Rothwell Town 1, Pool 3

POOL went to Rothwell expecting to continue their ten match unbeaten league run but could easily have come unstuck as the heavy ground proved a true leveller, stylish football not being the order of the day.

Pool had early chances to settle their nerves but it took a goalkeeping error to give them the lead. Ben Kelly, in his debut match, was on hand to push home the mishandled ball.

Pool should really have gone on to put the match safe from then but several chances were squandered before bad marking at the far post from a free-kick gave the Rothwell forward a free header which he placed perfectly giving Steve Thompson in the Pool goal no chance.

Both teams had their moments in the second-half, Pool still not having put on their scoring boots, with Rothwell in similar mode.

Thompson was called upon to make a handful of potentially match-winning saves, none more so than when a Rothwell forward was put clear and only Thompson's speed of reaction prevented him from lobbing the ball into an empty net. Thompson's presence was enough to make the forward take his eye off the ball.

Then, just when the match was drifting to a point apiece, Pool struck. Shaun Joyce received the ball wide left making his run towards the near post, then laying it off into the path of Andy Staniforth, who powered his shot past the despairing Rothwell 'keeper.

Pool's third goal was worthy of winning any match. Staniforth again, this time from 25 yards, into the top corner. Pool's Match Point was shared by Steve Thompson and midfield dynamo Nick Speight.

The Reserves were without a fixture whilst the A team match at home to Kirkby Malzeard was lost to the frost as was the Under-16 Wharfedale Cup semi-final at home to Guiseley, which is now to be played on Sunday, February 23.