Pool Reserves 1

Addingham 6

WITH the previous week's games frozen off across the region the signs last Saturday looked bleak. Overnight snow had left the Pool pitch under a thin blanket of snow and full credit to their ground staff who cleared the lines to make the game playable.

With Richard Mills and Damien Smithson still out Addingham were glad to welcome back Phillip Smith, although his season now looks in doubt after he picked up a bad ankle injury.

Following a sustained absence Greg Palmer returned, taking his place in Addingham's back three.

The covering of snow and bright December sunshine gave the game a surreal atmosphere but it was Addingham who adapted to the conditions the quicker and forced the early play.

Si Collins broke from midfield on ten minutes but his shot was well saved by Steve Winterburn in the Pool goal.

Addingham always held the greater threat and it was little surprise when they opened the scoring. Mark Ridley won the ball in central midfield with a solid challenge and slid a pass into the path of Jamie Barrow. He held off his marker, drew the 'keeper and fired home with 25 minutes gone.

The first-half petered out with little action but that changed after the break as the game exploded into life.

With Smith now a mere spectator Addingham brought on Paul Marriot in an unaccustomed role as centre-half. This was a position he filled magnificently, along with brother Tim and Palmer they were always in control and thus released Ridley, Mick Kernick and Si Collins to press the midfield and increase the Addingham threat.

Pool raised their game and restored parity straight after the break. Addingham stopped as the ball clearly crossed the line for a goal kick, the referee waved play on as Howden crossed for the unchallenged Richard Shaw to head home.

Addingham's sense of injustice heightened their desire to lethal affect. Addingham pressed forward and won a throw by the corner flag, the danger looked minimal but Sergio Galasso whipped in a cross that deceived the 'keeper and flew into the net.

Visibly buoyed by this Addingham went for the jugular, some of their football on the wintry surface was excellent, in particular Carl and Michael Kernick, who linked up down the left and seemed to be involved in everything Addingham did.

Midway through the second-half Barrow made it 3-1, Steve Perkins drilled in a cracking low cross that Barrow met first time to steer the ball home.

By now it was one-way traffic, Pool backed off allowing Addingham the freedom in midfield to create at will. Steve Perkins, again down the right, played in Galasso, whose intelligent pass picked out Collins.

He smashed his shot first time giving Winterburn no chance. Mick Kernick then linked up down the left with Galasso. Barrow's quick throw in was collected by Galasso who interchanged passes with Kernick before calmly curling his low shot into the far corner.

Si Collins then had a shot well saved and Jamie Barrow clipped the post following another good Addingham move.

With five minutes left Galasso capped a fine performance, completing his first hat-trick of the season.

Paul Marriot pushed on from defence and slid in a delightful through ball to Galasso. He turned quickly and sized up his options before firing a wicked dipping, swirling left foot strike that left the 'keeper flapping at thin air.

This left a final score of 6-1 to Addingham, who finished the year strongly placed to mount a promotion challenge.

Pool's match point went to Simon Bumby for a solid debut and Andy Forbes who battled hard. Mention too for the other debutant Kalister who worked tirelessly up front.

l This Saturday Addingham are away to Harlow Hill in the second-round of the League Medal Competition. All players meet at the Swan at noon.

Pateley Bridge 0

Pool 4

GOALS from Andy Graham, Jamie Taylor, Shaun Joyce and Dave Jackson ensured this comfortable victory to keep Pool right up there in the championship race.

l On Saturday Pool first team entertain Horsforth St Margaret's in the fourth round of the County Cup, players meet at 12.15pm for a 1.30pm kick-off. The second team visit Burley Trojans Reserves for a League match, players meet at 12.45pm for a 2pm kick-off. The A team travel to Addingham Reserves for a league match, meet at 12.45pm for a 2pm kick-off. If any players are unsure about selection or are unavailable, ring the appropriate manager. On Sunday, the Under-15 team entertain Shipley.