POOL'S recent efforts and good form were rewarded in a pulsating local derby which saw them beat Otley Town 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the Wharfedale Challenge Cup on Saturday.

Pool started strongly, having the better of the early exchanges, but Town settled and came back strongly when Connor Wilson took on the Pool full back before firing his shot powerfully across goal and into the corner to give Town a 1-0 lead.

Town continued to test Pool, and only a fine near post save by keeper Andy Doey from Kyle Jeffre prevented them from doubling their lead.

The rest of the half continued in the same vain, as Pool had to work hard to keep the score at 1-0.

Whatever Pool's management and coaches said at half-time clearly did the trick as they came out fighting, producing good penetrating moves up both flanks.

They quickly equalised when a superb low cross from Jac Farrimond was met by Ryan Firth, who forced his low header into the net.

Josh Wagstaff then won the ball well on the edge of the area and put in another excellent cross, which Firth headed powerfully home to give Pool a 2-1 lead.

Then, before Town had time to draw breath, a low cross found Firth, who finished with his foot to complete a superb hat-trick.

Town never gave give up, but to Pool's credit they did not sit on their lead and continued to play in the same manner; and despite a couple of scares, the defence remained solid as Pool secured their place in the semi-final in March.

In West Yorkshire League Alliance Division Two action, Pool Reserves lost 2-1 at Sherburn White Rose Reserves.

They were robbed of the point which their performance deserved when an unfortunate reflex hand ball gave Sherburn a 90th minute penalty, which they duly converted.