Spa Athletic 1, Burley Trojans 5

BROTHERS Dave and Ian McKain turned on the style as Trojans bounced back to the top of the table with a comprehensive demolition of struggling Spa Athletic.

The pair contributed three goals between them and helped their side turn up the heat on title rivals Ilkley.

Only two weeks ago Spa had taken a point off Ilkley but Trojans were in no mood to suffer the same fate despite going behind to a first- half goal against the run of play.

The Killinghall Moor pitch was one of the few to escape the big freeze and it was a credit to the groundsman that the surface was in such excellent condition for this stage of the season.

The visitors spurned a great chance to take a first minute lead when Chris Connolly and Jonny Lofthouse combined to set up Gareth Goodison who failed to connect with his head.

Goodison had another opportunity shortly afterwards when he latched on to Stuart Dibb's raking through pass but dragged his shot wide. The young striker is leading scorer in his first season in the first team but this was not one of his better days and he made way for Phil Constantine at half-time.

The home side were forced to feed off scraps of possession and centre-half Kieren Hanogue was impressive in dealing with what few moments of danger they did create. Tom McDermott saw an angled drive beaten away and he then turned provider for Lofthouse, whose header was comfortably gathered by veteran 'keeper Barry Galton.

Trojans almost fell behind when they were caught square and Mohammed Moghtader was only denied by a perfectly timed last ditch tackle from Chris Lockwood.

Moghtader did get his reward on 20 minutes when he fired home at the second attempt with the Trojans' defence all at sea. Dibb was clearly fouled by Ben Jones in the build up but it would be churlish to dwell on this as Trojans had ample opportunity to clear.

For the remainder of the half Trojans camped in the Spa half and there were several moments of danger when the ball ricocheted around but didn't fall to a blue shirt. Dave McKain sent a stunning volley just over and former Trojan Andy Dukes denied Nick Quaife following a clever Goodison back heel.

The equaliser came five minutes before the break and was just reward for all Trojans' domination. Goodison's shot was charged down by a defender and the ball ran loose to Ian McKain, who drilled home a low shot from 20 yards.

Within five minutes of the re-start Trojans went in front from the penalty spot. Dave McKain was impeded as he burst into the area and although Lofthouse netted the loose ball referee Mr Haslam had already blown. Connolly stepped up to score his fourth penalty in as many games.

The game, which had been played in excellent spirit, suddenly erupted on the hour when a high challenge from Quaife on Spa midfielder Chris Hurst sparked an ugly melee.

Both Quaife and Hurst went into Mr Haslam's notebook and order was soon restored.

McDermott had a shot deflected wide and Constantine saw Galton save with his legs when he found himself in space.

Spa lost both full-backs through injury and with only one substitute were forced to play the last 20 minutes with ten men.

The visitors took full advantage by adding a third through Dave McKain. Constantine's inswinging corner was perfectly placed and the midfielder's header was too hot for Galton to hold.

Constantine added a fourth, bundling home at the second attempt after Connolly's effort came back off the bar as the depleted Spa team began to cave in.

Trojans may live to rue the missed opportunity to enhance their goal difference as they squandered numerous good chances in the closing minutes.

McDermott hit a post before setting up Connolly, who unselfishly slipped the ball through to Dave McKain to wrap up the scoring in the last minute.

Quaife narrowly shaded the Match Point vote over Dave McKain as between them they ran the game in midfield for Trojans.

The result gives Trojans a two point advantage at the top of the table over Ilkley, who have two games in hand, but Saturday's clash between the pair may go some way to deciding the outcome of the title.

Trojans entertain Ilkley at The Rec on Saturday, kick-off 2.15pm. Players should meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm.

Trojans Reserves' home match against Spa Athletic Reserves was called off at the last minute by referee Simon Todd, who deemed that The Rec was not playable.

This was due to be Trojans Reserves' last game but it will now be rescheduled in March.