The Colls run of form continues as they made it three straight wins and a third consecutive clean sheet. It was the second time in four days that Ponte defeated a north east side by a single goal to nil, but once again were good value for their three points.
There was a delay to the kick off time due to traffic on the A1 heading north meaning the visiting coach didn’t arrive in Hebburn until gone 7pm. A couple of changes to the starting line up saw Spencer Clarke return in place of Jack Shepherd and Jimmy Williams was replaced by Scott Brown.
It was the visitors who started like a train, the front line of Joe Lumsden and Luke Hinsley combined with Gavin Rothery to create a number of early chances. The best of those fell to Lumsden who somehow managed to beat two defenders on the by-line before being denied by a suspect goal line block, some suggestions of a handball were waved away by the officials.
The early ten minute spell from Ponte was not taken advantage of and this opened the door for Hebburn to work their way back into the game. This saw a fifteen minute spell of their own, with Lloyd Allinson coming to the rescue on four occasions to deny the hosts.
With the half time approaching Ponte began to get a foothold in the game once more, a few counter attacks saw Ponte bare down on goal with Lumsden, Rothery and Hinsley having chances to break the deadlock.
A half that ebbed and flowed ended level, both sides had positives to take going into the second half.
Jack Steers was replaced at the back by Jack Shepherd at the break, as Ponte again started the brighter of the two sides. Lumsden again with a chance, but his header inside the box was saved by the Hebburn stopper.
Ponte continued to press forward but again were left disappointed with the end result, with 68 minutes gone Joao Rangel was introduced to the action in place of Gavin Rothery. He was quickly involved and helped to set Joe Lumsden free on goal, only to be denied by a fantastic last ditch tackle.
With just over ten minutes remaining Ponte earned a corner on the left hand side, Joao Rangel whipped in a sumptuous delivery which beat the keeper and Ben Turner was on head to power a header in from close range. The away following behind the goal celebrated with the players once again as Ponte got their deserved lead.
Jimmy Williams replaced Scott Brown late on to help close out the game and Ponte did just that. They had a two penalty shouts themselves, first a handball shout after a blocked shot and then Ben Turner was tripped in the box but nothing given.
At the full time whistle the West Yorkshire lads showed their appreciation to one another from players and staff to the fans. A great second half performance and another big three points.
Hebburn Town Team;
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Attendance: 231