Burley Trojans 2 Thirsk 1

A BATTLING, depleted Burley Trojans showed great spirit to pull a win out of the fire and prevent Thirsk from winning the Heck Foods Harrogate League.

Trojans' surprise win at Ben Rhydding Sports Club handed the title to Harlow Hill and took the Burley side up to sixth place in the Premier Division table.

They can move up to fifth place if they win their final game of the season tonight at home to Knaresborough Celtic.

The injury-hit Burley side suffered a further blow when Ed Bryan had to leave the field with a foot injury.

Manager Tom Higman had to make an early entry into the game as substitute but he showed his class by directing the side from the back.

Thirsk opened the scoring when a goalkeeping error saw the ball end up in the net but undeterred Burley pressed forward and levelled the score with a good goal from Tom Hunter.

Burley withstood a barrage from Thirsk, whose finishing was woeful and who really should have had a score in double figures.

The gritty Trojans' side battled doggedly and much to their delight bagged all three points in the final minute with a superb finish from Paddy Bibby, who got a second yellow card for his celebration.