Wakefield AFC are up and running in their pre-season matches and have registered an impressive victory already.

The Falcons were beaten 2-0 in their first run out ahead of the 2026-27 season when they travelled to play NCEL Premier Division side Parkgate, but enjoyed their second match as they took on and beat a Barnsley FC under 21 side.

The Barnsley line-up included Max Rayner, who played on loan with Wakefield at the end of last season, including in their agonising promotion play-off defeat at Worsborough Bridge Athletic.

In what was to prove a fine work out for both sides and saw both aiming to play quality constructive passing football it was the Falcons who came out on top 3-2.

Goalkeeper Drew Bremer has signed on for another year at Wakefield AFC.

placeholder image — Goalkeeper Drew Bremer has signed on for another year at Wakefield AFC.

Shay Evans-Booth put them ahead after only two minutes and added a second later in the opening half after Barnsley had equalised.

Winger Basile Zottos made it 3-1 five minutes before half-time, only for the Football League visitors to score their second almost straight away.

There were no further goals in a quieter second half when substitutions were made to get game time into as many players as possible.

"A very positive performance overall,” said Wakefield manager Jason Blunt. “Two strong 45-minute displays in our two fixtures with fitness improving and relationships on the pitch continuing to develop.

Curtis Morrison is back for a second spell with Wakefield FC. Picture: Steve Biltcliffe

"We created plenty of chances and controlled the first half. The second half was tougher with a few players missing and others returning from holidays and work commitments, but that’s all part of pre-season.

"Credit to Barnsley’s young squad – they’ve got some talented players and gave us a great test.

"Lots of positives to take and plenty still to work on.”

Wakefield have more games ahead as they look to build to the big NCE Division One kick-off at Winterton Rangers on Saturday, July 25.

The club, meanwhile, have confirmed more player retentions and new signings ahead of the upcoming season.

Goalkeeper Drew Bremer will once again be between the sticks for the Falcons after making 33 appearances last term, keeping 14 clean sheets.

He had options to play abroad and the club supported him in exploring these, but he has decided to be a Falcon once again for 2026-27.

Backing him up again will be 20-year-old Luke Mallinder, who joined at the start of last season and provided competition and support for the number one spot. he will again be competing with Bremer for the goalkeeping jersey.

Another retention is the pacey Oli Robinson, who will be available for the start of the season before taking up an opportunity to play in America in August. He will then return in October and, following international clearance, will be then be back registered for the remainder of the season.

Among the new signings announced are three already familiar to Falcons fans with forwards James Eyles, Curtis Morrison and Shay Evans-Booth returning for second spells at the club.

Wakefield have also signed 19-year-old former Doncaster Rovers Academy midfielder Kenzie Dillon from Doncaster City, where he made 38 appearances last season, and 28-year-old midfielder Sam Drake, formerly of Farsley Celtic and Brighouse Town.