Pontefract Collieries secured a much-needed 1-0 victory on the road against Sherwood Colliery, bringing an end to their winless run. Jimmy Williams’ side dominated much of the game and were rewarded with a second-half goal from striker Bailey Thompson to seal the three points.
Ponte made one change from the side that faced Cleethorpes midweek, with Elliott Walker coming in for Connor Smythe. From the start, The Colls looked sharp, controlling possession and showing fluidity up front with the partnership of Thompson and Wilson causing problems for the Sherwood defence.
The first real chance of the match came from Jack Boyle, who nearly gave Ponte the lead with a curling effort from range. However, the Sherwood goalkeeper was alert and managed to tip the shot around the post.
Ponte continued to press with the wind in their favor, and Wilson was a constant threat. One of his darting runs led to a pinpoint cross that found Jamie Spencer in the box, but his header was saved by the Sherwood keeper.
As halftime approached, The Colls nearly broke the deadlock again. A well-worked counterattack saw the ball land at Thompson’s feet inside the box, but his shot took two deflections before rolling just wide of the post.
The second half mirrored the first, with Ponte looking the more dangerous side but unable to convert their dominance into goals.
After several close attempts, it seemed like it might not be their day, until a moment of quality broke the game open. Jamie Spencer spotted Thompson’s run and lofted a perfectly weighted ball over the top. Thompson knocked it down, and when Wilson kept the play alive, Thompson was there to finish calmly into the bottom corner.
As the game wore on, both teams made changes, which disrupted the flow of play. Pontefract remained disciplined at the back, weathering Sherwood’s late pressure to hold on for the win. It was a vital three points for The Colls, who will hope to build on this victory moving forward.
Attendance: 108
A huge thanks to the traveling Pontefract fans who made the trip and cheered the team to victory!