Pontefract Collieries saw their winning run come to an end on Tuesday night, falling 3-1 to Newton Aycliffe in a challenging away fixture in County Durham.
Newton Aycliffe started strong, dominating possession from the kickoff, but it was Ponte who struck first against the run of play. Louie Chorlton’s surging run forward ended with a defensive miscue, allowing the ball to fall to Elliott Walker. His first-time cross was perfectly met by Bailey Thompson, who glanced it into the net to give Ponte a 1-0 lead, marking Thompson’s return after missing Saturday’s game through injury.
The lead, however, was short-lived. Just three minutes later, the hosts equalised through Jake Petitjean, who turned in a rebound after Will Mitchell’s initial save. The Colls were then dealt another setback as captain Jack Greenhough had to leave the field due to injury, forcing a defensive reshuffle.
Despite home side’s continued pressure, which included several offside calls and a shot off the crossbar, Ponte almost regained the lead on the stroke of halftime. Jack Boyle’s through ball found Chorlton, who then set up Thompson. Thompson’s shot was blocked, and his follow-up header struck the bar, leaving the score tied at the break.
The second half saw a more balanced contest as Ponte refined their press and looked for more control in possession. Unfortunately, Thompson was forced off with an injury early in the half, and momentum shifted again. The referee then issued a flurry of yellow cards, six in a matter of minutes, disrupting the game’s flow.
The hosts took the lead through a long ball over the top, sending Liam Jarvie through on goal to finish with a deft chip over Mitchell, making it a 2-1 lead.
Ponte responded, with Josh Lindley seeing a deflected shot nearly beat the keeper, but it was Newton Aycliffe who sealed the win. Jarvie grabbed his second and the Newtonians’ third, ensuring all three points stayed in County Durham.
Despite the result, Jimmy Williams’ squad put in a determined display in their third straight away game. The Colls now turn their attention to Saturday’s home match against Grimsby Borough at The Hunters Stadium.