Pool 4

Sherwood 1

AFTER a 7-1 trouncing by Sherwood last week, Pool were determined to gain revenge in this return fixture.

Pool, strengthened by a couple of Second XI regulars, started briskly with J Steval and Graham running strongly up front. Steval almost opened the scoring when he beat the off-side trap only to rap his shot against the post. Sherwood missed a similar chance at the other end.

Pool's midfield of Carter, Groves, Shaw and Evans took control and Pool threatened on several occasions. Dickinson cleverly brought the ball from defence to find Evans. He crossed for the 'keeper to fumble and drop the ball at the feet of Shaw, who made no mistake from two yards.

It was 2-0 when Graham squared into the path of Steval, who coolly finished. Steval pounced again when Graham hit a snapshot which the 'keeper parried. Pool continued to dominate with the defence of Dickinson, Boulton, Forbes and Chantler looking very sound. Debutant 'keeper Steve Steval had little to do but looked calm and confident when tested.

Forrest replaced J Steval at half-time and Sherwood also made changes which brought them into the game. After sustained pressure Jones was adjudged to have fouled and the penalty made it 3-1.

Sherwood sensed they had a chance and pressed hard but determined defending held them at bay. Dickinson and Evans kept the ball well. Graham chased a defender and robbed him to run clear and lift his shot over the 'keeper to seal a well-earned three points. Match Point - Evans and Dickinson.

Ilkley 0

Pool Reserves 2

POOL kept the pressure on neighbour and league leaders Burley with this victory. It wasn't without a fight as the youthful Ilkley side showed plenty of ability and hit the bar before Pool broke the deadlock in the second-half.

Two goals from the in-form Jamie Taylor were the difference between the sides. Taylor also shared the match point with Lee Ingle.

The Premier League title is still a five-horse race with Burley and Boroughbridge both losing on Saturday Beckwithshaw, Otley Town Reserves and Pool will all fancy their chances.

POOL ( at Otley Town Reserves, meet at 11.50 am for 2.30 pm kick-off) from: S Thompson, M Allinson, D Willoughby, G Studds, M Healey, D Ireland, N Speight, A Staniforth, J Taylor, S Joyce, C Coleman, D Jackson, G Dobson.

Reserves (home to Ripon Red Arrows, meet at 1.15 pm for 2.30 pm kick-off) from: Steval, Shaw, Bumby, Evans, Evans, Howden, Roberts, Waite, Megson, Graham, Wilson, Lunn,Forbes, Steval.