Despite the ongoing issue of absent players, a young MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington Town Humber team turned in a reasonable performance against the current league leaders last weekend and as they were when they lost away to them in early December, were again left ruing missed opportunities and costly mistakes as they went down to a vastly more experienced side who proved how clinical they can be when given the chance.

 

Pock made a good start with James Haigh a lively threat down the left hand side but a Reckitts counter attack on 5 minutes should have resulted in a goal, on this occasion though the Reckitts striker chipped over the bar with the goal at his mercy. It only took another 4 minutes however for the visitors to take the lead when an attempted interception from centre back Aziz Barakat took a bounce over his foot, allowing Bradshaw to go through and score his 25^th of the season for an early lead but Pock weren't fazed by this and with Greg Nesbitt, Sam Beales and Steve Beilby all working hard in midfield, they started to exert pressure on the Reckitts back line.

 

A Dan O'Connor reverse pass almost put Alex Cutts through on goal but the Reckitts defence closed ranks quickly while a Beilby shot was blocked and another Haigh cross just drifted wide of the far post as Pock found it difficult to turn possession into chances. A Reckitts through ball on 22 minutes was intercepted by keeper Adam Thomas outside his area but he was guilty of trying to dribble his way out of danger and was greatful for Reckitts failing to get a good enough shot on target, while another chance for the visitors went begging on 27 minutes when both Pock centre backs went for the ball, allowing another shot on goal. This time Thomas made an excellent save as the ball was cleared and with 10 minutes to go before the break, Pock almost levelled the game.

 

O'Connor was crudely tackled from behind on the edge of the area and after the Reckitts No. 4 was rightly shown a yellow card, O'Connor picked himself up and drilled in a free kick that need a good parry from the keeper to prevent the goal but despite Town being a goal down at the interval, they had plenty to play for in the second period. A cagey start from both sides was spoilt when Nesbitt did the right thing in trying to play football in trying to play a square pass to another Pock player. Unfortunately he failed to see a lurking Reckitts forward who capitalised on the error by doubling Towns lead but again, Pock weren't bowed by this and kept working hard in an attempt to get back into the game.

 

Another of Pock's U19's was blooded with young Matty Cant coming on to add pace down the right and he almost made an immediate impact when he beat the left back and swung in a cross. His attempted cross bounced down and out off the far post for a slice of luck for the visitors and with them sitting with 10 men behind the ball and content to work on the counter attack, Pock enjoyed the lions share of possession without managing to breach the Reckitts back line to end a frustrating afternoons run out with James Haigh earning the MOM award for his consistent efforts down the left wing.

 

They can take heart from their performance however and if they continue to play their football and show the same level of commitment with a bit of quality added to the squad then the results will come. This week sees them away in Filey to take on Scarborough Athletic Reserves, players meet at the club at 12.00 midday please.