Pool 1 Robin Hood Athletic 3

POOL'S return to the West Yorkshire League Premier Division started badly with a first-half performance reminiscent of those that saw them relegated a few years ago.

Slack defending and a lack of sharpness in front of goal were the main issues.

Robin Hood's first goal came via a free kick which was awarded despite what Pool thought was a fair tackle by Nick Hewitt. There was ample opportunity to clear the ball before it found the net, so Pool could hardly complain.

Another defensive error gifted the visitors their second chance which they gratefully accepted.

When Neil Ebdon converted a penalty for Pool, they were right back in the match, but the enjoyment was short lived.

A corner was only partially cleared by Andy Caine in the Pool goal, and when his defenders failed to help him, the Robin Hood striker finished with aplomb.

Pool were a different team in the second half, showing exactly why they gained promotion with some excellent football. The defence had tightened up, Caine made a couple of good saves to thwart the few chances Robin Hood made, and there were several chances on goal for Pool.

The visitors' keeper was in good form, blocking several efforts and enjoying a little good fortune when one shot rebounded to safety off a post.

Other shots failed to hit the target, but there was plenty of encouragement from the second-half performance with a lot to look forward to.

Beeston St,Anthony's Reserves 3 Pool Reserves 0

POOL's new management team of Matthew White and Michael Jordan had a baptism of fire visiting potentially the best side in their first match in the reserves top division and suffering an away defeat.