Connolly signs off in style as Trojans beat Pateley Bridge

A brilliant goal from Trojans' leading scorer Chris Connolly midway through the first-half was enough to settle this close encounter played out in near hurricane conditions.

It was Connolly's 22nd goal in as many games and his last of the season as he now begins a suspension.

The torrential overnight rain put the fixture in jeopardy and it was a credit to the efforts of Trojans' officials that the game was able to go ahead.

The high winds did not make for a great spectacle but no one could argue that the game did not give great entertainment value for those hardy souls who braved the elements to see a resurgent Trojans power their way into the top six.

Connolly threatened to open the scoring as early as the third minute when he latched on to a loose ball. He also came within inches of connecting with Stuart Dibb's downward header as Trojans looked to take advantage of the wind at their backs.

Having spent the opening 20 minutes camped in the Bridge half and forcing a succession of corners it was no surprise when Trojans' pressure finally paid off with yet another training ground move.

Renton, whose delivery had caused problems to the Bridge defence, sent over an inswinging corner which had both pace and direction and Connolly rose at the near post to guide his header into the far corner. On a rare foray into Trojans' territory Bradshaw fired wildly over and then Chris Hargreaves saved from Goodall with his legs.

Wilcox had to be alert to claw Renton's teasing cross away from the predatory Connolly as Trojans re-asserted themselves. Chris Wheeler who had shown some neat touches began to play a more prominent role and in one run he left five defenders in his wake before setting up James Hoskin but the Bridge defence did well to snuff out the danger.

Gareth Goodison looked to have a decent penalty appeal turned down as Bullough appeared to hold him but the move eventually resulted in a free-kick 20 yards out. Connolly stepped up and his stunning effort thudded against the bar.

As the half-time whistle blew there was a nagging doubt that one goal might not be a sufficient cushion as the gale force winds showed no signs of abating.

The second-half saw a complete transformation with Bridge dominating for long periods and forcing Trojans onto the backfoot. Fortunately for Trojans the visitors, whilst honest and workmanlike, lacked the guile or invention to make the pressure count.

Goodison remained a threat with his pace and when he did spring the off-side trap his early shot was well gathered by Wilcox.

Trojans survived a penalty appeal when Kieren Hanogue appeared to handle and then Anderson blazed wildly over as the home side found themselves on the ropes.

To Trojans dismay referee Wilf Sneddon added on eight minutes of stoppage time and during this period Hargreaves earned his match point by brilliantly tipping over Bradshaw's measured lob at full stretch enabling his side to hang on and make it four straight wins.

l Trojans are without a game on Saturday and their next game is on April 10 when they travel to title contenders Spa Athletic.

Trojans Res 3

Pateley Res 2

Trojans Reserves hung on grimly against bottom side Bridge to record only their fourth league win of a disappointing season and ease themselves out of the relegation zone.

This gave Trojans real hope of an escape route with their two remaining fixtures both at home to fellow strugglers Catterick Village and Wellington.

It had looked like plain sailing for Trojans at half time as they opened up a three goal lead but their spirited opponents roared back after the break and can count themselves unlucky not to have shared the spoils. Trojans suffered an early blow after only ten minutes when they lost player manager Gary Shankland with a dislocated shoulder.

Trojans goals came from Oliver Barrand and Jamie Davey (2).

l Trojans visit Harold Styans on Saturday in the semi-final of the Supplementary Cup, kick off 2.30pm. Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm.