Pannal Sports 4

Burley Trojans 1

BURLEY Trojans crashed to a shock defeat at struggling Pannal Sports to open up the Premier Division title race and give hope to the chasing pack.

Both Beckwithshaw and Pool took full advantage, recording victories to close the gap on the runaway leaders.

The result was even more surprising since only seven days earlier Trojans had comfortably beaten the Harrogate side on The Rec, but this time Pannal were up for revenge and striker Mike Kell led the way with a well-taken hat-trick.

Trojans were quickly out of the blocks and leading scorer Chris Connolly went close when his twisting header from a Kieren Hanogue free-kick sailed just over the bar.

Constantine was also called into action early on to save from Kell with Matt Hawnt on hand to help to clear the danger.

Pannal took the lead on ten minutes from a corner. Rob Taylor swung the ball into the danger area and Kell rose to head home.

Quaife and Hughes went close after a period of pressure. McDermott forced full-back Steve Darvill to head over his own bar and the same player was happy to divert a Connolly free-kick to safety as the visitors threatened an equaliser.

With half-time beckoning Pannal struck with a crucial second goal when Kell burst clear and rode Stuart Dibb's ugly challenge to bury a low angled drive into the bottom corner.

Trojans began to claw their way back into the match after the break and Quaife sent a powerful drive over the bar from just inside the area.

With 30 minutes remaining manager Chris Worts took the drastic measure of replacing Constantine in goal with Hughes in a desperate bid to salvage something from this game.

However, it was the home side who scored again when Latimer profited from a slip to set up Kell who duly completed his hat- trick.

When Quaife, Trojans best player on the day, headed over from a Lofthouse free-kick the visitors knew that it would not be their day and the fourth goal with 15 minutes remaining summed up their afternoon.

A harmless long ball dropped towards Hanogue whose attempted back header to Hughes fell woefully short allowing Latimer to score.

Trojans never gave up and Constantine's diving header forced Gill into action before Connolly grabbed a consolation goal with a stoppage time free-kick that gave the home 'keeper no chance.

Trojans know that they cannot afford any more slip ups if they are to maintain a serious title challenge over the coming weeks.

Burley Trojans (away to Tockwith, kick-off 2.30pm. Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm) from: C Hargreaves, I McKain, P Chapman, C Lockwood, S Dibb, K Hanogue, G Dyson, M Hawnt, J Hughes, J Lofthouse, N Quaife, C Connolly, P Constantine, T McDermott.

Reserves' slump

continues

Trojans Reserves 2

Spa Athletic 5

Trojans' Reserves slid to their fifth straight defeat as bottom side Spa Athletic Reserves sprung a surprise. Admittedly the Harrogate- based side were considerably strengthened with their first team out of action however Trojans are now playing without any real confidence and it is only their early season form which has given them the buffer to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Stand-in striker Mark Carroll gave Trojans an early lead however they could not capitalise and soon conceded a penalty when Tim Fendyke handled but the spot kick was driven over Scott McDonald's crossbar.

Another penalty shortly afterward, awarded against McDonald for his challenge on an opposing forward was well saved by the Trojans' 'keeper but referee Neil Barlow spotted an encroachment by a defender and the kick was retaken and duly dispatched.

Carroll restored Trojans' lead before the break when he forced the ball home from close range following good work by Gary Shankland and Rob Wheeler.

The visitors took charge after the break and equalised early in the second period from the penalty spot following Darren Bates' rash challenge.

The Trojans' midfielder's frustration was complete when he was then cautioned for protesting too vigorously at the award. The visitors then scored two more quickfire goals to open up a commanding lead.

Carroll spurned a great chance to notch his first hat-trick in Trojans' colours when they were awarded a penalty. Shankland was unlucky to see two goals ruled out and he also hit the bar as his side tried desperately to salvage something.

Right-back John Mutton picked up match point for his solid performance in defence.

l On Saturday Trojans Reserves entertain promotion chasing Yew Tree, kick-off 2.30pm. Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.45pm.

Trinity battle their way

into final

Barwick Rangers 1

Baildon Trinity Athletic 3

Both teams took a break from West Yorkshire League action as they met head on in a lively, feisty semi-final League Cup tie in Barwick.

The game was only minutes old when the unfortunate Barwick No 2 handled on the line to stop Darren Thornton notching for Baildon. Andy Sutcliffe stepped up to coolly slot home after the referee had reduced Barwick to ten players.

Barwick responded in the best possible way and went straight down the other end and won a penalty themselves after a shove from midfielder Danny Jowett. Barwick converted and the game was all square.

Barwick continued to dominate with neither side having many chances. Indeed, the first-half acted as a prelude to the amazing events of the second-half.

The Barwick manager continually abused the Baildon players and at one stage was warned by the referee.

Baildon were slow out of the blocks in the second-half and with Barwick playing a long ball game, the match deteriorated and a spark from somewhere was needed.

The spark, however, was an unwanted one when it came. Andy Sutcliffe tussled with a Barwick player and both players muscled each other to the ground. The Barwick player got up and punched Sutcliffe on the nose.

After a lengthy delay for treatment to Sutcliffe, the Barwick player was dismissed and Sutcliffe had his name taken. Before play could be re-started the Barwick goalkeeper was sent off for swearing at the referee.

This left Barwick with just eight men. At last Baildon eased into the game and were awarded another penalty after Dave Symonds was stamped on. Sutcliffe doubled his tally and Baildon were home and dry. Unfortunately for Baildon Sutcliffe was shown a second yellow card but that did not stop Baildon progressing into the final. Indeed, in the final minute Danny Steele made sure slipping the ball home from close range.

l On Saturday Baildon again travel to Barwick in the league.