Toolstation NCEL Division One
Gabe Mozzini says Wakefield AFC’s 3-3 draw at Hemsworth Miners Welfare was an eye-opening experience.
Newly-promoted Wakefield were playing against NCEL opposition for the first time and they were given a rough ride – especially in the first half when they found themselves 2-0 down.
Wakefield prided themselves on their possession-based football last season but for the majority of the first half they couldn’t get near the ball.
“The game is much more intense (higher up) and you can see all the (Hemsworth) players are quality and they all have good touches and they can all dribble,” Mozzini told Non League Yorkshire.
“This wasn’t the case in our league last year. Some players did but not all.
“Here all the players are quite dangerous and they are much more physical.
“So we’ve definitely seen a change that we’re going to have to adapt to.
“It was a struggle for the whole of the first half.
“They out-played us. They were stronger, more physical.
“I’d say it was a wake-up-call fo us and a learning curve.
“Both teams changed players in the second half and the intensity dropped naturally so the second half says less about the game.”
The majority of the EV2 Sheffield & Hallamshire County Senior League title-winning squad were on show at Hemsworth.
Wakefield have yet to release any squad news but Mozzini says they are looking to bring in new faces to add strength.
“I have been quiet publicly but we’re working hard,” he said.
“We have kept everyone from last year – one player might leave as he is trialling with another club.
“Luke Blackburn is injured due to surgery on his ankle so he’ll be out for a few months.
“I think they deserve the chance (to play in the NCEL) because they did really well.
“We are looking for three-to-four strong players who could play at a higher level and we will have a development squad who will play on a Monday.
“So we’re hoping to bring players through.”