Burley Trojans 3

Boroughbridge 0

BURLEY Trojans ended the year on a high as they completed a superb league double over champions Boroughbridge Reserves and closed the gap on leaders Beckwithshaw to just one point.

Matchday dawned with a covering of snow and freezing temperatures but the sterling efforts of players and officials to clear the pitch ensured that the game was given the go ahead.

Trojans were without leading scorer Chris Connolly but his replacement Tom McDermott took only seven minutes to announce his arrival, sweeping home Nick Quaife's left wing cross in Trojans' first real attack of note.

In a first-half which Trojans dominated Chris Lockwood almost doubled the lead but his piledriver was blocked by a defender and then Phil Constantine latched onto 'keeper Chris Hargreaves' long clearance to fire just over.

In reply Stephen Kirby headed just over from a Mark Schofield corner and Schofield also set up the unmarked John Richardson but he could only direct his header over Hargreaves' crossbar.

The second-half proved a much more even contest and the visitors provided a greater threat to the Trojans' goal. Schofield fired over from ten yards and then Hargreaves pulled off a tremendous double save, diving bravely at the feet of first Jimmy Binks and then Schofield as he followed up.

Trojans had opportunities to extend their lead when McDermott fired over after Constantine had weaved his magic on the left and Jonny Lofthouse also fired over.

Trojans needed the second goal to give themselves breathing space and it duly arrived midway through the half. McDermott's inswinging corner proved impossible to defend as centre-half Stuart Dibb arrived late to power a downward header past 'keeper Stephen Hendry.

Bridge showed some of their championship mettle by fighting back and Hargreaves had to be alert to block from Andrew Hall when the diminutive midfielder broke clear.

With the visitors pushing forward to find some reward Trojans struck with a classy third goal which crowned the victory. Lofthouse threaded the ball through to McDermott and his dummy created space for the impressive Jono Hughes to surge clear and drill home a crisp left foot shot which left Hendry snookered.

The withdrawal of McDermott and Grant Dyson failed to disrupt Trojans rhythm and substitutes Rob Wheeler and Dave McKain, returning after long term injury, combined well with McKain sending a bullet header just wide.

Kieren Hanogue signed off with a man of the match performance at the heart of the Trojans' defence before he starts a two week suspension.

With Otley Town Reserves slipping up at home to Beckwithshaw the title race is now wide open with just one point separating the top three sides.

Burley Trojans (at Kirkby Malzeard, kick-off 2pm, players meet at the Cricket Club at 12.15pm): C Hargreaves, D McKain, C Lockwood, G Dyson, S Dibb, I McKain, J Lofthouse, J Hughes, G Goodison, T McDermott, P Constantine. Subs. M Hawnt, R Wheeler, C Worts.

Trojans Reserves, without a game last weekend, entertain Pool Reserves in a local derby, kick-off 2.00pm (Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm).