BURLEY TROJANS 0

Pool AFC 3

BURLEY Trojans' fading title aspirations finally disappeared when they were soundly beaten by neighbours Pool on Tuesday night.

The result gives Pool real hope of lifting the First Division title and the outcome may be dec ided when they take on their nearest rivals Hampsthwaite.

Pool settled the better and were soon posing problems for the home defence. Keeper Chris Hargreaves saved well at the second attempt from Sean Joyce before Carl Wilson wasted a golden opportunity blazing over from close range.

Trojans had their share of chances in the first-half, notably from Stuart Dibb who dragged a shot wide and was then off target when well placed.

The breakthrough came when the home defence failed to clear and Joyce rounded Hargreaves to set up Wilson for a simple tap in.

Pool maintained the upperhand in the second-half and continued to create chances and so it was no surprise when they added to their lead. Following a neat build up involving Wilson, Jamie Taylor's wayward shot was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Martin Robinson. This was tough on the experienced defender who had done more than most to keep the Pool forwards at bay and thoroughly deserved his match point.

With Trojans pushing forward to get back into the game gaps started to appear and Pool added a third when Joyce unselfishly set up Wilson who finished clincically from ten yards.

The match was played in excellent spirit between two very competitive teams and it was disappointing that the referee saw fit to detract from it by administering six yellow cards when there was hardly a bad tackle all evening.

Trojans could still have a say in the destination of the title as they entertain Hampsthwaite on Saturday with a 3 pm kick-off.

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