The Colls were edged out by table toppers Liversedge, despite giving their all and pushing a side with a perfect record so far.
A West Yorkshire Derby between two sides that haven’t faced in the league since Ponte were promoted from the NCEL Premier. Liversedge joined Ponte this season, following league restructuring which saw them promoted.
From kick off our guests got off to a bright start and looked to get a foot hold early doors. They were able to work the ball wide on a number of occasions and test our back four with crosses into the box.
With ten on the clock they grabbed a deserved goal, another cross into the box from the right was nodded down to the edge of the area where the Liversedge captain, Jack Stockdill, was on hand to fire low and in off the post. 0-1.
The goal kicked us into gear and saw us come back into the game as a contest. Chances for Pontefract came and went as Liversedge stopper Jordan Porter made a few smart saves, first he denied Scott Smith and then Vaughan Redford.
With Liversedge holding an early lead, they were able to defend deep and attack Ponte on the counter. They were given opportunities to do this on a number of occasions, without really creating anything clear cut.
At half time Liversedge maintained their goal advantage, in a game that had turned into a scrappy affair.
Liversedge again began the half the faster and doubled their lead inside five second half minutes. Joe Walton picked up on a loose ball in the final third, he found his winger on the left side who beat Jack Greenhough down the outside and crossed to the back post. Ollie Fearon was on hand to convert from close range. 0-2 Liversedge.
This left The Colls an uphill task, but they gave everything they could to get back into the game. They forced three consecutive corners in a spell of pressure, but the Liversedge back four remained resolute.
The hosts were struggling to create anything clear cut, but with just under twenty minutes to go Jack Greenhough pounced to make a game of it. Mikey Dunn picked up the ball from a throw in on the left side, he danced and spun his man (leaving him in a heap) before putting a ball onto the head of Scott Brown. His header back across goal bounced back off the cross bar with the keeper beaten, Vaughan Redford sliced his rebound attempt but Jack Greenhough reacted first to fired home.
With the crowd well behind their charges Ponte pushed forward for an equaliser. But with ten minutes remaining The Colls fell asleep at the back and were punished by Liversedge. A deep cross from the right was headed away, but only as far as Nicholas Walker who jinked passed Jack Greenhough and fired into the far corner to seal the game.
Ponte gave everything in a solid performance, but came up short against a side who maintained their 100% start and look like a side who will challenge for the title.
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Liversedge Team;
