BECKWITHSHAW.......2 BURLEY TROJANS.....0

BURLEY Trojan' topsy turvy season continued as they meekly surrendered all three points at Beckwithshaw.

Following last weeks exploits against Harrogate Railway, Trojans were a mere shadow of themselves as they allowed mid-table Saints to dominate.

An experimental line up, with 'keeper Chris Hargreaves starting at centre-forward, failed to match Saints' greater commitment and, but for poor finishing by the home side, the margin of defeat could have been greater.

Stand-in 'keeper Scott McDonald kept the Saints' forwards at bay early on with some unorthodox saves but he was powerless to prevent midfielder Lee Jones giving the home side the lead midway through the first-half, crashing home an unstoppable shot from just inside the area.

Player manager Gary Shankland had almost given Trojans an unexpected lead when his close range effort was blocked on the line by a defender and the same player came within a whisker of levelling just before the break.

Winger Jonathan Lofthouse tricked his way past two defenders and laid the ball off to Stuart Dibb whose measured cross picked out Shankland and his glancing header bounced to safety off the foot of a post.

The second-half continued in a similar vein with Saints pushing forward and Trojans struggling to create any meaningful openings. It was no surprise when centre-forward Peter Davison added a second, heading home powerfully at the far post.

Midfielder Peter Sumner provided the visitors best moment near the end when he followed his mazy run with an angled drive which dipped against the bar with Saints' 'keeper Steve Jones well beaten.

l Trojans could yet have a big say in who finishes in the runner up spot as they entertain second placed Boroughbridge Reserves on Saturday, kick-off 3.00pm and then complete their league campaign with a trip to local rivals Pool, currently in third place, on Tuesday night, kick- off 6.45pm.

Trojans Res............1

Pool A....................2

Disappointing Trojans slumped to their third consecutive defeat against a resurgent Pool side. The visitors were quickly into their stride and created a number of early openings.

It was little surprise when they did take the lead although the manner of the goal was slightly fortuitous. A Pool attack broke down and, as the ball ran loose in the area, 'keeper Richard Lord's attempted clearance struck left-back Martin Stockdale and rebounded into the net.

Within minutes Pool were two in front as they outpaced Trojans' defence and Lord was left with no chance.

Trojans were thrown a lifeline just before the break with a goal of real quality. Midfielder Rob Wheeler was set free on the right and from his early cross Jamie Davey volleyed home powerfully at the far post.

The second-half was more even and both sides could have added to their tally with greater composure in front of goal.

The victory lifts Pool into sixth place, a point behind Trojans who have five matches in hand on their neighbours.

l Trojans Saturday fixture against Unison was postponed when their opponents were unable to raise a team. This week Trojans are at home to Yew Tree tonight (Thursday) kick-off 6.30pm and travel to Marton-cum-Grafton on Saturday, kick-off 3.00pm.

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