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Andy MacManus, who was unavailable for Saturday’s First Team fixture away at Ilkeston Town through work commitments. brought the defence some much needed aerial stability and throughout the first 20 minutes he looked very assured.
Jonathan Hedge, in goal, was first to make any impact by turning an excellent free kick round his left hand post as Wakefield were enjoying much of the early exchanges.
Wakefield were particularly physical. With several of their challenges being punished, it was pleasing to see Ossett's young side compete and gain more confidence as the half progressed.
Ossett's best chance came from good work on the halfway line by Thompson beating Wakefield's full back and delivering an early ball for the onrushing Marsh who slid in only to direct the chance over the bar.
Oxer was withdrawn rewarding his efforts with a 1st team squad place on Saturday and Downey had to be replaced as a first half injury continued to hinder him.
Kamara stepped in at centre half and was dominant early on and gave Town a much needed boost as the game approached the final third period.
Poole replaced Rawson and Marsh was left to rue a couple of good chances which, on a better day may have been more fruitful.
Ossett pressed into the final minutes as Consterdine, Thompson, Marsh, Poole and Squires looked dangerous going forward but with defence clearly on top, Patterson Guiry, Mc Manus and Hedge are worth a note for a more solid looking performance than the first game.
Overall, a pleasing point earned by Ossett, against a strong Wakefield side that certainly had the edge in size and strength, with Town able to hold on in the final minutes.
Phil Thompson – Reserves Manager
A tough opening encounter was the prospect for the Reserves opening game of the season particularly after several players had been deprived of any playing time despite their endeavours in pre-season training. Farsley's second string on the back of last season's league and cup double and first team promotion to Blue Square Conference Premier were always going to be a stern test for Town's youthful reserves.
Johnny Hall, Johnny Downey, Joe Wilson & Adam Frost all made their senior debut's whilst Adam Marsh & Ben Kamara made Ossett Town debuts. Town started brightly and passed the ball considering their inactivity and Squires was unlucky not to make contact at the far post following a Jackson free-kick. Minutes later a swift interchange left Jackson to cut in on his left foot to shoot with success from 25 yards with the Farsley keeper Holdroyd looking slightly embarrassed.
This stung Farsley into action and their excellent passing and movement were asking severe questions of Ossetts central defence as inevitably Farsley equalised following a deft touch over the Ossett rearguard to be driven home by Dixon.
Farsley continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession with Steve Downes and Andrew Watson linking well down the Farsley right and on 22 minutes Farsley were in front following a slip by Hall and an excellent cross from Waterfield which was finished expertly by the powerful head of the onrushing
Watson.
Ossett suffered for the following minutes as they struggled to retain possession with Towns wide men Thompson and Rawson being well marshalled. Bennett had to be alert as a ball in behind the defence had Watson looking the favourite only to see the Town keeper clear smartly. Ossett appeared to have weathered the storm Squires and Wilson were becoming more influential in midfield which allowed the partnership of Oxer and Marsh to present their own problems to Farsleys Thackray. On 34 minutes Oxer once again outfoxed Thackray racing clear to finish from just outside the box to level at 2-2. town enjoyed their best period of the game as Marsh and Oxer looked more of a threat and when Marsh raced onto a through ball to lob over the helpless Holdroyd a lead looked on the cards as the ball drifted agonisingly wide to leave the sides 2-2 at half -time.
The second half opened much the same as the first as Ossett appeared to be more comfortable however Stevens broke up play in Ossetts final third and as Bennett came to gather was unable to hold on and the ball was lifted into the empty net by Dixon. A disappointing way to go behind as farsley were showing they didn't need any help in creating opportunities and this was rammed home minutes later as Smith cut through to finish coolly past the exposed Bennett.
Town introduced Kamara and switched from a 4-4-2 to 4-4-3 in an effort to rescue something and as Thompson threaded the pass for marsh to race clear one on one Holdroyd was alert to deflect Marsh's shot for a corner. this was to Marsh's last activity as he was withdrawn following a thigh strain introducing Frost into the attack as Farsley demonstrated a calm controlled assertive demeanour with full-backs Serrant and Downes raiding the flanks at every opportunity. On 80 minutes a cross from Farsley's left was despatched into the top corner of Town's goal as the events of the evening began to take their toll. Farsley continued to press and Ossett could be grateful for man of the Match Jackson's efficiency as he switched to centre half and clearly showing the benefits of playing a few games pre-season.
The game ended 5-2 to Farsley and Town can benefit from knowing exactly what is required but draw comfort from their excellent work rate and the knowledge that fluency will come with more games and the players getting to know each other a little better.
Next up Liversedge v Ossett Town Reserves Tuesday 21st august at Liversedge K.O 7-00 in what should be a very demanding friendly playing the first team of the North East Counties Premier Outfit
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