Wakefield Athletic secured there first league double of the season as they beat Wagon 3 – 0, with stand-in skipper Tom Salter keeping his second clean sheet against what must now be his favourite opponents.

Both sides began the match well and tried to play decent football but neither really tested their opponent’s keeper. Athletic slowly began to regain some of the confidence lost in last weeks home defeat and should have taken the lead when Alistar Hill’s cross found Simon Newey unmarked two yards out, however with the keeper stranded Newey lost sight of the ball in the sun and his header dribbled wide.

With Athletic in the ascendancy the long throws of Chopper Firth were causing major problems in the Wagon defence and when Gavin Heppinstall flicked on Newey found himself three yards out with the goal gaping, however uncharacteristically and for the second time he somehow found a way to miss the target.

The breakthrough finally came when Wagon failed to clear another long throw and Firth’s resulting cross was again flicked on by Heppinstall this time Kevin Guy managed to beat his marker to ball and head the ball past the keeper with the aid of the post.

The goal marked a period of dominance for Athletic and they were rewarded when Newey broke down the left and fired in a low shot which the keeper could only parry, the resulting clearance was blocked by the on-rushing Hill and the ball found the back of the net via his heel.

The second half saw Wagon pile on the pressure in pursuit of a goal but another solid display from Matt Fenlon, Craig Oliver, Lee Everett and Firth kept the home side at bay.

Athletic looked more likely to add to their lead on the counter-attack with Simon Bentley and Newey both looking sharp up front. Despite some good passing from both sides it transpired it was a more ‘route one’ passage of play which sealed the three points for Athletic, as Salter’s long kick dropped between the Wagon centre halves Guy reacted the quicker, he broke into the box and slotted the ball past the keeper.

With confidence up Athletic continued to make chances with Newey, Bentley, Hill and Heppinstall all going close, the latter managing to head over from less than a yard out.

A solid team performance from Athletic will stand them in good stead for next weeks visit by league leaders Bingley Arms, with numerous good performances this weeks "PREENES" MOM accolade was shared by Simon Bentley, Alistar Hill and Kevin Guy.