Pool First XI's League Cup match at Killinghall Nomads was lost to a somewhat premature closure of grounds by Harrogate Council, obviously wishing to protect the new pitches on Killinghall Moor.

Pool Reserves.................2

Pannal Sports.................5

Pool Reserves battled like Trojan soldiers in the clash between Pool Seconds and high flyers Pannal Sports.

In heavy conditions Pool led the first-half, controlling both the tempo and pace. Striker Chris Graham ran the visitor's defence inside out in a tireless, unforgiving performance.

A quick clearance from defence, deftly laid on through midfield, linked Graham to Reddington, who neatly tucked the ball past Pannal's 'keeper to send the home team a goal up into half-time.

The second-half began as the first had with Pool, powerful and domineering, Groves controlling the right-hand wing, forcing Pannal to play central and to the left.

Veteran substitute Phil Waite came on to show Pannal youth isn't everything as he spun on the spot and selected a shot the Pannal 'keeper could only watch, as it hit the back of the net.

A rattled Pannal now dug deep against a complacent Pool and made the home side wallow in self-pity as strong heads, quick links and team spirit rose them from a 2-0 deficit to a 3-2 lead.

Pool were now second best as Pannal hadn't finished the demolition of Pool's tired defence. Two more goals followed for the visitors to make them worthy winners against a home side who had the game signed and sealed in the hour from kick-off.

Ripon City 'A'................ 3

Pool 'A' ........................ 0

ON a windy winter's afternoon Pool 'A' played against Ripon 'A' on one of the best pitches in the league.

Pool started well with the wind in their faces. The back four of Taylor, Forbes, Jones and Keddle defended well showing a lot of passion and enthusiasm. Ripon had numerous chances with Keddle clearing one off the line. With the midfield battling hard Pool managed to keep the score at 0-0 at half-time.

In the second-half Pool took advantage of the wind, dominating possession at times, but lacked the killer finish. Richard Dickenson made a welcome appearance after a lay-off with a serious injury.

Pool held the table-toppers until the last ten minutes then Ripon scored three goals in quick succession, due to lack of concentration from the defence. Forbes entered the referee's book due to verbal abuse to the official. Match Point - Forbes.