The Colls faced their third North East side in a row as we welcomed Stockton Town to West Yorkshire. Both sides were on top form going into the rearranged fixture, Stockton had won 10 (ten) games on the bounce and unbeaten in twelve. Ponte had won their last three and kept the same number of clean sheets during this run.
As with recent weeks weather would play another key role in the game, with the ever present wind and rain this made for another testing surface for both sides to adapt to. It was the visitors that started the brighter of the two teams, they were able to work a couple of openings but just like at Hebburn in midweek Lloyd Allinson was there to deny the opposition.
Ponte were able to ward off the early pressure and began to apply pressure of their own. Joe Lumsden broke away from a slipping defender and saw his curled effort smartly pushed passed the post. The resulting corner was whipped in from the right and Spencer Clarke’s header rattled back off the bar, CLOSE!
The Anchors had their next chance of the game as they broke down the left, Michael Roberts cut inside but was again stopped by Allinson.
The hosts again had a sustained spell in the Stockton half. Joe Lumsden fired wide before a fine save minutes later from the Stockton ‘keeper, he spread himself at the feet of Ben Turner to deny him from 6 yards out. Ponte were pinning their guests in their own final third and Callum Roberts made another smart save from point blank range to deny Luke Hinsley.
A moment of concern for the Stockon goalkeeper as he stayed down following the save, a delay of five minutes as he received treatment. He was able to continue despite looking groggy.
Chances fell for both sides as we approached half time, but right on the whistle Jack Greenhough was shown his marching orders for The Colls, he was second to a loose ball and clattered into his opposing man in front of their dugout. With both players down injured the card followed, which left Ponte an uphill task for the second half.
The second half saw Ponte attack the Skinner Lane end with the wind in their backs, despite their man deficit they were the side in the ascendancy. Luke Hinsley went close on the hour but was unable to beat the ‘keeper.
As we passed the 70th minute a corner was given, Gavin Rothery stepped up on the left hand side. He whipped in a wicked delivery that flew over everyone and into the far top corner, what a goal!
Stockton Town used all three subs to try and strike a reaction from their team, but it was Ponte looking most likely to grab the games second goal of the game. The Colls defence held strong despite the best efforts of the visitors.
With the clock ticking down and only three minutes of normal time remaining Stockton’s captain stepped out from the back, only to be closed down by Joe Lumsden who stole the ball and broke towards goal. He kept his composure and danced around the on rushing goalkeeper and slide into the empty net, a great finish and sparked delight among the home fans.
There was little time to respond but in all truth Ponte were solid, despite the man advantage Stockton fell to their first defeat since October 2021. A fantastic performance in front of a bumper crowd, with both sets of supporters contributing to a great atmosphere.
Colls made it four wins in a row and zero goals conceded during this run too. Now they look forward to big home game against Worksop Town.
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Stockton Town Team;
Attendance: 307