The Colls claim Boxing Day bragging rights in this Yorkshire Derby. They had to come from behind, but two second half goals from Danny Burns and a penalty from Adam Haw secured all three points.
After defeat against Consett last time at home, then our final fixture before Christmas away at Carlton being postponed, Ponte were keen to get back on the horse.
An early kick off saw the match get underway at 1pm in front of 278 spectators at The Hunters Stadium. The opening exchanges saw Pontefract dominate much of the possession, but chances were limited to set plays and balls into the box.
A first glimmer of an opening at goal saw a through ball towards Ben Townend’s goal, but he misread a bouncing ball and his clearance totally missed the ball. Only the covering defender was able to prevent a goal for Bailey Thompson.
The halves first flash point saw Jack Greenhough pulled down by opposite full back Jack Tinker, but to the dismay of Ian Richard’s the Stocksbridge gaffer. He “protested” against the decision and saw red for such, much to the joy of the home fans.
Not long after though the deadlock was broken. A loose ball saw Jack Watson played in on goal, his first effort was saved by Aleks Petrovic but the rebound was squeezed under his body. 0-1 to the visitors.
The half time whistle meant that Craig Rouse could get ahold of his chargers and look to get us back into the game.
As with the first half it was the West Yorkshire side who started brightest. A Ponte corner was cleared for a throw in inside the Stocksbridge half, Jack Greenhough was able to launch the ball into the box and when it dropped to Danny Burns he slide home from 7 yards to level the scores.
Both sides were looking to score the games third goal, but the clear cut chances were not coming in waves.
But the winning goal came with just under twenty minutes to go, Stocksbridge broke forward and their shot was blocked by Elliot Owen and then saved by Petrovic. He quickly volleyed the ball forward to Adam Haw, who turned inside and played a great pass across to the advancing Mikey Dunn. He drove forward into the box before being upended by Luke Hogg, PENALTY…
Adam Haw was given the responsibility in front of The Shed End, he kept his cool and then sent the keeper to wrong way to roll in the winner.
The visitors tried to throw the kitchen sink at Pontefract, but the back line stood firm to the delight of the home faithful who were in good voice throughout! Next up a trip to Ossett United on the 30th December.
Header Image Courtesy of Daniel Kerr.
Match Highlights – https://youtu.be/d74XV1Yht_c
Post Match Reaction – https://youtu.be/_no2HReiAHI