Pocklington Town AFC News

Pre Season Training

TomKnowles — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 19:27:25 GMT

With the Humber Team set to start their season in little over a month's time, pre season training will start on Monday 3rd of July and will be on Mondays and Thursdays nights starting at 7pm until the end of August. For more information about pre season, Click Here to see this post on Facebook

Fulford U16’s 0 - 4 Pocklington Predators U16’s

Jim Hansen — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Such is Under 16 football that, being the final year of youth football in the York Mitchell Soccer League, this time of year sees teams who have played each other for 7 years pit their wits against each other for one final time. Pocklington and Fulford have had great matches over the years and both management teams have an underlying respect for each other's approach to football.

It goes without saying that the winds produced their normal effort to take centre stage with a strong blusters which should have favoured Fulford, the home side, in the first half. But, maybe through practise or a little bit of extra nouse of these conditions, it was the Predators who settled quickly into their football. Town had the greater urgency from the off with Connor Wade covering back when required to support the strength of Liam Neal when in possession.

Predators built patiently from the back, assembling from Fraser Hansen, Matthew Terry and later George Pilkington in their full back positions, thorough a midfield where Huw Jones and Elliott Russell acted as fulcrums and onward through the pace of Wade and Joe Milner in wider channels. Pocklington took the lead on the quarter hour when Jones picked up a loose ball in midfield and found Russell in space. His cross field ball found Pilkington whose effort was well saved; pouncing though was Milner who drove the ball low into the corner.

Harry Crusher and Eric Hogan dealt with everything Fulford threw forward with the former tidy as ever behind the back-line and Hogan winning the aerial combats. Neal's strength in midfield was too much for Fulford's answers and time and time again he picked up 50/50s to help build renewed attacks. Town grew with confidence and the full backs moved forward with Hansen's cross narrowly evading the late arriving Wade. The best move was to come through with Neal and Milner combining to prize open the Fulford defence. The ball fell to Ben Potter who drove home and treated the away supporters to a Sturridgesque celebration. Town went into the break two goals to the good.

It was Fulford who came out strongly in the second half and it was clear the next goal was critical. As Town moved forward, Milner drove narrowly over from a free kick and Wade's overhead effort was well saved. But this was end to end stuff and Hogan cleared a dangerous Fulford attack down their left hand side. Both Milner and Wade had further chances to extend the lead and when Wade was found by Neal his neat step inside and crisp drive bought that all important 3rd goal.

Wade bagged his brace shortly after, managing to get on the end of a ball which hung in the wind and resulted in a scramble. To their credit Fulford still pushed forward and Sam Flinton responded with arguably the highest quality point in the match reacting sharply to get down low to his left with an outstanding save.

The match ended with a 4-0 victory to Pocklington as both managers shook hands for a final time at this level.

Pocklington Town 2 - 1 Driffield EI

Richard Bower — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington Towns Humber Premier team scraped through their Humber league cup game last Saturday but had to overcome a spirited showing from Division 1 side Driffield EI before booking their place in the semi finals on a day when the quality of their finishing fell well below that expected of this squad. With regulars Stu Lawson, James Haigh and Aziz Barakat all missing, this wasn't Pocks strongest possible line up but there was still more than enough quality in the squad to ensure progress.

That the game remained so close game was down to wasteful finishing and poor decision making in front of goal from several Town players as they created enough chances to win two games but were left needing some stout defending and good fortune in order to keep one hand on the trophy that they won last season. Pock almost made a disastrous start to the game when Alex Cutts played a short back pass to keeper Adam Thomas and while trying to make the tackle Pocks No. 1 could only foul the Driff forward who would have been through on goal. Only the presence of covering defender Mark Watkinson meant that the referee was correct to show a yellow card but this was a big let off for Town so early on in the game.

Pock soon got into their attacking stride though and with Tom Reay, Scott Sullivan and David O'Connor causing problems for the Driff defenders, Town were creating plenty of chances. The opener came from the spot when Sullivan was fouled in the area and Tom Rogers showed his composure by firing home the spot kick. With Town pressing Driff back, they should have increased their lead but denied by a combination of good goalkeeping and poor finishing, failed to add to their advantage. Reay was put in by Jim Drewerys long throw but was denied by the keepers legs while O'Connor saw his snap shot from the edge of the area turned around the post for a corner. With Sullivan hitting the bar with a shot after good approach play from Reay and Chris Saltmer Town only had a single goal to show for their efforts at the break and knew that the game was far from over and having already used two subs to cover first half injuries to O'Connor and Cutts, Pock knew that they needed to improve their quality on the ball.

Town almost made a great start to the second half when a cross was headed away at the back post and with Reays follow up corner needing to be headed off the line, Driff were to make the most of this let off as they threw caution to the wind and forced Pock to defend. Robin Walker headed a chance off the line and Thomas made a couple of good saves as Driff really pressed the home side back and Driff levelled the game on the hour when a misunderstanding between Rogers and Greg Nesbitt allowed Driff to break from the half way line. Town still had the chance to prevent the cross coming in but allowed a far post header to level the game up and at this point, the visitors looked the likelier team to go on and win the game. Another Driff break saw them fire a shot that thundered to safety off the crossbar but with George Alport attacking well down the right wing, Town lifted their game as the match opened out as it became end to end with both sides going for broke.

Pock made it 2-1 on 73 minutes when Alport was fouled on the right hand side of the Driff area and a pin point Nesbitt free kick picked out Watkinsons near post run for a headed goal. Pock changed to a 4-4-2 formation and set up to consolidate and while Driff enjoyed good possession, Watkinson, Alport, Walker and Jim Drewery worked well as a unit to prevent any serious threats on the Pock goal. Town had more chances to increase their lead when Sullivan and Dan Boneham raced clear on the counter attack but more wasteful finishing ensured that the last 10 minutes were more nervy than they should have been as Pock made it through but with difficulty. Led by a MOM performance from skipper Watkinson, Town closed the game out but know that they had a fortunate win after this somewhat nervy and unconvincing performance.

