The Colls claimed a big win in horrible conditions at Beechnut Lane over Shildon AFC. They were able to hold strong in the first half against the wind, then took their chance when it mattered in the second half to spark ecstatic scenes behind the goal and in the stands.
With the strong winds across the UK we were also having to cope with the elements as the rain poured in the build up to kick off. Both sides would have to deal with the conditions as we did last week at Tadcaster.
The coin toss saw Ponte Colls attack The Shed End in the first half – but against the wind. This meant that most of the early exchanges saw Shildon pinning us deep into our own half. Goal kicks for ‘keeper Lloyd Allinson were almost blowing back into his box, making it nearly impossible to get out of their half.
The first half saw little in the way of clear cut opportunities, Allinson made a wonderful save to deny Shildon a certain goal as he spread himself big to deny the visiting forward. But The Colls were able to scare the opposition when they were able to stretch the pitch and get the ball down. Joe Lumsden and Luke Hinsley combined a couple of times but were just missing the killer final pass.
Colls best effort on goal came from left back Ben Turner we he fired a free kick nearly wide of the upright, he strike flew through the wind if it had been on target I dont think the ‘keeper would have got to it.
Ponte withstood late pressure in the half as Shildon were pressing to make the win count. With the half time whistle it was the West Yorkshire side that went in at the break the happier of the two.
The second half saw the possession stats quickly change in favour of the home side as the wind was still playing a key part. This saw the Ponte midfield take control of the game, as we began to create openings.
Jack Greenhough launched a number of throw ins into the box which Shildon did extrememly well to ward off the danger. These were followed by back to back corners whipped in from either side, first Ben Turner curled one right into the goal mouth for the ‘keeper to punch clear. The next from Gavin Rothery left the keeper dangling from his bar as it was headed clear.
With twenty minutes remaining it Ponte that claimed the all important opening goal. Gavin Rothery broke up an attempted counter attack and layed it off to Jack Greenhough on the march forward. He was able to roll the ball into Joe Lumsden who jinked and and turned his centre back and was able to fire the ball across goal, where Luke Hinsley was on hand to slide and bundle the ball in. This sparked pandemonium amongst the home fans.
Ponte continued to push for another and a couple of balls into the box were bravely defended by the Shildon defensive line. The visitors were handed the advantage as Scott Smith, on as a substitute, was given his marching orders for a high and late tackle which the referee was left no choice but to get his red card out.
The visitors had to come forward and push for an equaliser and they were able to create a couple of chances of their own. First a cross into the box was cleared from the Ponte defence, before a great delivery went through everyone.
Lloyd Allinson was then called up to make a great save from close range as the Shildon sub fired goalwards. By this point it was all hands to the pumps as The Colls defenders were throwing their bodies on the line.
The last chance of the game went the way of Shildon, but the attempted flick at the back post went into the side netting to the delight of the home fans! Players and coaches were cheered from the field of play, as Ponte claimed a deserved three points to continue their attempt to push up the leage table.
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Shildon AFC Team;
Attendance: 207