Bedale 2

Pool 4

WITH key players still missing Pool knew that a victory would take them to the top of the Premier League. Long-term absentee Andy Graham returned in an unfamiliar role of right midfield but no one would have known.

Bedale were unlucky not to go ahead when a thunderous free-kick came back off the bar. Five minutes later the same player couldn't believe his luck when his strike come back off the post.

Pool hadn't even started to play and found themselves 1-0 down. As always this spurred Pool into action and at last they started to play the football to which they are accustomed, Andy Graham made probing runs and Healey and Staniforth asserted authority in the centre of midfield.

On the half-hour Pool were level, Bedale's 'keeper made a complete hash of a corner and Andy Graham smashed the ball in. Brother Chris made it 2-1 five minutes later when the 'keeper, who was by now having a nightmare, spilled what should have been a simple take.

Bedale looked dangerous on the break and Pool had 'keeper Allinson to thank for pulling off two breathtaking saves.

The second-half for the most part can only be described as dour. Both teams seemed content on giving the ball away and squandering chances. Bedale equalised through poor marking.

With the game heading for an inevitable draw it was going to take something special to break the deadlock. This was duly served up by Chris Graham after Newbould rolled the ball back to him. Five minutes from time the game was put beyond doubt when Graham turned provider.

His pin-point cross found Joyce who finished with ease. Pool seem to be doing all the right things at the moment.

Pool Reserves 3

Fairburn 2

A first round Cup match saw Pool entertain Fairburn, an unknown quantity from the Selby area. Pool started the better and early chances fell to Taylor and Ireland. However, it was Fairburn who opened the scoring.

The remainder of the first-half saw continued Pool pressure come to nothing. Pool started the second-half knowing a win was possible and Pool drew level with a fine shot from Speight.

Ten minutes later Pool took the lead with a well-worked goal from Howden. Pool further extended their lead when Wilkinson drilled the ball home. Fairburn fired home a second but it was too little too late. Match Point went to Speight.

Addingham Res 2

Pool A 3

The referee got caught up in traffic and to ensure a prompt start Pool manager Steve Murphy took the first 15 minutes with Addingham's approval, the appointed official then taking over.

In a hard-fought cup tie the teams were evenly matched with only one goal, almost inevitably, separating them.Pool's goals came from Andy Tye, Dave Forrest and Richard Smith with match point shared by Chris Keddle and Liam Rees.