Pool 5

Beckwithshaw1

POOL entered the quarter-final of the Senior Challenge Cup fielding an unchanged side despite welcoming the return of some talented individuals to an impressive squad.

After last week's swashbuckling success, the hungry Pool side began the match with predatory instinct of a pack of Alaskan wolves. Joyce typically opened the account with a fine strike which forced a howling error by the Beckwithshaw 'keeper Houseman.

The home side began to dominate the game and strengthen their stifling stranglehold on proceedings when the exuberant Taylor struck after half-an-hour.

He dropped his shoulder, glided past his opponent and unleashed a venomous shot. Shortly before half-time the cup-tie was illuminated by a lightning flash of inspiration by Outtersides. His instinctive looping drive into the top corner brought a chorus of screams from the agog throng.

The second-half was inevitably played at a slower tempo. The Pool manager became increasingly frustrated and he left his side in no doubt about his anger.

With the ever-impressive Studds partnering the emerging youngster Andy Graham at the heart of the Pool rear guard the threat of a Beckwithshaw come-back seemed non-existent. As a result, Pool had the confidence to produce numerous penetrative forays and opportunities.

The sprightly Dickenson was a constant thorn in Beckwithshaw's side on the right wing. His fine approach play began a majestic move that was finished with a rip-snorting strike by the ever-dependable defender turned striker Matt Healey.

The deceptively youthful captain treated the onlookers to a triple somersault. When top-scorer Shaun Joyce added another goal to his tremendous tally the match was clearly over as a contest.

Pool manager Dennison introduced two of his substitutes but this approach had a negative effect and allowed Beckwithshaw's subdued striker Duffissey to break clear of the home defence.

His weak shot dribbled under Wilkinson's lame attempt to smother. Wilkinson's dive drawing as much laughter as his new ginger haircut.

The final whistle signalled the end to an impressive performance from Pool, particularly by Man-of-the-Match Robin Outtersides, who constantly baffled his opponents with his neat footballing skills.

Kirkby Malzeard.......1

Pool Reserves............4

Pool Reserves arrived in Kirkby Malzeard on a cold, windy day and, with the wind and slope in their favour in the first-half, they quickly took the led against the team they destroyed 9-3 just a month ago.

A slick-passing move involving Singleton and Reddington resulted in a low-cross which was converted by Chris Graham with the coollness and accuracy of an experienced assassin.

With Carlton deputising for the suspended skipper and Dave Newbould at sweeper, the defence looked well organised and firm.

This provided a firm footing from which Pool launched countless attacks. Carlton picked up a booking for dissent, though it appeared to Pool's travelling legions that the firebrand skipper merely asked the referee a question.

Pool managed to laugh this absurd yellow-carding off and set about the serious business of collecting maximum points. They completed the first-half in their usual free-flowing style, and led 3-0 at the break thanks to goals from Singleton and Reddington.

At the break the ever-wise Paul Martin directed his troops to sit deeper, to allow for the wind and the slope. However, Malzeard never really broke free as expected, the central midfield duo of Singleton and Horsley keeping them at bay.

Horsley eventually gave way to Newns, the young prospect returning from injury. After Graham had scored from an accurate clearance by 'keeper Winterburn and Malzeard had hit a consolation, Biggins striking from range, Newns had his chance to shine.

The 18-year-old was teed-up by the unselfish Reddington but his strike from 18 yards screamed high and wide, leaving the referee consulting the linesman to ensure that a goal-kick, not a throw-in, should be awarded.

Pool hopes were further raised five minutes from time, the skilful Howden departing to let Dave Forrest join the action, after he had sat out eight weeks with a broken toe.

Chris Tweedie made some impressive runs down the left but match point was shared by Julian Horsley and Chris Graham.

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