Kippax Athletic 2

Burley Trojans 4

BURLEY Trojans gave their season a much needed lift when they emerged triumphant from their tough trip to West Riding County Amateur side Kippax Athletic in the County Trophy.

Whilst results have not gone their way in recent weeks there have been no complaints from manager Gary Shankland about the unavailability of key players and his side have showed tremendous resilience in remaining competitive through a very difficult opening schedule. The return of centre-forward Chris Connolly was a massive boost for the side and his stylish hat-trick formed the basis of Trojans' shock win.

On a small pitch and against physical opponents Trojans relied on their passing game and found themselves two up inside the first-half hour. Firstly leading scorer Richard Wood finished off a stylish passing move by cutting inside and planting a left foot drive into the bottom corner. Connolly added to the lead when his expertly struck half volley flew into the top corner.

A well placed lob from 25 yards reduced the deficit for the home side before the interval and ten minutes after the break Kippax levelled when a midfielder was not tracked and ran on to finish well. Trojans then had to withstand a furious onslaught but, inspired by an unbelievable one handed save from Chris Hargreaves, they stood firm.

Connolly restored the lead when he drilled home from just inside the area and he completed the scoring to ensure Trojans' passage into round two when he converted Man-of-the- Match Tom Higman's inviting cross.

l Trojans entertain Kirkby Malzeard on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm.