Burley Trojans 2, Kirkby Malzeard 3

An Andrew Dunkley goal two minutes from time handed victory to Kirkby Malzeard and not only resurrected their title aspirations but also severely dented Trojans' own hopes of landing the Premier Division crown.

On balance the home side can count themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from the game but the result will have been warmly received by both Ilkley and Pannal Sports who both won to keep up their respective title challenges.

It was a pulsating encounter and a credit to both sides that they produced such quality on such a shocking surface. The Rec is a disgrace and reflects no credit on Bradford Council to whom the club pay a not insubstantial rent for its use.

Kirkby lodged a formal complaint about the pitch to referee Graham Morris but they should be thankful they only have to play on it once a season whereas Trojans' have to endure it week in week out.

Kirkby started the brighter and Andrew Thompson's 20 yard free-kick dipped over the bar. He then hooked another effort just off target. Once Trojans acclimatised to the bobbly surface they began to threaten and Gareth Goodison controlled well before setting up Chris Lloyd whose shot rolled agonisingly wide.

Goodison, who gave Dunkley and Paul Barthram a torrid afternoon, was also the provider for midfielder McKain who blazed over.

Kirkby took the lead on 20 minutes from the penalty spot. Centre- half Kieren Hanogue challenged for a high ball with Stephen Long and Mr Morris pointed to the spot indicating that Hanogue had impeded. Hargreaves guessed right but the spot kick was unstoppable.

Trojans hit back strongly but Nick Quaife was just off target and Connolly's deft lob drifted just the wrong side of the post.

The deserved equaliser came five minutes before the break when Connolly's dangerous cross was not cleared and Mark Foyle, under pressure from Dave McKain, could only help the ball into his own net.

Foyle tried to make amends immediately after the break but his 20 yard shot rebounded off the post, although he had clearly fouled Quaife in the build up.

The sporting nature of the contest gave way to a more fractious second- half and Mr Morris's patience finally ran out when he cautioned Foyle. Quaife saw a good penalty appeal waved away, although it was not dissimilar to the one given to the visitors earlier on.

Jonny Lofthouse spurned a golden opportunity when Stuart Dibb flicked on a Connolly throw.

Kirkby re-established their lead with a freak goal, against the run of play. Dibb's clearing header struck Dunkley and rebounded past a startled Hargreaves. Dibb almost made amends when his bullet header thumped the bar. Chris Lockwood's mazy run saw his cross flicked on by McKain to Quaife whose header was just over.

With five minutes remaining Trojans were awarded a free-kick. Lofthouse's excellent delivery saw Ian McKain pounce to slam home the loose ball.

A draw would have been no less than Trojans deserved but they believed that victory was there for the taking and continued to press. With two minutes remaining Kirkby were awarded a free-kick. Dunkley popped up at the far post to gleefully net the winner. Connolly was the victim of another reckless challenge from Foyle who could have had no complaints at his red card.

There was drama at the final whistle as Ian McKain was shown a red card for comments made to Mr Morris as the players left the pitch.

So once again Trojans are in danger of failing to capitalise on the hard work put in earlier in the season. Manager Chris Worts now needs to lift his troops to ensure that they take as many points as they can from their remaining three games to keep the pressure up on the other title contenders.

l Trojans entertain Tockwith on Saturday, kick-off 2.30pm. Meet at the Cricket Club at 1.30pm.