Pool 3 Carlton Athletic 2

POOL produced an impressive performance to end Carlton’s 100 per cent record.

The West Yorkshire League Premier Division leaders had won all their previous 17 games and looked to be set to add to that tally when a defensive mix up presented them with a first-minute goal.

The setback gave Pool a major wake-up call, and they were marginally the better team for the rest of the match.

Pool were without their usual centre half Temilada Ajimoko, but, Josh Waite returning from injury proved a worthy replacement, as did Robert Cross, who deputised for the injured James Caroll at right back.

The Wagstaff brothers, Jordan and Josh were tireless in midfield, as were the Bull twins.

Pool equalised with a well-worked goal. A superb cross from Scott Cater found Nick Hewitt whose powerful far-post header found the net.

The second half was evenly contested before Pool took the lead. A strong run from Grant Bligh found Hewitt who delivered the ball to Cater, who found space to put a perfect curling shot wide of the keeper.

It was Cater who sealed the Pool victory when he turned inside his marker and finished with confidence after a strong run from Tom Smith.

Carlton pulled a late goal back via a ricochet which made for a nervous last couple of minutes for Pool.

Their edginess wasn’t helped when Carlton declined to return possession to Pool when the referee stopped the game for a player to be treated when the ball was in goalkeeper Andy Doey’s hands.

From the dropped ball restart Carlton forced a corner which Pool were able to defend.