They are back in league action this Saturday with a home game against bottom of the league Westella & Willerby but after Westella recorded the shock of last weekend with a win on penalties over current league leaders Reckitts, Pock know that they shouldn't take anything for granted. Players meet at the club at 12.30 pm please.

Pocklington Predators U16’s 2 - 0 Brooklyn U16’s

Jim Hansen — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

The strong winds returned to The Balk on Sunday afternoon as the Predators entertained Brooklyn, but fortunately so too did the home side's ability to play football on the floor which countered the conditions.

Unlike the previous couple of weeks where Pocklington faced similar levelling conditions, this week they looked the classier outfit and from the start built with patience. Working through midfield, rather than relying on channel balls from the back (which invariable get held up into the strong headwind or run away with a tailwind) Town looked in control from the start.

In the first half the conditions appeared to suit the away side as they had the wind at their backs, but the Predators kept Brooklyn's attacks at a distance and keeper Sam Flinton's excellent positioning throughout meant that he made light work of multiple long range efforts. Town were occasionally troubled by Brooklyn's long clearances, but Harry Crusher was on hand to tidy throughout the 1st half and Matthew Terry combative in a right-back role.

The Predator's looked dangerous down the right-hand side with Connor Wade working hard and whipping in dangerous crosses which gave Joe Milner a couple of opportunities in the opening exchanges. Shortly before half time, as the temperature rose and the cultural level fell on Brooklyn's tackles, one misjudged effort felled Milner in the box and Crusher had the opportunity to take the lead for the reds. In trademark style he stepped forward confidently and slotted the ball neatly home and Town found themselves positioned well going into the break 1-0 up.

The Predators were not unduly troubled at any stage in the second half. Liam Neal controlled from a central role, flitting between centre back and a holding midfield role and Elliott Russell impressed in the second half keeping the ball moving and keeping it simple. Town probed and looked dangerous down the flanks: Wade running the right-hand side and Fraser Hansen and Sez Altin interchanging well on the left with Hansen's unselfish runs pulling defenders wide.

Indeed this slick movement from the midfield and front line led to the Predator's second when Wade's blocked effort sat up and Milner's quality volley finish doubled the home side's advantage. There was still time for Neal's half-volley to shave the outside of the post and Eric Hogan's free kick to blaze just over before the final whistle. A good solid performance.

Bridlington Sports & Social Club 0 - 1 Pocklington Town

Richard Bower — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington recorded their first winning "double" of the season as they beat Brid Sports away last weekend in a gritty, hard working performance that made up in commitment from both sides what it was lacking in quality. That this was also only Pocks second clean sheet of the season, the other one also being a 1-0 home win against Brid back in August, said a lot about the defensive problems that Pock have had since then but this was a result that answered a lot of questions about the teams character on the day.

With Captain Mark Watkinson struggling to overcome an ankle problem and forced onto the bench, Pock were glad to welcome new signing Robin Walker into their starting line up at centre back alongside Stu Lawson and with no recognised full back available, a reshuffle meant a surprise to see James Haigh, one of Towns main creative outlets starting at left back on a bumpy heavy pitch.

Pock almost made the perfect start to the game when a pass back to keeper Adam Thomas in the second minute was kicked long and over the Brid defence for Scott Sullivan to race on to. His squared ball beat the defensive cover and only needed a tap in at the far post but David O'Connor was just unable to apply the necessary touch. On the small narrow pitch, Thomas put Sullivan through again on 10 minutes but the lack of a decent connection allowed the Brid keeper to make a routine save as Pock pressed the home side back. The pressure told on 14 minutes when a handball was awarded against a Brid defender on the left hand side of the area about 25 yards out and an excellently struck free kick by Greg Nesbitt dipped over the wall and under the bar for a superb goal.

Brid nearly levelled on 20 minutes when Pock allowed them too much space from a throw in and a sizzling 30 yarder was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Thomas but Town were unlucky not to increase their lead on 26 minutes when a cross from Tom Rogers was met by the head of O'Connor only to see the Brid keeper tip the effort onto the bar and away to safety. Tom Reay, Sullivan and Rogers all had shots that lacked the quality to trouble the Brid goal as Pock finished the half on top but in need of a second goal to settle the game down and a positive half time team talk sent them out knowing what was required.

A Town corner on 53 minutes was cleared to the edge of the area where it was fizzed back in back a well struck Rogers volley, only for the keeper to make a great parry to his right for the save but with Brid pushing more men forward in search of the equaliser, Town were forced deeper as the half wore on. A miskicked clearance from Thomas almost brought a comedy leveller, with Towns stopper scrambling back just in time to make a save on the line from a first time effort from distance but with Pock wasting chances to kill the game off, they had to dig deep and defend superbly to restrict Brid to long range efforts on the Pock goal.

Walker, Drewery, Haigh and Lawson all made excellent blocks, tackles and interceptions as Brid probed and with the central midfield of Rogers and Nesbitt aided by substitutes Rob Gibson, Watkinson and Dan Boneham all doing their bit, Town failed to find that bit of quality on the counter attack with poor final ball being a problem. Despite this, the squad showed great character to see the game out and record a good 3 points but will travel to take on Sculcoates Amateurs t his Saturday knowing that an improvement on the ball will be needed if they are to come away from what is always a difficult away trip. Players meet at the club at 12 midday please.

Pocklington Predators 0 - 2 Fulford

Jim Hansen — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

What makes Pocklington Predators efficient and effective is a simple pass and move game which unlocks defences, brings goals and wins matches. When this raison d’etre no longer resides within the team on a very cold and blustery Sunday afternoon, they struggle.

With a fluid passing game, Fulford would have and should have been despatched comfortably and the Predators should have taken advantage of one of their numerous games in hand over teams higher in the league – but this was an opportunity lost. True, Predators had their chances, but fired wide and over in each half. It could have been a 4-2 home victory has the chances been taken, Fulford scored from both of theirs.

Manager, Joe Cooney has seen this all before and knows how to get a side back to their efficient best. Predators will need to show a little more instinct before their two impeding cup semi-finals.

Pocklington Town 3rds 3 - 2 Holme Rovers 2nds

Richard Bower — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

YARA sponsored Pocklingtons Third team were also in cup action last weekend with a home against Holme Rovers Reserves in a game postponed from the previous weekend. Town made a good start and were 1-0 up after 20 minutes with a pin point strike from John Parsons providing the opener. Holme refused to panic though and made the most of playing with the breeze behind them to ensure that it was 1-1 at the break.

Holme started the second half better than Pock and deservedly took the lead on the hour but Jake Winspear was on hand to draw the game level for Town with a clinical finish on 70 minutes. With the game as close as the scoreline suggests and extra time looming, a Rovers defender made a clumsy challenge on Alex Fletcher in the area and "Fletch" picked himself up to coolly slot home the resulting penalty. A late flurry from Holme was met by solid defending from Alex Downey, Byron Draycott, Josh Fletcher and Sam Morrell as Pock hung in to qualify for the 1/4 finals of the Qualifying cup but it's back to league action this weekend with a trip to take on Bishopthorpe United in Reserve B. Players meet at the club at 12.15 please.

Middleton Rovers 1 - 1 Pocklington Town 2nds

Richard Bower — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington Town 2nds took on Middleton Rovers in the East Riding Junior Country cup 1/4 final looking to progress a step closer to a repeat of their cup final appearance of last season but deprived of several regulars and late call offs, suffered the heartbreak of a penalty shoot out defeat after 120 minutes of gritty battling football on a heavy pitch.

Pock made a good start, led by the driving on of Chris Murray in central midfield and took the lead on 20 minutes when James Saltmer exchanged a one-two pass with David O'Connor and finished with a well placed shot from the edge of the area. Middleton came back into things and Town keeper Carl Silburn showed good hands to tip the shot onto the bar and away to safety but when the home side worked a short corner routine on 35 minutes, the cross was met by an unchallenged header inside the 6 yard box to leave things level at the break.

With the strong wind making it difficult for either side to play a passing game, Town edged the second half but without being able to regain the lead. This was in no small part down to some excellent goalkeeping from the Middleton keeper who made excellent saves from Connor Mathie and Nathan Hinds well struck efforts and with defences dominating, neither side was able to break the deadlock in the second half and the 30 minutes of extra time.

This meant the drama of a penalty shoot out and with James Saltmer missing the target and Nathan Hind seeing his effort well saved, Middleton scored all of their first four attempts to win it 4-2. Despite the frustration of going so close, Pock need to take the positives from this into the last four games of their season as they look to ensure that they don't get dragged into a relegation situation, starting with a home game against Hamilton Panthers this Saturday. Players meet at the club at 1pm please

Pocklington Town 1 - 3 Sculcoates Amateurs

Richard Bower — Sun, 09 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

Despite MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington going 2-0 down against the strong wind at home last Saturday, a good second half effort wasn't quite enough as they conceded a late third against Sculcoates Amateurs to finish without reward despite an improved performance on the previous weeks game.

Despite kicking off against the stiff breeze, Town made a bright start and a cross by Scott Sullivan inside the first couple of minutes only just eluded Chris Saltmers far post run while a Jim Drewery flick was met by a header from Aziz Barakat that went narrowly wide on 4 minutes. Scullys were soon able to exert some pressure though and a warning came on 7 minutes when a long range effort was well gathered by Pock keeper Adam Thomas. The visitors took the lead soon afterwards though when a crossfield diagonal caught the Town defence square and a well placed header picked out the top corner for an all too easy goal to have conceded.

Pock replied with a long throw from Alex Cutts that was headed on but with no Town player making the second run it went harmlessly across the face of the Scullys goal and with Pock well organised and composed on the ball, they were able to play their way out of the pressure that the conditions and a useful visiting side put them under. Town were slow to react on 24 minutes when a quick one-two pass on the half way line set up a break down the Pock right and another well directed cross saw a second goal with a near post finish but Pock kept working hard and a short free kick from Cutts sent Saltmer through on the half hour. His mazy run saw him get off a shot that was blocked in the Scullys area but with the wind making playing flowing football for both sides difficult, Thomas's attempted clearance blew up in the air and back at him, needing the Town keeper to catch the second ball.

As it had come off a backpass the Referee had to give an indirect free kick but despite the shot being lashed into the top corner, it was struck directly so the "goal" was disallowed and Town went into the interval 2-0 down but with the weather now in their favour. Pock pressed Scullys back straight from the restart and for 15 minutes the visitors were unable to clear their lines as Town enjoyed a series of throws and corners around the Scullys area. They pulled a goal back on the hour when Tom Rogers picked up a partially cleared cross 25 yards out and his intuitive pass was dummied by Stu Lawson for Sullivan's run and angled drive from 12 yards to reduce the deficit.

