POOL lost 3-1 against a good Aberford Albion side in their first game of the season on Saturday.

The unseasonal high winds did nothing to help the quality of this West Yorkshire League Division One match, however both sides mastered the conditions well, playing some good football.

The home side, Aberford, had strong and speedy forwards, taking full advantage of the wind at their backs, breaking through to get a low cross in, which was converted from close range to open the scoring.

There was a touch of fortune for Pool's equaliser, as Jordan Wagstaff's speculative effort from way out on the right wing flew into the top corner.

Pool had opportunities to go on from there, as Jack Farrimond created a couple of chances for himself, but was unable to convert.

Then Jamie Algar was put through on the keeper, only to be brought down outside the area when he played the ball past him. Fortunately for the keeper, the ball was deemed to be wide enough to save him from a red card.

Two soft goals then gave Aberford a cushion at the interval. The first came from a wide free-kick cleverly aimed at the top corner, which keeper Andy Doey was unable to deal with. The ball broke loose with the Aberford forwards quickest to react.

Then, a corner dropped into the six-yard box, and again Aberford was on the ball.

The second half saw Pool respond well, having the bulk of the play with chances to get back into the match.

They matched a very good home side and can take encouragement from this, and the fact they gained confidence as the match progressed.