POOL went down to a 3-1 defeat on a barely playable pitch at East End Park on Saturday.

For most of the first half, the pitch was on top and the two teams played to a stalemate, the best chance going to Pool's Ryan Firth. But the ball would just not come down fast enough and his effort cleared the cross bar.

Pool then gifted Park the lead when keeper Andy Doey's clearance was blocked, dropping to a Park forward, who cleverly lobbed the stranded keeper.

It took a mistake at the other end for Pool to equalise, a misplaced defensive header to the keeper being pounced on by Josh Wagstaff to find the net.

It then took a disputed penalty for Park to regain the lead. The striker had overrun the ball and no appeal came, but the referee pointed to the spot.

Pool had most of the chances but were unable to capitalise, then Park hit the post before taking advantage of the inevitable gaps as Pool pushed men forward, a break down their right culminating in a fine strike across the keeper to seal Pool's fate.

Not for the first time, other results went against them so they have work to do if they are to avoid relegation from Division One of the West Yorkshire League.

They play most of the other relegation contenders so have every opportunity to do the job.

In Division Two of the West Yorkshire League Alliance, Pool Reserves were unable to match a youthful Ilkley Town Reserves team and lost 4-1. George Lancaster scored a consolation goal for Pool.