Despite this boost, Pock struggled to make further headway and with the final pass just lacking that bit of quality on the day and Scullys defending well and in depth, the home side couldn't manage to find a way through. This led them vulnerable to the counter attack and on 74 minutes a Scullys break saw them pull Towns defensive cover apart and hit the post. Thomas made a brave block at the feet of a Scullys forward while shots from Drewery, Sullivan and Rogers all failed to trouble the Scullys keeper. After a lot of hard work and pressing though they were hit by the sucker punch on 88 minutes when Scullys broke again and with the cross holding up in the wind, a Scullys sub was able to chip the ball over Thomas to seal the three points for the visitors and end a plucky showing from the home side.

Despite the result, there were a lot of good performances on the day with Lawson, Drewery, Greg Nesbitt and Saltmer all having excellent games alongside the MOM Tom Rogers. Pock are now on their travels for the next 3 weeks starting with an away game against Hedon Rangers this weekend. Players meet at the club at 12.00 pm please.

Pocklington Predators U16's 1 - 3 Beverley Town U16's

Jim Hansen — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

If the Predators were the type of side who wanted to list excuses for this East Riding quarter final cup exit they could call upon late drop outs, suspensions, injuries and a dramatic change in a first half head-wind: but that’s not the type of side they are nor the type of way they are led. This simply boiled down to chances taken.

Town faced a strong head wind in the first half as Beverley gained the upper hand in the early exchanges using the conditions to their advantage testing the Pocklington defence with lengthy balls. Those that didn't run straight through to Sam Flinton, more often than not were dealt with by débutante Liam Neil who started in a holding midfield role before replacing the injured Erin Hoban in the heart of Town’s defence.

Pocklington's first chance came 15 minutes into the game; Connor Wade winning a corner that was driven in by Joe Milner only for Neil to see his header fly just over. The next five minutes shaped this match as the home side drew two outstanding saves from the Beverley keeper; firstly saving Wade’s effort and then tipping away a rasping Milner free kick. Milner then broke down the left but the pull-back went wide before Ben Potter saw another effort head over the bar. With four good chances failing to ripple the net, Pocklington needed to keep door closed at the other end of the pitch, but with two minutes to go before half-time the away side picked up a loose ball in the area and drove it home.

Bizarrely the head wind that Town had battled against in the first half dissipated and Predators had no advantage. They started the second half brightly though and equalised in the first five minutes through Milner who met a pull back from the left with a neat volley finish. But just when they needed to consolidate, Predators fell asleep at a Beverley corner and allowed a late arrival a free run and his header sent Pocklington behind again.

Pocklington pushed forward, Fraser Hansen and Connor Wade linking well with Wade unlucky as his curling right foot effort hit the bar. The next goal was critical and sadly from the home side it was Beverley who grabbed it, picking up a bobbling ball in the area and despatching Town out of the cup.

Pocklington Town 2 - 3 Hornsea Town

Richard Bower — Sun, 02 Feb 2014 01:00:00 GMT

Despite racing into a two goal lead, MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington fell to defeat at home against Hornsea Town last weekend in a game that had plenty of talking points and controversy.

With Pock confident after their last two good wins, they pressed from the off and got amongst the Hornsea players, not allowing them to settle on the ball. The Hornsea No. 5 was lucky not to go into the book when he blatantly body checked Aziz Barakat who was about to break through on goal, with the Town player getting a bloodied mouth for his troubles as the Referee showed leniency. With Skipper Tom Rogers the catalyst for everything that was good about Towns play, James Haigh won the ball off the Hornsea right back and played a superb reverse pass behind the Hornsea defence. Tom Reay made an excellent run to remain onside and then showed calmness in outpacing the defender and finishing clinically from the edge of the area.

Pock were really on their game and doubled their lead on 14 minutes when after a spell of pressure on the Hornsea area, the ball was partially cleared and Rogers made a great interception and set up David O'Connor for a lovely chipped finish from 10 yards out. Despite playing against the strong breeze, Town were pressing the visitors back and should have done better with some of their approach play as they started to take too many touches on the ball. This allowed Hornsea to counter attack and from a throw in, Pock allowed them to get a cross in and after a near post scramble, the ball was poked home from 2 yards out.

It was now Hornseas turn to enjoy a spell of pressure and when Towns midfield stood off, keeper Adam Thomas made a great diving save to his right when Pock allowed a shooting chance from 25 yards but with the first half entering it's last seconds, Hornsea levelled the game when Pock failed to get on to a clearance and a mis hit cross shot ended up in the far corner. Despite this setback there was no need for Town to panic but as the second half wore on, they struggled to find the same rhythm to their game as Hornsea got tighter to them and became physically more competitive. Tempers started to fray for both teams as the Referee issued 3 cautions in as many minutes but some of his decision making left both teams baffled with a lack of consistency a real problem.

Despite clearing a Hornsea cross from under their bar, Town were not remaining calm on the ball and Hornsea were able to work a shooting chance on the hour that brought another save by Thomas. Hornsea forced the loose ball home but their forward was clearly offside when the ball was played and with Pock responding to a quick throw out to Haigh by Thomas, Sam Beale saw his effort parried by the Hornsea keeper.

With the game turning into a scrappy midfield battle, a moment of controversy proved decisive as on 75 minutes, a Hornsea clearance was chased after by their No. 14. The Assistant raised his flag for offside but was overruled by the Referee because an onside Hornsea player beat the No. 14 to the ball and with Pock struggling to recover their ground, the visitors made it 3-2 with a close range finish after Thomas had saved the first effort. With the Pock players incensed by this their protests were ignored and the goal stood and despite Pock creating several half chance as the clock wound down, they were unable to force an equaliser that their efforts deserved. Tom Rogers was deservedly the MOM with Jim Drewery, George Alport, David O'Connor, James Haigh and Tom Reay also doing well but the final whistle blew on a frustrating afternoons work for the lads.

