Pontefract Collieries continued their unbeaten league run with a 3-0 home victory against Shildon.
After a long string of away games, 263 fans came to watch the Colls in their first Saturday 3pm kick off since 16th August, and they weren’t disappointed.
Ponte were straight out of the blocks with Cromack breaking the deadlock after five minutes on his return to Beechnut Lane. Lovely link up between Rothery and Cromack saw the latter provided with a great opportunity on the edge of the box, which was curled into the far corner. Colls fans know that the returning Cromack will provide strength to the midfield, and goals like that will certainly be a welcome addition.
Ponte had the better chances of the first half. Greenhough’s long throws from the left caused chaos in the Shildon defence. Shepherd flicked on and found Dunn at the far post on two occasions, the first was saved by Bateman’s legs on the line; the second saw a fine finish across goal to find the bottom corner.
Within minutes of going 2-0 up, the Colls found themselves down to 10 men. A tackle near the halfway line from Vann saw players from both teams come together. This resulted in a flurry of cards for both teams and goalscorer Dunn receiving his marching orders.
The second half saw Shildon look to make the most of their one man advantage, fashioning some good opportunities. Some dangerous balls into the box saw headers go close, and Clarke cleared off the line when Allinson was beaten.
Despite Shildon pushing forward, Ponte remained compact and looked dangerous on the break. Priestley replaced the hardworking Lumsden, which saw the Colls get in behind the Shildon line on more than one occasion. Priestley was unlucky not score as he drove a shot wide after breaking the Shildon back line running on from halfway. Another opportunity saw Priestley break the line in similar fashion but he was unable to work the ball through to fellow second half substitute Jerome Greaves making his home debut for what would have been a golden opportunity.
With only a few minutes remaining new boy Greaves did get on the score sheet with an extremely calm finish after great passing build up. Priestley again making a nuisance of himself in the Shildon defence linked up well with Rothery and found Greaves, who despite being closed down calmly finished to make it 3-0 and ensure the 3 points were staying at Beechnut Lane.
Gaffer Rouse and his management team will be pleased to continue the unbeaten run, a clean sheet, three goals, three points and three solid home debuts for Cromack, Rose & Greaves.
Next up, a West Yorkshire derby on Tuesday night away at local rivals Brighouse Town who have made a similar start to the season and sit one point above Colls in the league.
Up The Colls.