Pool AFC 2, Featherstone Colliery 1

THE rot started the previous week with Pool's first defeat in all competitions since November.

That came against high-flying Barwick in the League Cup. Featherstone were not as tough opposition as Barwick but Pool, still below par, made heavy weather of it.

On the bright side they did manage to grind out a victory, making it eight wins and two draws in their last ten league matches.

With so many players not firing on all cylinders at the time and still taking the points, the signs must be good and it can only get better.

Fortunately for Pool, 'keeper Steve Thompson was on form, saving them on numerous occasions with confident handling and several vital blocks.

Young Andy Forbes was the pick of the outfield players with the ever-reliable Shaun Joyce on hand to ensure Pool got the two goals needed to take the spoils.

His first was from the penalty spot midway through the first-half, following a good run from Neil Fieldend.

He bamboozled the visitors' defence enough to tempt their full-back into a late tackle, bringing him down right under the referee's nose.

Having lost Danny Willoughby before a ball was kicked, G Studds added to Pool's injury problems, receiving a bad tackle just before the interval resulting in his failure to appear in the second-half. However, Chris Hodgson proved an able deputy.

Joyce's second goal was a solo effort early in the second-half which should have settled Pool but instead it put fire into the bellies of Featherstone, who proved great character in their fight back. This resulted in the 'Goal of the Match', their young forward beating three defenders before firing a perfect cross goal shot into the net. Thompson could only watch and admire. It looked as if Featherstone would get something out of the game at that point but Pool showed enough grit to hold on.

Featherstone are on a decent run of form themselves so this may well prove a vital three points, and with third placed Barwick losing they are now within Pool's sights. Pool's Match Point was shared between Andy Forbes and Steve Thompson.

Pool Reserves 0, Clifford and Bramham 1

AN eventful game which saw tragedy for Richard Shaw as he was hospitalised with a suspected broken leg.

Pool gave a debut to ex-Yew Tree striker Ben Kelly but he was unable to prevent an unlucky defeat.

Clifford struck the only goal of the game from a deflected free-kick that caught Allinson by surprise and somehow crawled between his legs. Pool battled hard with their depleted side but failed to create any real chances. Match Point went to Lee Ingle.

Pool A 2, Marton cum Grafton 1

A WELL below par performance still yielded three points for a scrappy encounter with the Division Three trailers.

Pool started well with good attacking football, quick passing with flare and passion led to a highly-charged battle.

The defence of Tolson, Kitchen, Chantler and Coleman held firm, holding Marton's attacks at bay.

Pool knew they had to attack to win the points. The midfield engine of Groves and Roberts battled relentlessly, winning ball and possession.

A scrambled corner kick resulted in a goal after Carter jumped on a loose ball and finished point blank.

Marton attacked strongly and won a fumbled Tolson clearance which Marton capitalised to level the score.

A scrappy last quarter, several dubious decisions from the referee and a move which saw Pool win the points with a goal from Dominic Roberts.