Pool AFC 1 Horsforth ST MARGARET'S 2

THE first semi-final fo the Wharfedale FA Airedale International Challenge Cup ended with Saints scoring the winner with the last kick of the match at Otley Town's ground.

Saints had had most of the early play and looked to be on song but Pool defended doggedly and this was epitomised when in one Saints attack they had three successive shots blocked.

Tweedie, Joyce and Healey were involved in creating the first of Pool's chances for Healey and they took the lead in the 39th minute with a splendidly taken goal from Carl Wilson. In the first-half Saints had to make two substitiutions due to injuries.

In the second-half Pool should have increased their lead when Wilson was clean through but Elliott Pickard in the Saints' goal came off his line to make a brave save.

In the 68th minute Andy Lamb levelled for the West Yorkshire Premier Division side and then the Saints pushed for the winner in the last 15 minutes with Pool, to their credit, still defending with great resolution. Just when the game seemed destined for extra-time and with the light failing quickly Horsforth netted the winner. Pool had gained a corner and felt they should have had a penalty when Joyce was tugged back in the penalty area.

The ball was however cleared downfield and Saints got a corner which was headed over for another corner and with referee Paul Varley looking at his watch the ball was crossed into the penalty area and Andy Lamb was there again to strike the ball home and put Horsforth through to the final. This was a cruel way for Pool to go out as they had given everything they had with Man-of-the-Match Andrew Greenwood in sparkling form.

The second semi-final will be played at Otley Town tonight, Thursday, when Rawdon Old Boys meet Burley Trojans in a game kicking-off at 6 pm. The final will be held at Guiseley AFC on Thursday, April 29, kicking-off at 7.30 pm.

With Guiseley's ground unavailable for the Wharfedale FA Sunday Cup final between Rawdon AFC and Horsforth Hotel this game will be staged at Otley Town on Thursday, May 6.

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