Wakefield & District Sunday Football League (Division 1)

Wakefield Athletic .................................. 2
Walnut Tree................................................. 1

New-look Wakefield Athletic registered a hard fought but deserved victory over local rivals Walnut Tree in this opening day derby fixture in Division One.

The home side made a positive start with skipper Danny Barnes the driving force and causing the visitors some difficult moments.

Wakefield took the lead in the 17th minute when keeper Anthony Whiteside's long-punt was not cleared and saw striker Luke Crossley latch onto the loose ball to hit a tremendous half-volley into the roof of the net.

Walnut countered briefly and tested the home rearguard of Warren Saxton, Gavin Bell, Shazad Fiaz and Lee Everett but they were restricted to long-range efforts and saw them go close with a 40 yard screamer which just sailed over the bar.

The visitors started the stronger on the turn and put Wakefield under pressure and playing the better football.  Wakefield re-grouped and took control but it needed the introduction of fresh legs in the shape of David Bartholomew, Sikander Ibrahim and Adam Ives to regain the momentum.

Wakefield made it 2-0 when a flowing move between Lee Everett, Mark Tallant and Andrew Whelan ended with striker Scott Everett ghosting in on the blind side to slide the ball past the visiting keeper from close range.

Walnut retaliated and forced the home side on the back foot and got back into the game with a penalty goal from Andy Roberts but Wakefield held on for maximum points.

The Express man-of -the-match for Wakefield Athletic was shared by debutants Warren Saxon and Craig Smith.

(Sun 2/09/07).