This was a disapointing way to lose the game and although questions can be asked of the officials, Pocks second half performance lacked the necessary composure and quality to get them the three points. This weekend sees them with another tough game, at home again as they take on Sculcoates Amateurs. Players meet at the club at 12.30 pm please.

Pocklington's other three teams games all fell victim to the weather with heavy overnight rain meaning that two of the clubs three pitches were unplayable. This coming weekend sees the 2nds away against Middleton Rovers in an ER cup 1/4 final while the 3rds are at home against Holme Rovers 2nds, also in the ER cup. Pocks Driffield league team travel to play Hilderthorpe AFC.

Crown FC 2 - 4 Pocklington Town

Richard Bower — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington's Humber team turned in one of their best performances of the season so far to record their first away win against a team that they have traditionally struggled to overcome at their ground. In doing so they had to put in a spirited and hard working performance, as well as overcome a torrential 15 minutes of rain that would have forced the abandonment of the match if it wasn't being played on an excellent 4G surface.

With the squad starting to become more settled and consistent, Pock made a great start and when Stuart Lawson defended a Crown throw in on the edge of the Town area on 3 minutes, his pass released Aziz Barakat for a run to the half way line. His pass played in David O'Connor who in turn worked hard to release James Haigh in the inside left channel. "Haighy" cut inside the full back and let rip with a screamer into the far top corner to finish off probably the best team goal of the season so far but Alex Cutts sustained a bang to the head when defending a far post header as Crown looked to get back on level terms straight away.

Pock stopped playing their passing game and allowed Crown to press them back and this led to a leveller on 13 minutes when Cutts, still feeling the after effects, misjudged a crossfield pass to set up a well struck shot off the bar to make it 1-1. Cutts was forced off soon afterwards with George Alport coming on at right back but with Crown playing at a higher tempo than Pock and enjoying a strong wind at their backs, they made it 2-1 on 16 minutes when Town switched off at a short corner and the far post cross was nodded down and forced home from close range. Pock responded by getting back on the ball and Barakat set up Tom Reay on the edge of the Crown area for a shot that although lacking in a bit of power, still needed a smart save from the Crown keeper to prevent the goal.

Pock equalised on 28 minutes when Reay set up Haigh with an intuitive pass for Towns number 11 to bag his second with another powerful shot that beat the keeper at his near post and Pock almost took a lead into the break when good approach play involving Reay and Haigh set up David O'Connor for a chance from 8 yards out. Unfortunately Towns number 9 couldn't get enough power on the shot to beat the keeper but having finished the first period well, Pock were confident going into the second half but both teams were forced to endure a soaking for 15 minutes as the heavens opened and only abated just in time to avoid the game being called off.

Crown brought a great save from keeper Adam Thomas when he flew to his left to parry a 30 yard pile driver to safety as Pock were forced to dig deep defensively but this proved invaluable when Town took the lead on 66 minutes. A long clearance from Thomas picked out Haigh down the left hand side and his hard work gained a corner. Haigh took it himself capped an MOM performance when his perfectly delivered cross was swung in to the near post where it was met by a well glanced header from skipper Mark Watkinson. 5 minutes later, Barakat was fouled when breaking into the area and Reay stepped up to confidently drive the penalty home as Pock gave themselves a two goal cushion but with Crown committing men forward, they forced Town to defend deep and with a lot of heart as the game entered the last 10 minutes.

Lawson and Watkinson made superb defensive headers to clear the ball off the line, while Thomas made an excellent tip onto and over the bar from a far post header as Town kept their shape and discipline well to see the game out. They could have made it five when Barakat robbed a Crown defender 40 yards out but his attempted lob beat the keeper but drifted wide of the far post but with the final whistle going on an great team performance, Pock can reflect on an excellent afternoons work. They will need more of the same this Saturday when they take on Hornsea Town at home as having already conceded 5 goals twice to them in two bad games, they are aware of the dangers that they pose. Players meet at the club at 12.30 pm please.

Pocklington Towns 3rd team game at home to Tadcaster Magnets was abandoned on 15 minutes with the score at 0-0 last Saturday when the torrential downpour made the pitch unplayable. Despite the weather, Towns Driffield league team were able to complete their home game against Sports Club United Reserves on another pitch but went out of the Bryan Pannhausen sponsored league cup 3-0.

This weekends fixtures sees the 2nds at home to Hamilton Panthers with a 2pm kick off. The 3rds are also at home to Holme Rovers 2nds in the East Riding cup this weekend with a 1.30 pm kick off, while the 4ths are away to AFC Lounge Bar.

Pocklington Town 4ths 2 - 0 North Frodingham

Richard Bower — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 01:00:00 GMT

Pocklington Towns Driffield league team scored twice through goals from Shane Westwood and Sam Richards to complete a good day for the club with all 3 teams in action getting wins. Next week they are at home to Sports Club United Reserves in the Bryan Pannhausen league cup with a 2 pm kick off, players meet at the club at 1 pm please.

Pocklington Town 4 - 2 St. Andrews FC

Richard Bower — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington's Humber team overcame a sticky pitch and competitive opponents to record their first win of 2014 after a fully committed and hard working performance at home last Saturday. Despite an enforced last minute team reshuffle, Town had plenty of attacking threat in their line up and led by a MOM performance from Tom Rogers in central midfield, they could have scored in the 2nd minute. Dan Bonehams pass played in Tom Reay behind the St. Andrews defence but he elected to shoot with the outstep and couldn't keep his effort on target.

