With 2021 behind us both teams were looking for a big second half to the season starting on New Years Day, as Colls travelled to Cleckheaton for a WF postcode Derby.
We were forced to wait fifteen minutes for the days big game, this was due to fans still queuing in numbers outside. A record attendance for Liversedge as 849 packed in to watch The Colls!
Once the game finally got under way – it was Ponte who perhaps started the brighter of the two sides, but were unable to force the Sedge ‘keeper into a save.
As the first half wore on Liversedge had more possession, but Ponte stood firm to hold out the league leaders.
Craig Rouse was forced into a first half change as Luke Hinsley appeared to pull a hamstring, so Fabian Bailey came on in his place in a change of shape.
With less of a target up top Ponte were relying on the pace of Guilfoyle and Rangel, who both threatened the back line with two Liversedge defenders getting drawn into yellow cards.
As the half time whistle approached it was the hosts on top, a number of free kicked and crosses into the box were well dealt with by a combination of Allinson and his defenders.
Half Time – Liversedge 0-0 Ponte Colls, perhaps a fair reflection on the half’s action.
Liversedge hadn’t dropped a point at home all season and only two points included away games. They came out firing in the second stanza, a smart cross field ball found Lewis Whitham who jinked inside firing low under Allinson. 1-0 Liversedge.
The hosts then had a great chance to extend their lead, they broke the Ponte defences and was barring down on Allinson who saved low to keep his team in it.
A substitute saw Mikey Dunn replace Ben Turner (making his debut for the club). He almost made an instant impact, a great bit of work by Jimmy Williams played Mikey away down the left he turned his man inside out only to be beaten by a post.
Ponte had gained the upper hand and were piling on the pressure in front of the away Ponte fans behind the goal. But against the run of play it was almost 2-0, a ball in was headed against the bar from close range before it was cleared at the last.
The following fans were treated to a late Christmas gift when Jack Lazenby’s cross into the box was met by Jack Shepherd, he headed it back across goal where substitute Callum Brook tapped in from a couple of yards out. Pandemonium broke out and the players celebrated with their fans behind the goal.
A free kick soon after from Rob Guilfoyle almost beat the cross bar, before a late onslaught from the hosts ensued.
Liversedge were launching the ball forward at every opportunity, as with late in the first half they were met by a combination of huge headers from the defensive line or the palms of Lloyd Allinson.
A late red card for Jack Lazenby, as he saw a second yellow – somewhat harshly for delaying the restart of play, despite being held by two Liversedge players.
Full Time – Liversedge 1-1 Ponte Colls, a fantastic away point at one of the most difficult grounds to go this season.
Man of the Match was awarded to Rob Guilfoyle narrowly edging Jack Vann – via our twitter poll.
Liversedge Team;
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Attendance; 849