Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League
Wakefield AFC manager Adam Lockwood expects his youngsters to face a “big test” against second-placed Dodworth Miners Welfare tomorrow.
Wakefield are due to host Dodworth at The Millennium Stadium in the unmissable Premier Division encounter and Lockwood knows his young guns have a battle on their hands.
“It will be another great test for us and I’m looking forward to the test,” Lockwood told Non League Yorkshire.
“It is about whether we can come out of it with sort of learning experience and how can we improve moving forward.
“I’m sure it will be a very tough test.
“You want to play against teams higher up the Division to test yourself and push yourself.
“Dodworth will certainly be a big test for us and the league table tells you that.
“They have a great squad and they’re strong in all areas.
“We’ll have to see how we fare.”
The clash between two of the most-talked about clubs in the Division is one of the most eagerly-anticipated matches in the County Senior League calendar.
The attendance could even breach 300 and Lockwood says crowds and the quality of football in the league is strengthening the County Senior League’s image.
“I think (the fixture) is great for the league,” he said.
“We have had some great games so far this season and it should be celebrated that the standards in the league are rising all the time.
“All games are difficult.
“Everyone will be looking at games where the teams are higher up the league but I do believe that they are some very tough tests no matter what position teams are in.
“I think every team on their day can cause problems in this league.
“Usually that’s a sign of a good Division.
“Credit to every club that is making that a thing.
“It is also great that we’re seeing all around Non League Football that crowds are rising.
“This league is getting bigger than ever before and that’s not just with us, it is across the board.
Wakefield have been busy on the recruitment front in the past six weeks.
Former Pontefract Collieries striker Jordan Turner has joined, as has Billy Mole whilst goalkeeper James Leverton has been and gone.
Lockwood doesn’t rule out further new signings but he also says the pathway from the under 23s is working well.
“Like any club things change and you get injuries and people progress,” he said.
“As a club we’re looking at things constantly as most clubs are and we’re always looking to improve.
“As most clubs have had to do this year because of the pandemic, we have had to make sure we can field competitive sides.
“I’ve read other manager interviews and they’ve said players have wanted to live their lives (by going on holiday).
“We always want to improve but we also want to develop from within so we have had quite a few players progress (from the under 23s) and it has been great to see.
“We want to keep that happening at the club and we want to have a platform for players to enjoy their football.”