Pock suffered a setback on 4 minutes when a free kick into their area was knocked down and a good bit of play from their number 9 saw him create the space to turn and fire a shot in off the post for a 1-0 lead but 3 minutes later, the game was level when more god interplay by the Town midfield set up Boneham in the area and despite the defenders blocking his effort, Reay was able to force the loose ball home from close range. Pock took the lead 2 minutes after their equaliser when David O'Connor calmly brought the ball out of defence and played in Boneham on the half way line. Pocks leading scorer raced 60 yards down the left wing before cutting inside and his approach play was matched by a quality finish, across the keeper and into the far corner.

With Town running the game, they should have scored again on 13 minutes when a George Alport throw in started an excellent passing move between Rogers, James Haigh and Boneham who set up Dan O'Connor for a shooting chance that went the wrong side of the post but Pocks third wasn't long in coming as Reay made the most of some casual passing between St. Andrews defenders to nip in and steal the ball. A coolly lobbed finish beat the oncoming keeper as Pock opened up some breathing space and with Town enjoying the advantage in territory, St. Andrews were restricted to long range efforts that keeper Adam Thomas handled easily.

Pock made it 4-1 on 38 minutes when a short corner between Alport and Dan O'Connor saw O'Connor swing in a superb cross to the back post which was well met by his Brother Dave O'Connor for a powerful header into the corner. St. Andrews replied with a well delivered free kick of their own that only just went over the bar but Pock went into the interval in a good position to press on in the second half but as always seems to be the case in games between these sides, the second 45 became a scrappy, bitty affair as Pock allowed their game to be dragged down to the visitors level. The tone was set on 50 minutes when Pock failed to clear their lines and a St. Andrews player managed to convince the Referee that he had been fouled, with the resulting penalty confidently dispatched pass keeper Thomas who, having guessed the right way was unlucky not to make the save.

Town were incensed by this decision and for a while went off the boil, allowing niggly fouls and verbals to distract them from their game plan. Yellow cards were issued to both teams as some lenient refereeing let a lot go on the slippery surface and despite Pock pressing as the game went into it's final third, neither side was able to add to the score. Reay and Rogers saw shots blocked by last ditch defending while other passes just went astray with the lack of a quality final ball. With the Pock defence working well as a unit, St. Andrews denied Boneham and Rogers again with great tackles but with Town showing character and grit to grind out their win, the final whistle blew on a good afternoons work from everyone.

Pock will need more if the same as they go into next weeks away game against Crown FC, players meet at the club at 12 midday please.

Pocklington Town 3rds 3 - 2 Fulford United Reserves

Richard Bower — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 01:00:00 GMT

YARA sponsored Pocklington 3rds got off to a good start at home last Saturday but were pegged back by Fulford and needed a solid second half defensive performance to record the win and bag a vital 3 points in their climb up the table and away from the bottom of the division. They went 2-0 ahead with first half goals from John Parsons and Alex Fletcher but after the Town defence were caught in possession trying to play their way out from the back, Fulford pulled one back to leave the game delicately balanced. A well delivered corner from Mark Sissons restored Towns 2 goal lead at half time but Fulford made it 3-2 early in the second half to ensure that the last 30 minutes were nervy ones. An excellent team defensive effort managed to frustate the visitors and ensured that Pock continue their improvement in form and they face another test at home to Tadcaster Magnets next Saturday. Players meet at 1pm for a 2 pm kick off please.

Pocklington Town 2 - 0 Reckitts FC

Richard Bower — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 01:00:00 GMT

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.

North Cave 2 - 3 Pocklington Town

Richard Bower — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

After losing both league games against them this season by a single goal and a winless November, MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pock Humber team were away at North Cave in the Whiteheads Fish & Chip league cup last Saturday looking to move into the quarter finals of the trophy that they won in May.

With their form improving of late and the team starting to play more to their potential, Pock started off well and had a couple of half chances in the first 20 minutes. Mark Watkinson had a header cleared off the line from a James Haigh corner as Pock pressed high up the pitch but a break by Cave saw the Town defence fail to deal with a long ball and a quality finish put the home side ahead against the run of play.

Cave made it 2-0 five minutes later when an unlucky deflection off a Pock defender fell to a North Cave striker for a calm finish and despite the Assistant flagging for an offside, he was rightly overruled by the Referee to send Town into the break 2-0 down despite playing some good football.

With Rob Kunkel and John Heads giving a positive team talk at half time, Town started the second half well again and on 56 minutes, a long ball was played up to Dave O'Connor who despite the close attention of a Cave defender, managed to create half a yard to get a shot off and he hit a screamer first time into the top corner out of nothing.

That really lifted Pock and on 67 minutes, centre back Aziz Barakat started a run from his own half that took him past several Cave players. Despite a Cave challenge inside their area, the ball fell to Scott Sullivan who rounded the keeper and slotted it into the corner to level the game.

North Cave lifted their performance and came back into the game, with Pock keeper Adam Thomas making a good block and George Alport clearing one effort off the line. Town scored the winner after good link up play between O'Connor and Sullivan, with "Des" laying the ball off and Sullivan hitting another bullet into the top corner.

Pock were forced to hang on in the last 10 minutes as Cave pressed hard but a great defensive performance from Alport, Watkinson, Barakat and Jim Drewery prevented serious efforts on the Town goal. The Pock midfield of James Haigh, Chris Saltmer, Sam Beales and Alex Cutts deserve a lot of credit for sticking to the game plan but the MOM for his leading of the line went to Dave O'Connor.

With the whole team motivated and working hard this was a fully deserved win after an impressive second half performance and one that Town have been threatening for the last few weeks. This Saturday sees them in league action away to Reckitts looking to continue this improvement and with a couple of players due back for selection, Pock will travel with confidence. Players meet at he club at 12.15 please.

Pocklington U13s 6 - 0 Haxby Town U13s

Andrew Noble — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

Fresh from making the semi finals of the FA cup Pock faced another tough league game against Haxby. They came up into Div 1 with us last year and were one of the only teams to beat us in the league last year.

