Paul Lines said he was proud of Wakefield’s second half response in the 3-2 defeat to Curzon Ashton
Wakefield FC boss Paul Lines praised his players for their second half response in the 3-2 Evo Stik Division One North defeat to Curzon Ashton at Belle Vue last night, writes James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson).
Curzon were cruising to victory at half-time and could have easily led by more than two goals. However, two moments of brilliance from lethal striker Rob Bordman brought strugglers Wakefield level by 65 minutes.
Parity remained for just 60 seconds as Matthew Warburton struck the winner for Curzon – a goal that Lines believed should have been ruled out for offside.
Wakefield pushed hard for an equaliser, but Curzon held on and despite the loss, Lines was very upbeat.
Lines told Sports Performer: “I thought we did alright for the first 15 or 20 minutes until the first goal went in because our heads went down. We then switched off for the second goal.
“I think for the last period of the first half Curzon did deserve to be ahead. We then had to patient for the first ten minutes of the second half before we got a reaction.
“It shows how good our spirit is. Curzon are second in the league and they’re not second for nothing and I think we have given them a right good game – especially in the second half.
“When we got the equaliser I thought we could on and win it as we were on the ascendancy. But, how times in football do you see a team concede straight after scoring?
“I’m really proud of the players though. There is a lot of fighting spirit in this side and there is a lot of positives to take out of tonight’s game.”
Curzon dominated the first half and John Flanagan’s team took full advantage of the excellent pitch to pass the ball around in a quick and exciting manner. The home side were put under a lot of pressure and within 11 minutes Curzon were in front.
Curzon captain Samuel Walker (left) set up their first goal
Captain Sam Walker’s corner was not dealt with and striker Niall Cummins was on hand to score from close range.
The visitors really had Wakefield on the rack and Warburton and former Farsley AFC midfielder Ryan Watson were among the names of those who had shots saved by goalkeeper Neil Bennett.
The goal that should have put the game to bed arrived on 36 minutes when Chris Young’s cross was finished off by Simon Woodford with a header.
But, Curzon were made to rue the countless missed chances as Wakefield refused to die. The warning signs were there at the end of the opening half when Curzon goalkeeper Hakan Burton showed his qualities.
Burton denied Bordman when the striker tried to lob him before somehow reacting magnificently to push Joe Turfrey’s follow-up header away from danger.
Bordman recently signed a contract with Wakefield having been a revelation since joining early on in the season and has developed a reputation for scoring spectacular goals.
After a free kick wasn’t properly cleared, Bordman was there lurking on the edge of the box and the striker brilliantly volleyed Wakefield back into the game close to the hour mark.
If his first goal was excellent, the composure shown in the equaliser was superb. With Curzon suddenly the ropes, Wakefield could sense an equaliser. Substitute Luke Wilkinson played the pass to Bordman who still had a lot of work to do 25 yards from goal.
With Dale Minor set to make the tackle, Bordman took the defender on and beat him. And with only the goalkeeper Burton remaining, the Wakefield forward scored his 21st of the campaign by sliding the ball under the stopper.
However, the joy of equalising soon turned to anger as Warburton capitalised on some poor defending and stormed into the Wakefield box to score the winner.
The goal was a killer blow to Wakefield who had a good spell of pressure at the end which included an overhead kick from Bordman that flashed well wide.
When the final whistle eventually sounded, Curzon celebrated going back to the top of the table while Wakefield set their sights on Saturday’s trip to Cammell Laird in their fight for survival.
Wakefield FC: Bennett, Durham, Hardaker, Blakey (Hayton 71), Morris (McClean 91), Mycoe, Turner, D Bordman (captain), R Bordman, Turfrey (Wilkinson 55), Marsden. Subs unused: Grant, Hamilton.
Curzon Ashton: Burton, Rowney, Minor, Hunt, Woodford, Young, Watson (Wright 80), Walker (captain), Cummins, Warburton (Kay 82), Horrocks (Hampson 74). Subs unused: Bett, McDonagh.
Referee: G Mellor
Attendance: 81
Man of the match: Rob Bordman (Wakefield FC)