities in a late flurry but saw the game through for three maximum points.

Adam Ibbottson was the pick from a good team performance from Sandal FC while the Express man-of the match for Wakefield Athletic was shared by Warren Saxton and Mark Tallant.