BRAMHOPE 2

Pool AFC 5

THIS Harrogate League Challenge Cup tie was a potential banana skin for the confident, unbeaten Pool. On a small, tight pitch Bramhope failed to settle and Pool's quick counter attacking punished Bramhope twice in the opening minutes.

A header from Taylor to Wilson sent the pacy frontman away and after his first effort was saved he made no mistake with the rebound. Wilson followed this up with his second after outpacing the back four and calmly slotting the ball into the corner of the net.

Pool created various opportunities but failed to capitalise as Bramhope struggled against the strong wind.

With Pool playing into the wind in the second-half an early goal was vitally important and Pool killed the tie off with a great move.

The skillful and confident Andrew Greenwood won the ball in the middle and played a one-two with Taylor before releasing a perfect ball to Wilson who completed his hat-trick in classic style.

A fourth goal followed as Bramhope were left dumbstruck by Pool's positive start.

Man-of-the-Match Ingle again impressed at right-back and he fed Shaun Joyce whose pace got him away to cross for Greenwood to tap home.,

The movement which has been so impressive this season returned as chance after chance was created but went begging.

The home side pulled a goal back when 'keeper Steve Winterburn misjudged a swirling shot and it spun into the net.

This only made Pool more determined and they hit back with the goal of the game.

Matt Healey stepped out from defence and strode forward unchallenged to crack home a splendid piledriver from 25 yards which gave the 'keeper no chance.

After a few heavy challenges with Bramhope's frustration clearly evident, changes were made to the injured Pool side.

Field, back after a two week absence, came on to add steel to a tiring midfield and he also went close with a flashing header.

Bramhope notched another consolation goal but at the end of the day the better side definitiely came out on top.

There was another good performance from the pairing of Matt O'Grady and Nigel Smithson which meant Pool had a solid central area. Shaun Joyce was again lively up front feeding off Taylor's through balls.

Spa Athletic Res 2

Pool Reserves 7

On a bobbly pitch Pool Reserves returned to their old ways gifting Spa an early two goal advantage.

Once behind Pool started to play and as the pitch cut up badly they gradually edged their way back into the game.

Their hard work was rewarded when Healeas broke through to make it 2-1.

Pool felt confident going into the second-half but no one would have predicted what was to follow.

A six goal avalanche left Pool comfortable winners and a dejected Spa side was left wondering what had hit them.

David Singleton took the ball off the toes of Healeas to net and then Chris Tweedie strode on to a Wilby through ball to lash the ball in.

This goal seemed to break Spa's spirit and Pool were then allowed to dominate and play some fine football with Singleton seemingly everywhere. He scored his second goal from close range.

Further goals followed from Wilby, Leonard and Graham.

On a day that saw many fine performances for Pool Barton and Newbould played well in defence as did Malpass and Wilby in midfield while up front Graham and Singleton impressed.

It was always going to be a tough choice for match point but it was shared by Simon Malpass and David Singleton.

Pool A 2

Ripon City Magnets Res 3

Pool A entertained Third Division opponents Magnets in this Supplementary Cup second round tie and got off to the perfect start.

After 15 minutes they opened the scoring when Reddington fired home a 30 yard volley that stunned the Ripon 'keeper.

The lead was added to by Pool when Forrest crossed and the 'keeper and defender gifted Reddington his second goal.

Further chances were squandered by Reddington, Forrest and Evans as Pool sought to build on their lead.

A composed first-half Pool performance was capped by a solid back four performance by Taylor, Jones, Firth and Walker.

Pool then let themselves down in the second-half with a slack 15 minute spell which saw the game turn on its head and Magnet were allowed to grab the points..

Magnets got on the scoreboard twice from free-kicks and then beat the off-side trap to take the lead.

Despite a spirited fightback from Pool thirds it was not to be their day.

Match point for Pool was shared by goalkeeper Hall and centre-half Firth.

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