Pontefract Collieries kicked off their County Cup defence in thrilling fashion, edging out Garforth Town 3-2 in a dramatic West Yorkshire Derby. Substitute Mikey Dunn proved to be the hero, firing home the winner with the last kick of the game.
On a cold night in East Leeds, both sides struggled to gain control during a cagey opening half-hour. However, Ponte’s top scorer, Jack Boyle, broke the deadlock just before the interval. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, Boyle unleashed a shot that deceived former Colls keeper Harry Flatters, putting the visitors 0-1 up at half time.
The second half started in explosive fashion as Boyle doubled Ponte’s lead with his second of the night. A sensational solo run from Louie Chorlton saw him glide past multiple defenders before squaring to Boyle, who calmly swept home from 12 yards.
Garforth responded on the hour mark when Matt Ancliffe found the bottom corner from inside the box, reducing the deficit to 1-2. Sensing an opportunity, the hosts piled on the pressure and and found an equalised in stoppage time. A corner wasn’t cleared, and Sam Barker poked home to send the home fans and players into raptures.
Just when penalties seemed inevitable, Ponte struck back in dramatic style. A corner found Chorlton on the edge of the box, and his pass to substitute Mikey Dunn was met with a composed, low strike through a crowd of bodies to seal the victory at the death.
The Colls displayed a lot of character to come through this rollercoaster tie, showcasing their resolve as reigning champions. They now await their quarter-final opponents, but attention shifts back to the league with an away trip to Sheffield FC next on the agenda.