Again we seemed up for a good game and it was good to see Louis on form again and the defence holding a good line led by Harry. Harry and Will seemed to have formed a good understanding at centre halves and there was very little getting past them today. When needed Louis moved off his line and intercepted - once accidentally rebounding the ball off Harry in his efforts to clear.

The game started at a good pace and within 4 minutes Sam had broken the deadlock with a well taken goal from close range. Apart from a bit of pressure in the next 10 mins from Haxby the traffic was one way, Sam completed his hat trick after 18 mins with assists from Alex and Tom and Sam returned the favour with a decent pass across the box to set Tom up for his first of the match. We went into half time 4 nil up and the second half saw the introduction of Matty on the left wing, and Jonny into defence. Sam soon had his 4th goal after 40 mins and was subbed for a well earned rest giving Jack a spell up front for the rest of the match. The traffic remained one way with Pocklington creating lots of chances, many of which fell to Tom, who scored his second Goal at 69 mins.

There were lots of contenders for man of the match today, Louis kept another clean sheet, James Anderson again worked hard down the right side and Alex was in amongst it all the time, even though not on the score sheet he was credited with 3 assists in the game. However (at the risk of being accused of nepotism) I have awarded it this week to Sam for his persistence in running down every ball and making the keeper work that little bit harder. Next week Hamilton Panthers away which on paper should prove to be a tougher game.

See the latest on the Pocklington Under 13's at their Pitchero site.

Pocklington Predators U16's 3 - 0 Wheldrake U16's

Jim Hansen — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

The Predators remain unbeaten in all cup competitions this season having overcome the cumbrous challenge from Wheldrake on Sunday to move through to the quarter finals of the wonderfully named Alf Bolder County Cup. This latest quarter final booking creates a hat-trick as Pocklington are also in the quarter final of the York Mitchell Soccer League Cup and the York FA Senior Cup.

What made this victory particularly special was that Pocklington were briefed to let their football do the talking in this sometimes spicy encounter and for doing so, the Predators were worthy winners against a strong side who substituted guile for galumph. The first 20 minutes were evenly balanced although neither keeper was troubled as the match ebbed from one end to the other. Sam Jefferson had the first real chance of the game seeing a last ditch tackle end his mazy run, but Wheldrake too looked to bluster their way through early on.

The Predators took the lead 20 minutes into the first half. Joe Milner collected the ball and his neat pass into the area was picked up by Sez Altin who dinked right and then finished low with his right foot into the bottom corner. Town played some neat football with Ed Borrie effectively over-lapping down the right-hand side and troubling the defence with his crosses. Huw Jones’ volley was headed away for a corner and Ben Potter saw his resulting header well saved. Wheldrake looked for an equaliser, but found no way passed the back line which alongside Borrie included Harry Crusher, Stewart Wright and Eric Hogan who all had strong games.

Predators now seem to have settled into a pattern of play this season; much of which is built from the back from Sam Flinton in the Town goal. On one quick break just before half-time, Hogan’s great block tackle released Jones who found Borrie. Borrie crossed to Milner who fired just wide to end an excellent move and send Pocklington into the break with a slender lead.

In the second half Wheldrake upped their physical presence and twice tested the patience of the referee, once with a booking and the other with a finger-wagging talking to. The Predators stuck to their task with Milner and George Pilkington linking well. The two were involved in Pocklington's second of the morning as Altin sent Pilkington way and he found Milner who finished neatly. Now Pocklington relaxed and looked more comfortable playing the ball around Wheldrake.

Altin was involved in Pocklington's 3rd of the afternoon. Holding the ball up he knocked the ball back to Fraser Hansen at left back. His sweet pass in the left channel found Jefferson whose control and pace was too much for Wheldrake to handle and he blasted Town into an unassailable lead and through to their third quarter final.

Hemingbrough 4 - 0 Pocklington Town Reserves

Richard Bower — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pockington's 2nd team travelled to Hemingbrough with also affected by injuries and unavailability and with a weakened side, struggled against the experience of the home team, coming away with a 4-0 defeat after too many mistakes presented the home side with goalscoring chances. Town are at home to Church Fenton White Horse this weekend and will be hoping to get players back to strengthen the squad, meeting at the club at 1pm please.

Pocklington Town 0 - 1 North Cave

Richard Bower — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

MARSHAL TYRES sponsored Pocklington turned in another improving performance at home last Saturday but despite playing well and dominating the game for large periods, found themselves at the wrong end of their second 1-0 result against North Cave this season. With a combination of injury and unavailability again hampering team selection, a debut was given to U19 player Callum Quarton and with Pock setting off at a good pace, Aziz Bartakat played in Chris Saltmer on 3 minutes for a cross to the far post to set up Dave O'Connor. His header just missed the target as Dave was flattened for his troubles but Cave replied with a throw in that was badly defended by Town and a shot that bounced to safety off the cross bar.

With Towns defence of George Alport, Mark Watkinson, Jim Drewery and Barakat defending well as a unit, Cave were unable to get behind the Pock defence and Pock were the next to threaten when a James Haigh corner was partially cleared only for Haighs follow up shot to go narrowly wide. Barakat saw the Cave defence flat and played in Martyn Day for a one on one chance but Matt Johnson in the Cave goal came to his sides rescue with a block from Days shot. 4 minutes later, Pock were unlucky not to take the lead when from another Haigh corner, Chris Saltmers shot was blocked onto the crossbar by the keeper and after a scramble, the ball was hacked to safety.

