POOL gained a vital three points against strugglers Howden Clough in a 3-0 victory at home on Saturday.

Although the visitors are bottom of the division, they played with great spirit and determination so this was never going to be easy.

Pool eased the pressure midway through the first half when Jamie Algar's strong run on the right saw him cross for Jordan Wagstaff to help the ball into the path of Ryan Firth, who completed the job and give Pool a 1-0 lead.

In the absence of their regular keeper, Pool's under-17 keeper Dan Swales stepped into the breach, and not for the first time, did not let them down, soon being called upon to make an excellent save. The forward's follow-up attempt hit the crossbar, so maintaining Pool's lead.

They soon capitalised on this when Firth made a strong run down the left before firing the ball into the centre, Sandro Balde applying the finishing touch from close range.

Pool were looking reasonably comfortable, and put the match to bed midway through the second half when substitute Carlinhos Costa won the ball well on the left, and his low cross was converted by Algar for their third and decisive goal.

The win moves Pool up one place in West Yorkshire League Division One. They are third from bottom on 19 points, with a better goal difference than Leeds Modernians, who drew at Kippax at the weekend.