Pool unable to raise their game against the top flight Barwick

AFTER a series of league victories against bottom half opposition Pool failed to raise their game enough to cope with top flight Barwick in this West Yorkshire League divisional cup tie.

Playing a 3-5-6 formation the home side struggled to defend tightly enough against the confident and mobile visitors who went one up after nine minutes with a deflected shot.

Barwick extended their lead ten minutes later when a slick move on the right produced a quick turn and powerful shot past Pool's vocal 'keeper Steve Thompson.

That jolted his team into action with Wilkinson and Joyce working hard up front supported by wing backs Willoughby and Wilce but some good football and several chances counted for nothing.

In the second-half Stanniforth continued to push Pool forward from midfield linking often with Joyce but the ball continued to fly across Barwick's goal and not into it. Chances came at the other end too as Barwick sought to finish the tie off. Studds did his best at the back for Pool in trying to stem the tide.

With 15 minutes to go a high ball deep into Pool's half gave Chris Thompson just enough time to head the ball back to his father Steve in goal but an unlucky slip on the heavy pitch let Barwick in to score their third and final goal for a convincing victory.

Pool's match point went to Stanniforth and Studds.

Pool A 1, Ripon City Magnets 2

Pool A's unbeaten run of eight games came to an end in disappointing style. Playing into the wind Pool were second best.

The midfield was being overrun and they were guilty of giving the ball away too easily. The defence held firm and it looked like Pool were going to hold out until half-time but with five minutes to go Tolson conceded a penalty.

With the wind at their backs Pool pressed but were unable to create clear cut chances. Pool's defence had to concentrate as Ripon threatened to score on the break.

Pool levelled mid-way through the half when a through ball by Groves was flicked on by Steval and found Forrest in the clear. He rounded the 'keeper to score.

Pool were on top now but unable to capitalise. The winner came when Pool failed to clear a corner and a superb strike found the net.

Pool were not finished and should have equalised when Carter headed wide from a free-kick and Steval headed against the bar. Match point went to Chantler and Kitchen.