Pannal Sports 1

Burley Trojans 1

Trojans showed their true mettle as they recovered from last week's setback at champions Spa Athletic to inflict the first defeat of the season on a physical Pannal side.

The Harrogate-based side have enjoyed the better of recent encounters between these two teams, both of whom have featured prominently in the title race in the past three seasons.

Pannal will point to the fact that they ended the game with only eight players due to injuries and the late dismissals of centre half Roger Thomson and substitute Mark Baronovski as reasons for their defeat.

In truth they were already trailing to a first-half Chris Connolly strike and making little impression on the Trojans' rearguard in their search for an equaliser.

Trojans preparations were rocked by the late withdrawals of 'keeper Chris Hargreaves and defender Chris Lockwood through work and illness respectively. Veteran Phil Constantine was tempted out of retirement to take over between the posts and enjoyed a generally comf ortable afternoon, helped by some great protection from his defence, in which Man-of-the-Match Stuart Dibb and the departing student Kieren Hanogue excelled.

On one of the rare occasions that he was called into action Constantine belied his years pulling off a stunning full length save.

It would be unfair however to single out any one Trojans' player as it was a wonderful team effort and, on this form they will provide formidable opposition for any side in the division.

There is no doubt that Trojans will badly miss Hanogue as he goes off to university. The classy defender has been part of Trojans much vaunted back line for the past four seasons and there are few better in his position in the League.

In an even first-half both sides had early shots from distance with Hanogue firing wide and then Richard Wood seeing his effort clear Mitchell's bar. At the other end Alex Tate's 25 yard effort was too high and then Constantine saved comfortably from Phil Allen.

The game started to come to life when Jonny Lofthouse controlled a loose ball and forced an excellent diving save. Thomson was left unmarked but could only head Taylor's corner over.

The home side gradually began to establish some degree of superiority and the Trojans' defence had to withstand a rigorous examination. With just five minutes of the half remaining Trojans finally broke the deadlock.

A flowing move started by Ian McKain ended with Connolly bravely challenging the 'keeper to glance Lofthouse's teasing cross into the net. It was just reward for the Trojans centre forward. Pannal were stung by the setback and pressed hard for an equaliser.

A half-time reminder from stand- in boss Chris Worts of the need to maintain concentration levels and keep their shape was well heeded.

A number of Pannal players seemed to want to vent their frustration on Connolly and this led to a series of free-kicks in dangerous areas. The game opened up Burley had chances.

Both Thomson and Baronovski found their way into the notebook for fouls on Connolly and McKain also joined them for inappropriate comments as the temperature rose. A promising Trojans attack was halted by a foul on Stu Copley and, with Mr Barlow waving play on Pannal broke and substitute Mike Kell crashed a shot against the bar. An excellent Renton free-kick was met by Dibb at the far post and Mitchell did exceptionally well to tip the ball over.

With ten minutes remaining the normally cultured Thomson, frustrated at chasing Connolly's shadow all afternoon, lashed out at the Trojans' striker and a second yellow card ended his afternoon.

Pannal were left to count the cost of their skipper's indiscretion as from the resulting free-kick Renton once again found Dibb and this time his bullet header rippled the back of the net. Within seconds of the re-start Baronovski took exception to a decision from the referee and he too was on his way for an early bath.

With all substitutes used a further injury saw Pannal reduced to eight men. Goodison cashed in by picking up Renton's pass and planting a fierce drive past Mitchell. As is so often the case against depleted numbers Trojans made heavy weather of the last five minutes.

Joe Darcy reduced the arrears when poor marking allowed him room to loft the ball in. Nevertheless a few moments of indiscipline should not be allowed to detract from what was a thoroughly convincing performance and the result lifts the side into third place.

l On Saturday Trojans make the short journey to take on Otley Town Reserves, kick-off 3pm. Players should meet at the Red Lion at 2.15pm.

For the second week in a row Trojans Reserves found themselves without a game as their opposition cried off. This time it was Pateley Bridge Reserves who were unable to fulfil the fixture.

Inevitably Trojans will be awarded the points and the offending club will be fined however manager Tim Fendyke called for firm action to deal with this perennial early season problem which reflects very badly on the Harrogate League.

l Trojans Reserves visit Pannal Sports on Saturday, players meet at the Red Lion at 1.30pm.