The Colls headed into the final game of preseason against higher league opposition in Gainsborough Trinity.
Ponte had a few players back from injuries/knocks, so this would be something like our side for the season opener next weekend. Where Gainsborough have a newly put together young side, with a mix of experienced heads.
The scene for the game was set early doors, Gainsborough attacked down the left and a smart cross was well cleared. Up the other end Ponte could have also taken the lead, Mikey Dunn found Scott Smith and his one two with Ben Gordon led to a shot on target for the hosts.
Minutes later Ponte rattled the crossbar, Jack Greenhough played a wonderful deep cross to the back post, this was met by Spencer Clarke with a bullet header but it crashed back off the bar to safety.
In and amongst the early six or seven chances for Ponte, Gainsborough had one big chance of their own. Their big no. 9, who had been very lively throughout, broke free down the righthand side and cut the ball across goal but somehow Greenhough got something on it to divert it away from the forward.
The Colls remained on the front foot, despite the goal deficit. First Redford shot over after a good counter attack before Lazenby pushed a shot wide after long sustained bit of attacking pressure.
Gainsborough could have doubled their lead on the half hour, their no. 7 found himself in behind Ponte’s back line and rounded Musselwhite, but Dylan Collington was round on the cover to clear off the line. Musselwhite was then called into a strong save from the resulting corner.
The hosts continued to push forward but just couldn’t quite find the finishing touch to some good attacking play.
An entertaining half for the neutrals as both sides looks to play good football. 1 nil at the break to the visitors.
Ponte started as they meant to go on and were level in two second half minutes. Jack Lazenby played a brilliant volleyed ball wide left to Scott Smith who turned inside and fired goal bound, where it appeared Eli Hey got the finishing touch to knock it home.
Spencer Clarke then had a chance to put his side in front, he rose well from a Ben Gordon set piece but his header was just off target.
Moments later Gainsborough retook the lead, they broke down the right and their wide man played a hopeful cross that floated all the way in and in off the back post, nothing Musselwhite could do about that one.
That goal appeared to knock the stuffing out of The Colls and they conceded again. This time the ball came into the box and the Trinity man reacted first to the bouncing ball to prod home.
Craig Rouse’s men continued to press forward and were creating a number of opportunities. First Redford was denied by a brilliant finger tip save, before two great last ditch blocks denied shots on target troubling the away keeper.
With eight minutes remaining Gainsborough added a fourth, one through ball from midfield found their no. 22 through on goal he rounded Musselwhite and kept his composure to score.
The score line was harsh on Ponte who created more of the days chances, but credit to today’s away side. They played lovely football on the counter attack and threw their bodies on the line to stop the Colls when it mattered most.
Now on to our league opener next week as we host Ossett United at The Regional Electrical Services Ltd Stadium.
