Pontefract Collieries made the trip to the east coast looking to close the three-point gap between themselves and Grimsby Borough. Jimmy Williams’ side came into the fixture in strong form, unbeaten in five, and made just one change to the lineup – Jack Steers returning in place of the suspended Adam Watson. The reshuffle also saw Mikey Dunn move into a central attacking role.
On a blustery afternoon, Ponte started with the wind at their backs. The early exchanges were scrappy, but Colls gradually grew into the game, creating the first real openings. Harry Spratt saw a header drift just over the bar, while Oli Metcalfe forced a smart save from the Grimsby goalkeeper.
The breakthrough came in the 21st minute. Jack Greenhough nipped in to win possession, and Jack Boyle picked out the run of Dunn with a perfectly weighted ball. Dunn raced through and calmly slotted past the keeper to give Ponte a 1-0 lead.
Colls continued to apply pressure while remaining solid at the back, limiting the hosts to very little in front of goal.
As half-time approached, Ponte doubled their advantage. Boyle was once again the architect, with his cross-field pass eventually finding Dunn. After some neat interplay, Elliott Walker broke into the box and delivered a precise cutback for Dunn, who finished coolly to claim his second of the game and his 10th goal since the turn of the year.
A dominant first half, with Ponte looking in full control heading into the break.
The second period began in similar fashion, with Ponte on the front foot. Dunn was at the heart of the action once more and thought he should have been awarded a penalty when pulled down inside the box – only for the referee to wave away the appeals.
Dunn then came agonisingly close to a hat-trick. After another well-worked attacking move, he rounded the keeper, but his goal bound effort was cleared off the line.
Danny Burns was the next to be denied, as his header from a recycled set piece looked destined for the far post, only for the Grimsby goalkeeper to produce a brilliant save.
As the game edged towards full-time, Grimsby Borough pulled one back. A well executed set-piece from distance caught Heath Richardson off guard, the only blemish on an otherwise solid outing for the on-loan stopper.
Despite the late goal, Ponte saw out the game to secure all three points – an impressive result at a ground where many struggle to take anything.
A clinical display from Dunn, whose two goals proved decisive. A standout performance in what was an excellent team display.
A sixth game unbeaten for Jimmy Williams’ side, who now turn their attention to another trip to East Lincolnshire, facing Cleethorpes Town on Tuesday night.