Burley Trojans 3

Skipton Town 1

BURLEY Trojans eventually overcame stubborn resistance from Skipton Town to book their place in the second round of the County Trophy. Trojans had to overturn a half-time deficit and it was not until five minutes from time that Chris Connolly's second penalty finally killed off plucky Skipton.

The game centred around three penalties - two for Trojans which were converted and one for Skipton which was superbly saved by Chris Hargreaves.

The home side, already missing skipper Nick Quaife, were further handicapped by the loss of Jamie Davey, injured in the warm up on his return to first team duty.

Trojans' lethargy, which had seen them drop points the previous week, was again evident in the first-half as Skipton took the game to them. When the ball was driven at Chris Lockwood from close range referee Todd adjudged that he had handled intentionally.

Andrew Hudson couldn't take advantage seeing his low spot kick brilliantly turned away by Hargreaves. The big 'keeper was powerless to prevent the visitors going ahead five minutes later. A free-kick was superbly delivered and a Skipton forward got in front of his marker to direct a header in.

The visiting 'keeper was not tested in the first-half and the nearest that Trojans came was when the right-back, in trying to clear under pressure from Phil Constantine, volleyed over his own crossbar.

Following some frank half-time words Trojans emerged a different team in the second-half, levelling within ten minutes from the penalty spot. Jonny Lofthouse was scythed down and Connolly converted the spot kick.

Trojans' class started to tell and they began to win the 50-50 challenges, with Matt Hawnt prominent in midfield. Their wide men found themselves enjoying more time and space as the visitors tired.

Lofthouse put the home side ahead with 20 minutes remaining profitting from Constantine and Connolly's good work.

Trojans' rearguard was able to deal comfortably with sporadic second-half raids and centre-half Kieren Hanogue picked up match point for his accomplished performance. He has adapted well to first team football and his comfort on the ball and excellent range of passing skills have marked him out as one for the future.

Connolly sealed Trojans' passage near the end, this time sending his spot kick to the keeper's right, after Grant Dyson had been felled.

l Trojans are back in league action on Saturday at struggling Wetherby Athletic Reserves, kick-off 2.30pm (Players meet at the Cricket Club at 1.15pm)

Clifford and Bramham 0

Trojans Reserves 1

A goal midway through the second-half from skipper Ian McKain gave Trojans all three points and continued their march up the Second Division table.

The two sides played out an entertaining draw on the opening day of the season with Trojans fortunate to snatch a point but this time they were good value for their win they had Man-of-the-Match McKain to thank for his contribution at both ends.