Burley Trojans 0

Thirsk Falcons 1

Trojans season continued to go from bad to worse as they slipped to their fifth consecutive defeat when defender Andy Bardon's injury time strike gave visitors Thirsk all three points.

It was tough on Trojans who had just shaded a very keenly contested game between two very closely matched sides.

In only six weeks Trojans have slipped from second to sixth place in the Premier Division table and their early season promise has evaporated along with much of their confidence.

A shortage of goals has been at the heart of Trojans' problems this season and only two sides in the division have a worse strike rate.

Home advantage for Trojans seems anything but as they struggle with the very poor playing surface on The Rec which makes passing football almost impossible.

In fact the pitch denied Jonny Lofthouse an early opener as Chris Connolly played him in behind the Thirsk defence but a wicked bobble saw him spoon the ball into the grateful arms of 'keeper Paul Foster. Connolly, looking full of confidence on his return to the side, also set up strike partner Gareth Goodison but his diving header was blocked and Stu Copley was crowded out when he pounced on the rebound.

The visitors, also struggling to find their usual rhythm and passing game, were restricted to shooting from distance and 'keeper Chris Hargreaves was largely untroubled.

Copley dragged a shot wide and midfielder James Hoskin also saw a goalbound effort deflected wide as Trojans' failure to capitalise on territorial advantage was to come back to haunt them again.

In a rare Thirsk attack Chris Moores volleyed over and Graham Robson sliced wide of the far post as the visitors began to get into the game before the break.

Trojans began the second-half on top with the impressive Craig Renton prompting many good moves. Trojans left back deservedly picked up match point for his display and from his deep cross Copley's fierce shot was deflected over.

From the resulting corner centre half Stuart Dibb's header was turned behind as Thirsk hung on. Hoskin struck a post with Foster beaten and the 'keeper then made a good block as Lofthouse shot through a crowded area and a last ditch challenge prevented Gary Shankland from converting the rebound.

Ian McKain put in another towering performance at the heart of Trojans' midfield and provided the springboard for many of their best moments.

The longer the game went on the more it looked that one goal would settle it. Liam McAlmont fired over for Thirsk and substitute Anthony Elders shot wide on the turn as both sides refused to settle for a point.

With the game deep into injury time Thirsk forced a corner on the right. As the ball was swung in Hargreaves and his defenders lost it in the bright sun and it dropped for Bardon to stab home from five yards to the delight of the Thirsk travelling support.

It was cruel luck on Trojans who have continued to show admirable fighting qualities throughout their disappointing run and are nevertheless still a force to be reckoned with in the Harrogate League.

l Trojans travel to neighbouring Bramhope on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm. Players should meet at the Cricket Club at 1.45pm.