Whitkirk Wanderers 0 Pool 1

POOL went to the top of Division One after grinding out victory in appalling weather at Whitkirk.

The pitch was in superb condition but the gale blowing throughout the match made good football difficult.

There were very few scoring chances during the match with Whitkirk having the first one. A defensive error let in their centre forward who forced a superb point-blank save from keeper Andy Caine.

Pool's best football was played either side of the half-time break. It was always on the cards that one mistake or one moment of brilliance would decide this match.

It proved to be the latter as Grant Bligh's clever turns bamboozled the home defence as he created the space to curl a shot past the keeper.

Whitkirk responded well to going behind and put the Pool defence under several bouts of pressure. Pool were determined to hold on to their lead and protected their goal resolutely.

Pool's next two matches are at home to second and third-placed Carlton Athletic, then Thornhill.

West Yorkshire League Alliance Division Two

Pool Reserves 3 Ripon City Reserves 2

POOL Reserves did their promotion hopes no harm with this hard-fought victory over top of the table Ripon City.

Jacob Clarke opened the scoring for Pool before Ripon equalised.

Pool missed a penalty and Ripon took advantage by going 2-1 up before half-time. Pool had the wind at their backs in the second half and were the stronger side.

They were soon level as Toby Rake placed his free kick perfectly. Pool were then awarded another penalty, Clarke making no mistake this time to give Pool the lead and the points.