ANOTHER fine performance from Pool saw them win 4-2 at Rothwell to gain the reward of a place in the second round of the League Cup, and a home clash against high-flying Premier Division side Beeston.

Things did not start well, as, with regular keeper Andy Doey injured, his replacement Dan Swales was unable to start due to a damaged finger.

This meant player-manager Wayne Hoban had to don the gloves. He could easily have been put off after a mis-handling when blinded by the sun gave Rothwell a goal, but he went on to give a confident display, fully supported by his excellent back four.

The aforementioned goal had cancelled out Pool's early opener, which came when a perfectly placed cross from Harry Higgins was headed into his own net by a Rothwell defender.

Pool had gone down to ten men when Matty Bilney saw red. He poleaxed the Rothwell keeper, resulting in him getting his marching orders.

The remaining players more than made up for this, giving Rothwell no time on the ball, and producing some excellent passing moves, coupled with numerous well-placed long balls.

Their reward came when one of many smart moves down their left saw Ryan Firth round the advancing keeper before finding the net, scoring in off the far post from an acute angle.

Pool then took a two goal cushion into the interval when Josh Waite was put through down the middle. The keeper was only able to partially block, giving Waite the opportunity to go around him and put the ball into the empty net.

Pool continued to dominate in the second half. Eventually, having missed several chances, they made the game safe with a fourth, Higgins firing home from close range.

Rothwell's right winger fired a superb shot from distance into the top corner to give them a late consolation, but Pool were worthy victors.

Adam Caldow and Jack Farrimond shared the man of the match award, with both major influences in Pool's midfield.