Trojans beat Pool

Burley TROJANS 3

AFTER Pool's efforts on Thursday evening against Guiseley in the Wharfedale Cup, it was back down to fighting for promotion.

However, in this game it was Burley Trojans who guaranteed their First Division safety with a hard-earned win.

With a number of regulars missing Trojans fielded a much changed side but still came out on top against their high flying neighbours.

Pool started well byut were unable to make their early pressure count. Trojans' makeshift back four defended admirably with Man-of-the-Match Scott McDonald turning in a fine performance at right-back.

Pool were unlucky not to go ahead when they hit both post and bar in quick succession before Trojans took the lead mid-way through the half when Craig Swanston converted a penalty awarded for pushing.

Richard Lord then put the visitors two up when he latched on to Swanston's through ball and finished well.

The match then threatened to boil over with players from both sides being cautioned as tempers frayed.

Despite good efforts from Reddington and Waite, Pool went in 2-0 down.

It was backs to the wall for Trojans in the second-half as Pool laid seige to their goal and it was totally against the run of play when Phil Dodsworth bundled home the third following a corner.

Pool hauled themselves back into contention and with two goals in as many minutes on the hour set up a tense finale. One came from a powerful Reddington header and the other from a low shot into the corner by Waite.

Trojans had a great chance to seal victory when Swanston was tripped in the box. He picked himself up to take the kick but his effort was saved and the referee ordered it to be re-taken.

After a delay the second attempt was weakly struck and the 'keeper saved easily.

Despite constant pressure Trojans hung on and had 'keeper Gary Shankland to thank as he pulled off a number of fine saves to foil the home side.

Victory lifts Trojans away from the relegation zone and they can look forward to First Division football at The Recreation Ground again next season.

This has seriously knocked Pool's promotion push and nothing but victories from the last two games will do. Half match point went to Pool's Healey and Barton, despite excellent performances from Ingle and Evans.

Pool 0

Yeadon New Inn 3

In this Harrogate District League Supplementary Cup semi-final Pool never really performed to their full potential and went out of the competition.

The teams were evenly matched in the initial stgaes with Yeadon just having the edge.

As the game progressed, Yeadon started creating more chances with a combination of good approach play and Pool's inability to clear their lines effectively.

Despite this, the opening two goals had a touch of fortune about them. Firstly a poor clearance by Pool's keeper Henry went straight to a Yeadon player who fired home.

The second was even worse as Henry and Johnson tangled with the ball, eventually creeping over the line.

In the second-half, Pool tried to get back into the game and although they pressed forward forward they never really created any chances.

Pool however were inconsistent and some inept passing and marking gave Yeadon chance after chance.

It was no surprise then that despite some fine saves by Henry and some woeful finishing, Yeadon's Schwartz put the game out of reach when he found himself unmarked infront of Pool's goal.

Match point was shared by Murphy and Henry.

Pool 4

Pannal Sports 3

Pool took on Pannal Sports in this mid-week game which may well have a say in who gets promotion into the Premier Division.

Two hard tackling, determined sides came together to provide some excellent football and it was Pannal who had the better of the first-half.

Taking an early lead Pannal looked good but against the run of play Pool strung a good move together with Carl Wilson feeding Reddington who neatly flicked the ball over the 'keeper.

Undeterred Pannal once again took the lead and Pool soon responded once again when Wilson fed Reddington with an inch perfect pass.

Rising like the proverbial salmon Reddington nodded home at the far post.

Pool started to take the upperhand and finihsed the half with a 3-2 advantage when the Reddington-Wilson partnership again paid dividends.

This time Reddington was the provider as Wilson beat the 'keeper with lightening pace,

The second-half saw Poool in the ascendency but Pannal levelled and the score remained at 3-3 for some time.

With a draw looking the likely result Pool found the winner late in the game.

A quality corner from Liam Rees saw the ball bounce around in the Pannal penalty area.

Matt Healey was the first to respond and his left foot shot was neatly deflected by Reddington to round off a great hat-trick.

With one league game remaining Pool still harbour hopes of promotion.

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