Trojans let two goal lead slip

Trojans dropped vital points in their title chase for the second week running as they saw a two goal lead whittled away by Pannal.

The home side, themselves in contention for honours, proved a stern test and played their full part in an enthralling encounter which was a superb advertisement for the Harrogate League.

The excellent Killinghall Moor pitch was a far cry from The Rec and allowed both sides to pass the ball around. Pannal started more brightly and dominated the opening 20 minutes with big centre-for-ward Justin O'Halloran proving a handful. He turned Ian McKain before sending in a crisp shot which Chris Hargreaves turned over and then fully tested the Trojan's 'keeper with a thunderous drive from 25 yards.

In a rare Trojans' attack a poor clearance landed at the feet of Jonny Lofthouse with 'keeper Mark Latimer stranded but he could only direct his effort wide.

And so it was against the run of play that the visitors went in front midway through the half. Latimer, under pressure from Chris Connolly, lost possession and the Trojans centre-forward slid the ball in from an acute angle.

Buoyed by this Trojans began to threaten and Connolly headed wide from a Chris Lockwood cross and Gareth Goodison was denied a goal by a marginal off-side decision.

Pannal received a real let off when Dave McKain surged clear only to be cynically felled from behind by last man Steve Darvill. The look of relief on the face of the Pannal full-back had to be seen to be believed as the otherwise excellent John Coles only produced a yellow card.

Pannal continued to show great quality in their attacking moves and Hargreaves turned a Latimer effort over and Lockwood blocked a Thompson drive. Hargreaves then pulled off a stunning diving save and Lofthouse headed off the line as the home side ended the half in the ascendency.

It seemed Pannal's failure to convert any of their opportunities would come back to haunt them as they fell further behind nine seconds into the second-half.

Straight from the kick-off Con-nolly found Stuart Copley and the winger beat his man before whipping in a dangerous cross that Lofthouse stooped to head in.

Unfortunately for Trojans they were unable to protect their two goal cushion and Pannal reduced the arrears within a minute, Taylor sending a rasping shot past Hargreaves from 20 yards after Trojans had failed to clear.

With both sides defending superbly there were few oppor-tunities until Pannal levelled. Once again Trojans had problems in clearing and Kell rifled a low shot past Hargreaves. Everything to play for and both sides clearly not content with a point.

Within a minute of the equaliser Trojans had a golden opportunity to re-take the lead from the penalty spot after Connolly had been fouled. It appeared a harsh decision and justice was done when Connolly's spot kick was well saved by Latimer.

Connolly had a chance to make amends from a Lofthouse cross but his header was smartly saved by the outstanding Latimer. Dave McKain's powerful drive struck Kitchen on the arm but the referee was not interested and then substitute Tom McDermott saw an audacious effort float wide of the angle.

The lively McDermott fired wide and then Copley was unable to get any power in his shot when Ian McKain played him in as Trojans ended the game the stronger. Both sides may view it as points dropped but in truth neither team deserved to lose and both will undoubtedly feature prominently come the end of the season.

l On Saturday Trojans entertain Northallerton Town, kick-off 2pm. Meet at the Cricket Club at 1pm.

Trojans Reserves 3

Clifford and Bramham 4

Trojans Reserves increased their lead at the head of Division Two despite suffering their second consecutive home defeat.

The resignation of Yew Tree from the League means that all their results are expunged from the records and all the chasing sides now forfeit the points picked up against the Otley-based side.

In truth Trojans may well be in a false position having now lost or drawn too many matches and must rely on Sherwood and Ilkley Reserves dropping some unexpected points in their games in hand.

Once again Trojans' inability to capitalise on their possession cost them dear and at the other end their inconsistent defending, which has been a feature this season, was all too apparent.

Despite the appalling condi-tions both sides set out to play football and Trojans led three times before being undone by an injury time goal.

Prolific striker Phil Constantine scored twice, including a penalty, and Phil Dodsworth grabbed his first goal of the season.