Pool 5 Stanley 1

POOL seized the opportunity to go 11 points clear at the top of the West Yorkshire League Division One with a convincing win over in-form Stanley.

With their closest challengers Carlton Athletic in cup action, Pool overcame the shock of conceding an early goal to secure the three points.

Critically, they equalised quickly when top scorer Tom Fleming fired home from an acute angle.

They should have settled any lingering nerves when Harvey Atkinson missed from close range.

Soon after, the determination of Atkinson earned a penalty which the normally reliable Temilada Ajimoko stepped up to take, but the Stanley keeper saved well.

So it was up to Fleming again to score his second to give Pool a slender lead at the interval.

The leaders effectively sealed the points with two quick strikes in the first five minutes of the second half.

First Flemming completed his hat-trick, then a superb move ended with new signing Reece Williams firing home from close range.

Stanley were not done with though, an excellent goalbound strike being brilliantly touched onto the post and behind for a corner by keeper Andy Caine.

Pool continued to dominate, defending well when necessary and taking any sting out of Stanley.

It came as no surprise when Fleming added his fourth goal and Pool’s fifth to complete a fine all round display.

In the Harrogate League Division Two, Pool A came back from 4-3 down at half-time to win 9-4 in their home fixture against Ripon Red Arrows.

Adam Dean scored a hat-trick, Mark Stanton and Jamie Norris-Green each weighed in with a couple of goals, while David Potts and Keiron Gentry scored one each.