Pool return to winning ways

Pool AFC..................3

DETERMINED to get back into winning ways, Pool travelled to a hard-working Ilkley side who proved to be no pushover. On a cramped pitch Pool's neat passing game was the more effective as opposed to Ilkley's rugged, hard-tackling tactics.

Pool had the better of the early exchanges, carving out a number of opportunities but lacking the killer instinct to make them count. Joyce came close on a number of occasions and even the usually conservative Willoughby burst into the box only to see his thunderous drive parried by the impressive Ilkley 'keeper Williams.

Ilkley were restricted to long range shots, one which brought a breathtaking save from Wilkinson.Playing into the wind Ilkley worked hard to gain possession but time on the ball was not in abundance and Pool closed down quickly to deny Stockdale and Mynett any real sight of goal.

The breakthrough came when top scorer Joyce finished from close range to add to his impressive tally.

Pool carried on plugging away at a frail looking Ilkley defence and could easily have been four goals up at half-time.

As it was Pool had the daunting task of going into the second-half with the wind in their face and the sun in their eyes with just a one goal advantage.

Ilkley's Bellwood and Taylor had to be replaced after picking up knocks. Roberts switched to left-back and James Sayers was introduced at centre-back while Wilson came on up front.

Ilkley soon got back into the game when they were awarded a penalty when Willoughby was adjudged to have handled Mynett's cross. This infuriated the Pool players and Andrew Greenwood soon showed his anger when he released a bout of untamed aggression on a defenceless Duffisey. Richard Giles stepped up to convert the penalty and bring the sides back level.

As the fans became restless both sides began to dig in looking for that elusive goal. Ilkley could have taken the lead had it not been for the elongated leg of Graham saving from Riley while Hughes had his effort pushed over the bar.

With the clock ticking and both teams in need of the points Pool stepped up a gear and saw Wilson break away from his marker and slam the ball home to give Pool the upper hand.

This was a swift blow to the Ilkley family jewels as they began to accept the inevitable. Joyce then added salt into an already gaping wound as he turned the defence inside out and rolled the ball into the bottom corner to clinch victory for Pool.

In all honesty Pool could have and should have buried Ilkley early on but are still satisfied with a win over their local rivals.

Pool's match point was awarded to Wilkinson who made some clinical saves and restored the defence's confidence.

l On Saturday Ilkley entertain Harrogate side Spa Athletic and players should meet at Denton Road at 1.45 pm for a 2.30 pm kick-off.

Pool Res..................3

Killinghall...............1

Pool Reserves started this game hoping to continue their challenge for the top. With a show of pace and skill which had the visitors on the defensive, which only lasted until the 10th minute, when Waite split the defence to provide Graham with a close range clinical finish.

Pool did not let their foot off the gas and fine play from Tweedie and Myers led to a move right from the Pool box up the right wing to release Graham, who laid it to Waite, who chipped the static defence for the rampant Graham to smash the ball home for his and Pool's second.

Confidence was now flowing through the home team and the solid defence of Newbould, Dobson, Tweedie and Evans provided the foundation for the willing Myers and Carter to sweep down the wings at will. A rapier-like pass from Evans released Reddington who blasted an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to leave a comfortable 3-0 cushion. However, a scrambled goal just before half-time gave the visitors hope and gave Pool something to think about.

The visitors came out for the second-half determined to restore some pride and caused the home team some anxious moments. This was a half to dig in and grind out a result and the total commitment to get a result was shown with some determined challenges and last-pitch recoveries. Winterburn marshalled his back four and showed maturity above his years to keep the score 3-1 and give pool the result the team deserved.

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

Boston Spartans........1

On a spring afternoon Pool A were fired up for this difficult encounter. Spartans were flying high in the first ten minutes when quick work from a fast winger left the defence standing.

From this, Wilkinson in nets, was lobbed. After this slow start Pool picked up the pace, Jones and new defensive partner Vasey raised their game and from then on were solid as rocks. The pace and skill of Smallshaw and Forrest troubled the Spartan's defensive non-stop, but the goal would not come.

Ireland and Groves battled hard in midfield and dominated the aerial battle. Good work from the left by Bubba and Kitchen created numerous chances for the Pool forwards.

On the stroke of half-time Pool gained a corner. From a scrambled loose ball situation captain Jones turned swiftly to volley the ball hard and low into the Spartan's net.

From half-time onwards Pool took advantage of the wind. Midway through the second-half Groves took control of a loose ball, with pin-point precision a powerful shot was placed in the far corner from 30 yards beyond the keeper's reach.

From then on Pool controlled the game and ran out worthy winners. Match Point was shared by James Howden and Damian Ireland.

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