Pool 1

Clifford & Bramham 3

A SHOCK result saw one of the favourites, Pool, go out of the Harrogate League Challenge Cup to Second Division opposition Clifford and Bramham.

The wedding of midfielder Andy Staniforth resulted in the spine being ripped out of the Pool team with Shaun Joyce, Gez Studds and Danny Willoughby missing.

Their replacements did not let the side down but lack of familiarity did not help, nor did the fact that some players failed to produce the fight required when the chips are down.

Pool started brightly, taking an early lead when Nick Speight, recently transferred from Bedale Town, headed home from a corner.

This and the sporadic arrival of the apparently disorganised opposition lulled Pool into a false sense of security, allowing Clifford back into the game with a soft equaliser.

Pool responded well early in the second-half with Megson hitting the bar and a superb save by the visitors' 'keeper keeping them out. The effort, though, was short-lived, another soft goal giving Clifford the lead, then a late third goal giving the underdog a deserved win.

Pool Reserves 1

Helperby Hotspurs 3

Pool wanted to continue their recent run of impressive performances into the cup. Pool started playing good football with midfielders Myers, Ireland, Dickinson and Wilkinson passing well and creating chances for the Pool strikers.

After sustained pressure by Pool, Helperby started to create chances but Pool's makeshift defence coped well to keep Helperby's chances to a minimum. With strikers Smith and Harden looking lively up front Pool continued to create chances but it was hard-working midfielder Ireland who put Pool in front. At half-time Pool were very confident that they could hold on to go through to the next round.

After the break Helperby started to use the wind and were constantly pegging Pool back. Payne made some fine saves to keep it at 1-0. Late in the second-half Pool tired and the lack of replacements started to show. Helperby drew level from a corner and seconds later scored two more. Match Point went to A Forbes.

Ilkley Reserves 5

Pool A 2

POOL A started brightly and dominated the early exchanges with Forrest and Tye going close. Forrest flashed a shot just wide. Pool continued to control the game and Forrest rounded the 'keeper to finish in style. Against the run of play Ilkley equalised. This was followed by three more quick goals.

Pool had dominated for 35 minutes and found themselves 4-1 down. Ilkley continued to press and Beale made a couple of good stops. The defence of Taylor, Hall, Jones and A Stott had to work hard.The midfield of Cowgill, Tye, Chantler and Groves competed well but gave possession back to the opposition.

Pool were unlucky with several good efforts, particularly from Forrest. Chris Stott made his debut and impressed in the last half-hour. Despite all their efforts Pool conceded a late goal although Chris Stott pulled one back on the final whistle. Match Point went to Forrest and Tony Stott.

POOL ( home to Skipton Bulldogs in the County Cup, meet at 12.45 pm, kick-off 2 pm): from: Mark Allinson, L Ingle, D Newbould, G Dobson, G Studds, J Megson, M Healey, N Speight, S Joyce, J Ramsey, J Taylor, C Graham, D Myers, Mick Allinson.

Reserves (at Hunsworth in the Challenge Trophy, meet at 12.30 pm): Pollard, Forbes, Shaw, Firth, Evans, Wilkinson, Ireland, Dickinson, N Taylor, Howden, Smith, Roberts, Carter, Stenton.

A Team (at Park Row Associates in the Spa Cup, meet at 12.45 pm) from: N Payne, R Taylor, R Metcalf, J Forbes, T Stott, D Forrest, C Jones, C Keddle, P Hall, D Cowgill, J Steval, A Tye, C Chantler, D Groves, S Boulton.