Pool AFC 9, Armley Athletic 1

POOL'S rich vein of form has taken them to fourth place in the West Yorkshire League Division One whilst their visitors Armley have dropped to the bottom of the table. The difference in class was obvious.

Neil Fieldend put Pool ahead in the first minute and when he made it two five minutes later the writing was on the wall.

Then Shaun Joyce, lying third in the First Division golden boot listings, did his chances of gaining the title no harm scoring twice in quick succession.

Andy Staniforth's well struck shot took Pool's tally to five by half-time leaving the second-half nothing short of a formality.

There was no denying Armley's resolve as they never stopped battling when many would have given up. Their consolation goal was well deserved. However, it only delayed the inevitable as Joyce completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

Further goals from Paul Wilkinson, Chris Thompson and Dave Singleton - just returned from Australia - completed the rout.

Pool will have harder matches in their quest to get into the promotion race but they can do no more than convincingly win matches like these.

Match point went to Staniforth for another fine game in midfield.

l On Saturday Pool return to cup football entertaining third placed Barwick in the league cup, kick-off 1.30 pm. This match will be a good indicator of the progress Pool have made.

Pool A 0, Ripon Red Arrows 0

Pool A entertained Ripon Red Arrows on the riverside pitch on a blustery afternoon.

Playing into the wind in the first-half Pool were put under pressure but the back line of Wilkinson, Tolson, Forbes and Chantler held firm.

Slowly the midfield of Kitchen, Carter, Coleman and Cowgill started to get a grip. Cowgill in particular made some surging runs.

Pool had to re-shuffle after Wilkinson went off injured and he was replaced by Love.

Chances were limited in the first-half and it ended 0-0.

In the second-half Pool had the wind at their backs and they applied pressure.

Forrest and Steval were getting closer to scoring hitting the bar and having shots saved. Carter's shot was parried to Steval but he hit the side netting.

Gavin Phillis kept Ripon out making two great saves.

It was two points dropped for Pool in a game played in good spirits. Match point went to Carter and Tolson.

Pool Reserves' game at Spa Athletic was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

The club's junior side Pool Under-16s beat Bankfoot Villa 3-0 in their Craven Aire-Wharfe League game on Sunday.

Their scorers were Stuart Pank, R Morris and M Roberts.