The Colls made club history by reaching the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup. They defeated NWCFL Squires Gate, in their third away win of the competition this year.
The Colls started bright and had early chances but the pressure and shots on goal fell to nothing.
The hosts Squires Gate began to work their way into the tie, they then managed to land the first punch too. Their strike partners combined and Dean Ing finished inside the six yard box to score the opener.
The Blackpool side then had two more big chances to extend their lead but spurned their opportunities, before Eli Hey struck the post for Ponte in search of an equaliser.
With Eighteen minutes on the clock the scores were level, a fast break from midfield by Vaughan Redford. He played in Gavin Rothery, who supplied an inch perfect cross to the box post for Scott Smith to header home.
Both sides had chances to add to their tally in an end to end half. But it was the West Yorkshire side who hit the front right on half time, Jack Greenhough met a deep cross and supplied a ball in which was bundled in by Eli Hey.
A half time lead for Ponte in an even half that could have gone either way. A big second half to come with both sides looking to set club history.
Pontefract came out keen to hold on to their lead, but also keen to add more to the score line. They managed to get a foothold of the game and gained control of the midfield battle.
With limited chances on goal in the second half all Craig Rouse’s men needed to do was keep their composure.
Vaughan Redford had a great chance to score, Jack Lazenby crossed from the left but Redford was unable to keep his header on target.
But with just under ten minutes to go Ponte had a foot in the Third Qualifying Round. Another Ponte break saw Derry Robson charge forward from midfield, the ball fell back to him on the edge of the area where he shot at goal and a deflection left the keeper stranded. 3-1 to Ponte.
Squires Gate continued to push forward and with seconds remaining they were awarded a penalty. James Boyd stepped up to score from the spot, but it was too late.
At the final whistle the Ponte faithful celebrated a momentous result for the club and the team who deserved the result. The management staff and players all rejoiced with supporters to show their appreciation of the travelling support.
Squires Gate Team;
Pontefract Collieries Team;
