Pool 3 Route One Rovers 2

AGAINST the odds, struggling Pool have made it to the final of the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup.

Despite being bottom of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division, they have consistently turned out strong performances in the cup.

They fought their way to a narrow semi-final victory on their sodden Riverside pitch on Saturday, beating Route One Rovers 3-2.

The game only went ahead after a late pitch inspection, but those in attendance were certainly glad it did.

Pool opened the scoring after a corner was headed home by Joe Garner-Currie from close in.

The Rovers forwards were soon able to bring their team level. A neat dummy opened up some space for their striker Shoaib Iqbal, and he had time and space to expertly place the ball beyond the reach of the Pool goalkeeper.

A stunning strike by Matty Bilney tilted the game back in Pool's favour. In difficult conditions, he controlled the ball well before trying his luck from long distance.

His left-footed effort flew into the top corner, leaving the opposing keeper with no chance.

Despite fashioning several chances, Pool could not add to their lead in the first half, and they were punished just before the break, when Rovers drew themselves level for a second time through Mohamed Khan.

Pool had the edge throughout the second half but took a while to make their dominance count.

Eventually, Tom Fleming found some room in the opposition box and he showed great composure to slot the ball into the net.

On this occasion, Rovers could not find an equaliser, and Pool were able to hold on and secure their place in the final, where they will face neighbours Otley Town in a hotly-anticipated clash.

Town have performed brilliantly during their cup run, and the third-tier side secured their place in the showpiece encounter by defeating Horsforth St Margaret's 4-2.

There was less cheer for Pool A, who crashed to a miserable 8-1 defeat at the hands of Harlow Hill Reserves in the Harrogate League First Division.

The A team have failed to consolidate after a strong start to the league season and their only consolation in this match was a goal from their prolific forward, Dave Potts.