Pontefract Collieries delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3-0 victory over Redcar Athletic in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.
The Colls set the tone early, with Connor Smythe finding the net after just six minutes. A corner kick fell kindly in the box, and Smythe was on hand to volley it home, giving Pontefract the perfect start.
The lead was doubled before halftime when Mikey Dunn was brought down in the box. Jack Boyle confidently stepped up to take the resulting penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and making it 2-0.
Redcar Athletic emerged with intent in the second half, applying pressure in search of a way back into the match. However, Pontefract’s defense stood firm, repelling their advances.
With eighteen minutes left on the clock, Louie Chorlton put the game to bed. He latched onto a well-timed through ball, fought against his opposing fullback back and then round the onrushing keeper – before calmly slotting the ball into an empty net to seal the 3-0 win.
A comprehensive victory, that highlighted Pontefract’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. This win made it two 3-0 victories on the bounce and into Monday’s draw for the next round.
We will now face the winner of either Clitheroe or Sheffield FC in the next round, due to be played 31st August.