Rawdon OB 2

Pool AFC 2

(Pool won 3-2 on penalties)

POOL reached the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup final for the second time in three years with a penalty shoot-out win at Rawdon Old Boys, after missing countless opportunities in the 90 minutes.

Having missed a number of key players throughout the season, Pool are now starting to get players back and it showed in the entertaining match played on a terrible surface.

In the first-half Pool played down the infamous slope against a decent Rawdon side who had some good individuals. It was a tight affair in the first 45 minutes with a lot of midfield play.

The second-half started with Pool unable to get their passing game going. Instead, battling for every every ball Rawdon took the lead from a far post header but five minutes later Healey hit a superb 30 yard shot into the top corner which is what the away side deserved.

Pool looked fitter and stronger and took the game to Rawdon. Staniforth and Jackson looked threatening going forward. Pool missed two great chances when Joyce should have done better.

Rawdon took the lead when Dobson put through his own goal but Pool have the fight in them now after poor recent performances. With just two minutes remaining Staniforth crashed home a 14 yarder to put the tie into extra-time.

As Pool legs tired Taylor, back from another suspension and not his usual dangerous self, limped off but with Studds and Healey tight at the back, Speight working hard and Joyce and Jackson always more than able, Pool were the more likely to score but Rawdon hit the bar twice before Joyce missed again.

Extra-time did not bring a winner so penalties were next. Joyce and Staniforth scored, Studds and Jackson missed, but it was Lee Ingle, the most unlikely player with only one goal in eight years, who blasted home to put Pool through to the final against Horsforth St Margaret's.

Match Point went to Matt Healey.

Pool Reserves 1

Harold Styan Res 2

ONCE again individual errors were Pool's downfall as their abysmal run continued. In a tight contest, in blustery conditions, both teams battled hard, only for the Styans to emerge winners. Pool played with the wind in the first-half and the advantage paid off with a good finish from Kalisher from Bumby's through ball.

That should have opened the floodgates and settled Pool down but it seemed to make Pool sit back and allow the opposition at them. Pool were hit by two quick goals as Green was left with only Wilkinson to beat and a defensive mix-up between Bumby and Wilkinson allowed Bennett to slot home with ease.

A second-half substitution by boss Webster inspired Pool. Carter slotted into midfield perfectly alongside Roberts. Pool were running the game, with Howden adding flashes of genius here and there. Pool were fully in control, only the final ball letting them down. The chances they had through Roberts, Carter and Bumby were all spurned and Styans held out for a victory. Pool deserved at least a draw but continuous errors are costing them dearly. The effort and commitment can't be faulted but the concentration can.

Pool are at home to bottom-placed Hampsthwaite on Saturday and a victory is in need if Pool are to avoid a relegation scrap. Shaw and Kalisher gave hardworking performances and Simon Bumby gained Man-of-the-Match for a commanding display at the back.

POOL (at Spa Athletic, meet at 12.45 pm): S Thompson, G Dobson, M Burdett, G Studds, M Healey, J Taylor, N Speight, A Staniforth, D Ireland, S Joyce, D Jackson. Subs L Ingle, G Evans, D Newbould.

Reserves (home to Hampsthwaite Reserves, meet at 12.45 pm, kick-off 2 pm): Wilkinson, Allinson, Bumby, Martin, Evans, A Forbes, Roberts, Shaw, Megson, Kalisher, Howden. Subs. Carter, Tweedie.

A Team (home to Sherwood in the League Cup, meet at 1 pm, kick-off 2 pm) from: Payne, Taylor, Jones, J Forbes, Chantler, Dickinson, Groves, Cowgill, C Stott, Graham, Steval, Smith, Wilson, Hall.