POOL lost 5-1 at home to a very physical team in a difficult West Yorkshire League Division One encounter against Newsome.

For a while, it looked like Pool were in for a thrashing as Newsome took a three-goal lead within half an hour.

Two of those goals came from low hard balls across the face of goal with enough attacking force in place to convert.

Pool had several similar chances before Newsome had scored, but lack of numbers and the gamble to get forward saw the balls continue harmlessly wide.

Being down 3-0 after 30 minutes did not look good, but Pool showed great character and never gave up to keep the score at 3-0 at the break.

Then early in the second half, a great run into the box by Poll's Jamie Algar saw him tripped, resulting in a penalty. Ian Noble stepped up to fire home and give Pool some hope.

Unfortunately, Newsome struck back quickly to regain the three-goal advantage, which effectively sealed the match. A fifth came late on as Pool tried to get forward.

* The manager of Pool Reserves, who had to step in as a referee of this West Yorkshire League Alliance Division Two match, saw his side beaten 7-1 at Salts Reserves.

Pool provided a squad of 14 and a referee, so had the advantage in numbers.

Their manager, Michael Jordan, stepped into the breach as the assigned referee failed to turn up.

He probably wishes that he had not as Pool were soundly beaten by a strong side, their only consolation a fine goal from Jac Flannery.