Cave made the most of this let of as from the clearance, they took the lead when for the first time the Pock defence got stretched and good interplay between Joe Lightowler and Craig Cockin played in Tom Foster for a miss-hit effort into the corner. Despite going into the break a goal down, Pock could take a lot of heart from their performance and made a good start to the second half as they got on the ball and played some neat football in their approach play. O'Connor was hauled down right on the edge of the area on 53 minutes and despite Town claiming that their man was inside the area when fouled, their appeal for a penalty was turned down and Drewery could only blaze the resulting free kick narrowly wide of the right hand post.

A Haigh free kick was flicked on by O'Connor on the hour and picked out Watkinsons far post run but with the ball on his weaker left foot he was unable to keep his shot on target as Town threatened but Cave were just as dangerous on the break and on 53 minutes, they got down the Pock right and it needed Drewerys timely intervention at the far post to prevent a goal scoring chance. With Pock pressing hard for an equaliser, Cave defended well and in depth and despite efforts from several Pock players as the clock ran down, the visitors held firm to record the win and cement their fourth place in the league.

Town can and should take a lot of positives from this game though and with a cup game away against North Cave to come this Saturday will be looking for more of the same level of performance, with the winners due to move into the quarter finals. Players meet at the club at 12pm please as it is a 1.30 pm kick off.

Sports Club United Reserves 6 - 2 Pocklington Town 4ths

Richard Bower — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

After a run of good results recently, Pock suffered a reverse away last Saturday to Sports Club United but they will be looking to get back on the winning track this Saturday at home to Brid Rovers in the John Burchett cup. Players meet at the club at 1pm please.

Pocklington Town 3rds 2 - 0 Stamford Bridge Reserves

Richard Bower — Sun, 01 Dec 2013 01:00:00 GMT

YARA sponsored Pocklington Town 3rds were at home to Stamford in a local "derby" and in a game between two well matched teams, just had the quality in front of goal to claim the 3 points and record their first league win of the season in four games. With Pock slow to start, Stamford enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges and neither side were able to break the deadlock until the 41st minute. A Sam Morrell throw was flicked on by Nick Daniells and Alex Fletcher was able to finish with a volley from the edge of the area to put Town ahead right on the interval.

Pock doubled their lead on 55 minutes when Daniells was on hand to fire home a cross inside the 6 yard box and solid defending from skipper Byron Draycott, James Marshall, Sam Morrell and Alex Downey saw Pock home. Next week they are away to Tadcaster Magnets, players meet at the club at 12.30 pm please.

Aviva U16 0 - 6 Pocklington Predators U16

Jim Hansen — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 01:00:00 GMT

The Predators moved through round 3 of the York FA Senior Cup with a comfortable victory against Aviva on Sunday afternoon. Joe Cooney now has his side playing some slick football, and whilst there is competition for places, his seamless squad interchanges adds a different dimension at different stages of the match.

Town welcomed back George Pilkington from injury and he joined Connor Wade in the front line with Ed Borrie and Joe Milner in wide roles. In the first 5 minutes, it was Borrie who set the tempo for the afternoon as he collected Wade’s lay off from an excellent Stewart Wright through ball. His neat finish took the visitors into the lead. Pocklington quickly took control of the midfield; Sam Jefferson sat in the middle alongside Elliott Russell who had his best game of the season to date as Town kept the ball moving. Across the back Predators were solid with Harry Crusher alongside Eric Hogan, the latter winning every header during the afternoon and Matthew Terry and Wright at full backs.

Predators has numerous chances to extend their lead in the first 20 minutes. Jefferson fired an effort over from 25 yards and after some neat footwork from Pilkington his cross just evaded Wade. Aviva’s forays forward were few and far between, but when they did they found Sam Flinton in the Predator’s goal both courageous and resolute. He and his defence had their focus on a clean sheet.

Such is the pernicious nature of cup football it was important that Pocklington converted one of their chances into a goal and they had to wait until just before the half-hour mark when Wright found Pilkington on the left. His jinking run finished with a perfect low cross for Wade who had lost his markers and he doubled the lead. Pocklington nearly had a third when Borrie crossed and Pilkington’s excellent lay off was chipped over by Wade. Pocklington went into the break 2-0 up.

The Predators started the second half strongly, substitutes Sez Altin and Fraser Hansen’s interchange finished with Hansen firing at the keeper. Altin made a positive contribution throughout the second half and Wade was unlucky to see his header wide from Atin’s cross. Pocklington were building pressure and the expectation grew of further goals as the home side lost their shape and gaps appeared. What transpired was a Pocklington mini goal of the season competition.

Jefferson went first picking the ball up 25 yards out in a central location and he fired home to bring up Pocklington’s third. Wade’s effort went wide as did Jefferson’s volleyed effort just before Flinton was called upon to make an excellent on-handed save at the other end. 15 minutes into the second half and Pocklington grabbed their fourth. Pilkington found space on the right and his cross was met by Milner on the edge of the area and his screamer went in off the inside of the right-hand post. Milner then fired at the keeper and Wade just missed the post as the match was one-directional at this stage.

Pocklington’s 5th came from the back as Wright came forward and threaded neatly through to Wade who kept his cool and slotted home. Still the Predators came forward – it was relentless and Milner saw his effort well saved.

It was pleasing to see the Predator’s youngsters, Hansen and Russell combining for the final goal of the afternoon. Russell had space and turned left and found Hansen who looked up from 25 yards out and fired into the top corner. But for some perhaps, the most poignant moment came at the other end in the final minute with Pocklington 6-0 up. Aviva broke through and Wright drove back to defend and he and Flinton combined to block the effort on goal - the manner of their celebration showed this team’s pride in keeping clean sheet whilst also scoring some stunning goals on the way to victory.

Pocklington Town 4ths 5 - 2 Hilderthorpe FC