The Colls continue their record breaking FA Cup run in convincing fashion as they hammered Handsworth, in front of a bumper crowd of 455 (including 96 children). A dominant display from Craig Rouse’s men set two club records, first with the club’s biggest EVER win in the competition then followed by our first EVER third qualifying round win.
As spectators began to make their way to Pontefract, on a day which would see two teams looking to reach the fourth qualifying round for the first time in their history. Rain had been falling for most of the morning, but the rain didn’t dampen spirits for long.
Ponte got off to a fast start pinning the visitors in their own half for most of the early exchanges, limiting the visitors to counter attacks. Callum Brook found his way into the book for a hand ball decision, which appeared harsh.
Moments later the The Colls were handed a chance to open the scoring, Eli Hey appeared to be tripped inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped Vaughan Redford, but the Handsworth keeper dived low to his left to save.
This didn’t deter Pontefract who continued to apply pressure on the Handsworth defence. A stonewall penalty not given for a handball on the goal line by the Handsworth man. The screams for a penalty fell on deaf earth of the officals, but from resulting corner Ponte did score to take a deserved lead. Gavin Rothery’s delivery from the left was headed up into the air and a mixture of ‘keeper and Jack Greenhough managed to bundle the ball into the net, 1-0 Ponte!
Five minutes later the lead was doubled, Spencer Clarke nipped in front of his man and fed Ben Gordon down the left hand side. He beat his man and whipped in a delicious cross for Vaughan Redford to pounce in between defender and goalkeeper. 2-0 Ponte.
Chances continued to come and go for Craig Rouse’s team who were going for the kill, against a team that appeared to be shell shocked. Eli Hey first fired over from close range before Gavin Rothery had an effort tipped round the post.
The onslaught continued, a cross in from the left saw Spencer Clarke dive in for a header and the Handsworth man tried to volley clear and caught Clarke in the head. The referee again pointed to the spot, to give Vaughan Redford another chance to make amends. He made no mistake at the second attempt and fired home to make it 3-0.
A host of first half bookings for the visitors, who were not impressed with the referees decision making. Handsworth to their credit tried to get back into the game and registered a couple of late shots on goal but nothing to trouble Ryan Musselwhite.
At half time Pontefract led by three goals to nil, which on another day could easily have been five or six. A fantastic first half performance in difficult conditions.
The second half couldn’t have started any worse for the visitors, Ponte forced an early corner and Ben Gordon’s delivery was met by Spencer Clarke. He had the run of the box and powered his header past the ‘keeper to make it 4-0 Ponte.
Handsworth had their first attack of the half as they broke forward, but they were only able to trouble the side netting.
With the game all but over, Pontefract continued to push forward for more. Scott Smith struck the bar after smart interplay between Ponte’s front line. While Handsworth had two shots again not troubling Musselwhite or the Pontefract defence.
Another shot on target was well saved by the visiting keeper, but the resulting corner again led to Ponte’s fifth. Ben Gordon with another great delivery from the right, Vaughan Redford rose highest to flick his header towards goals where Eli Hey was fastest to prod home from two yards out. Fantastic five for Ponte (5-0).
One of Handsworth’s second half substitutes lunged in with both feet off the ground in fouling the Ponte man, this incensed the home dugout and the referee was quick to brandish a straight red to young Nana Nyarko.
With seven minutes remaining, of an already tough afternoon, Pontefract made it SIX. Another foray forward saw substitute Jack Lazenby fire a shot from outside the box, the ‘keeper couldn’t hold his effort and Scott Smith jumped at the chance to grab his first of the afternoon and our sixth.
The full time whistle blew on what was a momentous occasion for Pontefract Collieries who were simply sublime all afternoon. A disappointing end to Handsworth’s FA Cup run, but one they can be proud of. But in all truth though, Ponte could have scored many more and fully deserved the win.
The Fourth Qualifying Round ties will be drawn live on TalkSPORT a 3:15pm Monday 4th October, so tune in to find out who will be next.
Pontefract Collieries team;
Handsworth FC team;
Attendance: 455