Trojans Res 3

Helperby 3

A last minute goal from substitute Tom Maidment salvaged a draw for Burley Trojans Reserves in the top- of-the-table clash with Helperby Hotspurs.

With time running out Trojans mounted a final attack and player manager Gary Shankland squared the ball for the youngster to lash home his first goal for the club from 12 yards to rescue the point their performance deserved.

On a difficult surface following heavy overnight downpours Trojans started brightly and Copley had two early chances both of which were well saved by visiting 'keeper Simon Bird.

Helperby are top scorers in the entire league averaging over six goals per game.

They wasted no time in demonstrated their scoring prowess when centre-forward Andy Pears, allowed far too much space and time, sent a dipping volley past Michael Sant with only five minutes on the clock.

Trojans continued to have the better of the exchanges and Rob Wheeler was unlucky to see his 30 yard effort rebound to safety off the underside of the bar.

Skipper Ian McKain's goalbound effort poleaxed defender John Sherwood.

Both sides looked dangerous on the break and Sant did well to turn away a fierce drive from Pears but he was unable to deny the same player on the stroke of half-time as he headed home a Mark Furnass cross.

Shankland's blistering half-time team talk appeared to have the desired effect when 15 minutes into the second-half substitute Stuart Dibb reduced the arrears.

Mark Carroll linked up well with Shankland and from his cross Dibb robbed Sherwood before calmly side-footing past Bird from 12 yards.

Pears continued to be a thorn in Trojans side and he fired over when well placed and also saw Sant make a fine block when he looked set to score.

With the game finely poised it was the visitors who extended their lead with 20 minutes remaining when the impressive Scott Wilson scored at the second attempt after Sant had saved his original shot.

The never-say-die attitude which Shankland has instilled into his team again came to the fore as McKain picked up a loose ball 25 yards out to drill home an unstoppable drive for his third goal in as many matches to halve the deficit.

Carroll spurned a great chance to equalise before Maidment came to the rescue with his late show.

Iain Gibbons picked up match point for his tireless battling in midfield as Trojans extended their unbeaten run to five games and consolidated their position amongst the leading pack.

The first team were without a game as their scheduled opponents in the Wharfedale FA Cup - Trinity and All Saints Colleges - withdrew from the competition.

l On Saturday Trojans first team travel to Third Division Catterick Village in the League Cup, kick-off 2.30pm (Players should meet at the Cricket Club at 12.30pm).

The Reserves entertain Harlow Hill Reserves in Division Two, kick off 2.30pm with players meeting at the Cricket Club at 1.45pm.