Two early goals in the first and a late second half goal ensured a victory for Wakefield against local rivals Slazenger who struggled to come to terms with the water based surface at college grove. Wakefield coach Ian Batty was able to pick from a full strength squad, which was telling in the performance.Crucial to the game was the battle for middle of the park, which was influenced throughout by Wakefield’s duo of Chris Gregg and Alfonso Gomez-Acebo, supported by sweeper Dave Farrar.
As Wakefield took early charge Slazenger were indebted to goalkeeper James Cowden, who repelled many of the home attacks.
It was good anticipation from Gregg that led to the first goal after 10 minutes when he latched onto a poor clearance to set up Tim Worthington who lifted the ball over the advancing Cowden.
The Grovers continued to press feeding the ball down the right hand side, enabling the skill and trickery of Si Bunney to cause disarray within the visitors defence.
Wakefield then doubled their lead from a short corner. A well-rehearsed training ground routine saw Gregg feed Ian Craven, who tapped in at the far post.
Slazenger looked to have pulled one back from an Adrian Buckley penalty corner strike but it was ruled out for being dangerous.
The second half was a scrappy affair and true to the nature of these games there were two sin-binnings, one for each side.
Slazenger did rally with Jimmy Swinden, Wiper and Mike Thornicroft enjoying more possession but were unable to break down the home defence.
The Grovers eventually sealed the win when Greg was able to set up Gary Town who slotted into the corner five minutes from time.
