Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League Premier Division
Terry Simon rued two big moments during Wombwell Main’s 3-0 defeat at Wakefield AFC.
Ryan Wingrove missed a great chance at 0-0 and former Worsbrough Bridge hero Kieran Hirst should have equalised on the hour when Wakefield led by the solitary goal.
“It is the first game we have had a month and we had 20 lads available so I can’t complain about a weakened squad,” Simon told Non League Yorkshire.
“We had a good squad out and we fancied our chances.
“We got here and looked at the pitch and thought it isn’t going to suit our style of play.
“I don’t think it particularly suits Wakefield as I think they are a bit more of a footballing side.
“We started off alright but then they got on top a little bit.
“But then we had really good chance, one versus one when young Ryan has gone through and the ‘keeper has made a half decent save.
“Within ten seconds they have scored, 1-0.
“They are very quick on the break and they’re good in wide areas, particularly down the slope.
“We changed it a little bit at half-time as kicking down the hill in the second half we knew we were going to have more possession or we thought we would.
“We didn’t think their wing-backs would get forward as much and it seemed to prove that.
“I thought we started the second half well and it looked like we were going to get back in the game.
“With the best bit of football we played all game, two or three passes opened up them and it dropped to young Kieran Hirst who is usually reliable.
“I thought he would have opened his body up and played it across the ‘keeper with his left foot.
“He sliced at it. Had he scored it would have been one-a-piece.
“Five minutes later they go and score to make it 2-0.
“At 2-0 they managed the game well.
“I think overall (Wakefield) were the better team…fair result? Possibly.”
Nearly 250 people attended the Wednesday night fixture and Simon agreed it was a fantastic advertisement for County Senior League football.
“It is a bit surreal that you’re coming to a place like Featherstone Rovers’ ground and it is a several thousand seater stadium,” he said.
“It is great and I remember coming here last year after lockdown and you had to apply for the 300 tickets.
“It was a lot more home orientated whereas tonight it was a bit more even and there was some good banter.
“It is brilliant for the league, almost 250 people there on a Wednesday night.”
Next up for Wombwell is the home clash with local rivals North Gawber on Saturday – game Simon is relishing.
“We always have tasty games with Gawber and they are always interesting,” he said.
“At their place it was a right ding-dong (earlier in the season).
“We were 3-0 down with eight minutes to go and we ended up drawing 3-3.
“I hope with eight minutes to go this week we are 3-0 up and they won’t bounce back.”