Following a late approach on the morning of Friday, 14th April, Game Changer happily accepted to play a friendly match at Yorkshire Wanders the following day, making the short journey across Barnsley and into Hillsborough, which plays a short distance away from League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday – with a 10:30 AM kick-off.
The two sides had met earlier in the year on, 25th February, with Yorkshire Wanderers claiming a 3-1 victory at Barnsley Academy. Wanderers again were the victors on this occasion with both matches being a tight-knitted affair.
Hampered by availability, Game Changer could name just one substitute amongst their squad but, despite, being without key personnel, they made an excellent account for themselves. First-Team manager, Gavin Frost, had agreed to officiate, leaving Jamie Moore as caretaker manager in Frost’s absence. Moore opted for a traditional 4-4-2 formation with regular stopper Ryan Hunter in goal. The Changer team fielded debutant Conor Jones in centre-midfield whilst a change in attack saw Brandon Jones accompany Dean Crawford upfront.
Yorkshire Wanderers 4-3 Game Changer FC Saturday, 15th April 2023 Friendly Match
Game Changer XI | Substitutes |
Ryan Hunter | Peter Harrison |
Levi Wilkinson | |
Michael Gibson | |
Lewis Oliver | |
Luke Dowl | |
Chris Gibson | |
Sheldon Keeling | |
Connor Jones | |
Cameron Harrison | |
Dean Crawford | Manager |
Brandon Jones | Jamie Moore |
It was the visitors who enjoyed much of the early exchanges and came as no surprise when they struck first via Chris Gibson’s low effort inside the 18-yard box. It was sometime before Wanderers forced their way into the game. Game Changer showed great defensive agility but found their backline breached before the break after their player lost his marker before finding the net, with both sides ending the half all-square.
Half-Time: Yorkshire Wanderers 1-1 Game Changer
The hosts took the lead for the first time in the match after the break, which saw five goals. With a shortage of height, the visitor's defence was sceptical to set pieces, which Yorkshire took full advantage of, heading home from a free kick. However, the scores were level after the visitors were awarded a penalty after Brandon Jones was fouled in a mix-up between the keeper and their defender. Jones stepped up and coolly slotted home – sending the keeper the wrong way.
The visitors were hit by an injury on 65 minutes, and shortly after the hosts had taken the lead. Defender Luke Dowle required treatment after he collapsed. A change was made but Dowl later returned to the field of play.
Down to their bare bones and fatigue setting in, Yorkshire took full advantage and swiftly added two goals in quick succession. Changer pulled one back in the closing moments as Cameron Harrison’s corner was headed home at the near post as Jones netted his second of the match.
It was another defeat for the Barnsley-based team but the team remained positive and marched onto their next game against Rotherham outfit Zion New Boys FC on Monday night at Athersley Recreation FC (kick-off 7:15 PM).
Comments