Match Preview: Pool AFC Reserves

With a thrilling end in store in the West Yorkshire Alliance League Division Two title race, our Reserves know that they can’t afford to drop any points, so head to Pool this Saturday full of determination to stay in pole position.

Kick-off is 2:30pm and a look ahead at the weather app shows light could, gentle winds and a temperature of around 9 degrees.

One thing that Player-Manager Kris Macdonald will instil in his team is not to underestimate any of our remaining opposition. As we have seen and experienced in this campaign, any team is capable of beating any other team and springing that much often used phrase “surprise result”. This will definitely be true of Pool, who despite lying in bottom place, will still be a tough team to beat and Rangers will have to be at their best to gain points.

It’s fair to say that Pool have struggled this season, but all their five points have come at home (one huge 8-3 win against Old Centralians Reserves and two draws) and this is something we will have to be wary of. They have scored 22 times on their own soil, which is the fourth highest in the bottom half, and conceded 38, which is the third highest in the bottom half.

The last time that the two teams met was on the 20 August 2018 and resulted in an 8-0 win (D’Avanzo (2), Trower (2), Jenner, Turner, Flynn & Park) for us. However, we are under no illusion that this will happen again and will be prepared for a scrap of a game.

Of course, it’s not just our result that will affect the outcome of the league and we will be hoping that Wyke Wanderers and Old Centralians will be able to get something against Boroughbridge AFC and Salts FC Reserves respectively.

The referee for this game is Mr John Murray. Mr Murray has been one of the more prolific referees having taken charge of 13 games and also another 10 as an assistant referee. In his games in charge, we have welcomed Mr Murray to Barr Field twice as he was the man in the middle for the match between our first team and Hall Green United, and also for the clash between the Reserves and Old Centralians in January. He has issued 13 yellow cards and a single red so far.

If you wish to come and support us, the address that you will need is Arthington Lane, Pool-in-Wharfedale, West Yorkshire, LS21 1LG.

League Form (past five matches)

Pool AFC L L L L L

Rangers W W D W W

Leading League Goalscorer

Pool AFC David Potts 5 goals

Rangers Chris Plews 12 goals

Kirk Deighton Rangers Reserves are proudly sponsored by:

Aquascapes & Landscaping