Burley TROJANS 3 HAMPSTHWAITE 1

BURLEY Trojans threw the title race wide open again when they defeated favourites Hampsthwaite and tipped the balance in favour of their neighbours Pool who meet the Harrogate-based side later this week.

Trojans had a score to settle following their recent cup disappointments at the hands of Hampsthwaite and Gary Shankland certianly had his men fired up with a second place finish still not out of the question for Burley.

The visitors had to cope with fixture congestion owing to their cup exploits and they looked decidedly jaded. Two goals from the prolific Stuart Dibb not only set up the victory but also took him past the 30 goal mark for the season. In doing so he overhauled his father John's tally for Trojans back in the seventies.

Dibb gave Trojans the lead on 20 minutes when following a mis-kick by a Hampsthwaite defender he ran on and rounded the 'keeper before netting. The visitors were level before the break taking advantage of Trojans' failure to clear the danger. Stand-in 'keeper Richard Lloyd pulled off a number of fine saves to prevent the visitors from going ahead and he thoroughly deserved his match point.

Dibb restored the lead for Trojans after an hour when he lashed home following good work from Jon Lofthouse. Within two minutes Lofthouse sealed victory when he cleverly lobbed the 'keeper from close range.

Dibb missed a couple of opportunities to complete his hat-trick when he was through on the 'keeper but Trojans continued to dominate and the result was never in doubt.

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