Pool............2

Bedale.......2

ON Grand National Day Pool began this League fixture with the look of an exhausted race horse relaxing in the paddock after a nasty fall.

As they cantered through a tedious first-half both teams jockeyed for the upperhand.

Bedale, fielding five first teamers in an effort to curtail the home side's dawning dominance, began to trouble Pool's out of sorts rearguard.

In a bizarre move by the visitors, a succession of Pool players seemed intent merely on cuddling the opposition in a disturbing display of affection.

However, the Bedale number 10 escaped the clutches of Healey's tender embrace and lashed the ball home.

The half-time interval failed to prompt the home players to move into a gallop and a Bedale long ball put Elliott clear of the chasing group. His looping effort sailed over the outstretched arms of the young goalkeeper and nestled in the goal.

The match was fast becoming a nightmare for the humbled Premier League pace setters. This seemed to finally whip Pool into action as Greenwood, Wilson and O'Grady got the bit between their teeth.

When Greenwood's teasing free-kick was forcefully headed home by the combative O'Grady, a comeback seemed inevitable.

A challenge on the edge of Bedale's penalty area gave the evergreen Sean Joyce a chance to exact the ultimate punishment.

With Bedale constructing a fearsome eight-man wall, the angle was tighter than a perilous chicane at Monaco.

However, Joyce steered the ball around the wall for a fine goal. Match Point went to Paul Wilkinson.

Pool Res .......... 2

K Malzeard Res 2

The score in the end was a fair reflection of the play as Kirkby Malzeard scored an equaliser with two minutes to go.

Kirkby started putting Pool under pressure from the start as Pool struggled to motivate themselves out of the malaise of an end of season affair.

Pool eventually woke up but not before Kirkby had taken the lead. Newbould equalised from the spot after Reddington had been pushed.

In the second-half as the game opened up both teams pressed for the lead.

It was during this period Pool played their best football and gradually took control. The stalemate continued until the 85th minute when Newbould scored from a direct free-kick.

This stirred Kirkby and although Pool could have held out with more intelligent football they allowed Kirkby the freedom to cross the ball on a number of occasions.

They were rewarded with the equaliser with two minutes to go. Match Point for Pool was shared by Newbould and Tweedie.

Pateley Res........3

Pool A...............5

Pool A started with an upbeat tempo, putting on full steam pressure from the start.

They went ahead just two minutes into the game when C Wilkinson stepped up to convert a well-placed penalty.

Ten minutes later again Pool showed great persistence and determination by Smallshaw scoring the second from a clever through ball from Ireland.

The game wasn't all Pools as Pateley did miss some easy text book chances.

In the second-half Pool's attack proved too strong by scoring three more goals. First Ireland tucked away a tidy free-kick then Forrest got on the scoresheet by flicking the ball over the young 'keeper.

Finally, Trimnell finished the game off with a looping header. Pateley came fighting back by scoring three quick goals but Pool held out. Overall, a very good display in all by Pool's XI.

The Match Point was shared by Smallshaw and Ireland.

Trojan Res.......1

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

Pool 'A' travelled to Burley on the back of three wins. Team morale was high and Pool started well with some excellent midfield play from Ireland, Trimnell, Groves and Evans.

There was some good movement by the two strikers Forrest and Graham. The first goal was from a shot by Graham, which deflected off Ireland's knee, then rolled into the net.

Pool maintained the pressure and scored a second goal from a good individual run made by Graham.

Burley got back into the game before the end of the first-half by scoring a goal.

The second-half saw Burley attack more but Pool's defence held out. There was some good play from Wilkinson, Boulton, Myers and Taylor. No more goals were scored in the second-half.

Manager Webster was pleased after winning four out of four. Match Points went to D Ireland.

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