WETHERBY ATH RES 4

Pool AFC 1

POOL AFC carried the Christmas spirit way too far in this Medal Trophy second round tie by playing way, way below par against a young but average Wetherby team.

Pool started well and put the home side on the back foot early on with Myers and Joyce linking well. They provided the combination for the opening goal when Myers did well down the left and nipped past his marker to square the ball to Shaun Joyce who made no mistake.

Pool instantly broke forward again with Joyce putting Taylor in with a neat pass but his finishing deserted him and he shot wide.

For the remainder of the game Pool's performance was dire. Misplaced passes, a lack of commitment and movement were the key as Pool looked a pale shadow of the side which had an extended unbeaten run.

Wetherby took full advantage and two defensive errors put them in the lead and another defensive error put them 3-1 up.

The second-half was much the same with Pool still not at the races and very poor overall.

A scrappy fourth goal rolled into the net to end Pool's chances of a comeback.

After 14 wins in 15 games Pool were expected to win this game easily having already beaten Wetherby comfortably in the league.

Pool's only plusses in this game were an improved display by Myers and a bright 20 minutes from substitute Tweedie.

No match point was awarded as the standard of the performance was so poor.

Pool rerturn to league action on Saturday when they visit Tockwith looking for three points to consolidate their unbeaten run in the league.

Pool Reserves 12

Yeadon New Inn 1

With Pool Reserves looking to put a string of results together to provide proof of their promotion hopes the first game of the New Year against local rivals Yeadon New Inn was evidence of their commitment.

With both sides battling in midfield it was the strength of Wilby and Malpass in the Pool side which gained the upperhand for Pool.

Some fine inter-passing involving Healeas, Graham and Trimnell resulted in Evans calmly stroking the ball home.

This seemed to spur Pool into action and a good 20 minute spell saw further strikes from Graham, Wilson and Malpass take them to 4-0 at the break.

The Pool defence of Newbould, Cheetham, Evans and Walker never looked troubled and developed the play to feed their attack and further goals came from Graham (4), Malpass, Wilson and Waite.

All credit to the Yeadon side who always kept going and got on the scoresheet with a well-worked corner.

Chris Graham finally got just reward for all his hard work with his five goals. Overall it was a strong team performance which should provide a springboard for the New Year.

Match point was shared by Chris Graham and Graham Evans.

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