The Colls dig out a third win in a row in the El Clasi-Coal derby at The Regional Electrical Services Ltd Stadium.
In a hotly anticipated clash between two sides that haven’t played one another since early 2019. Our previous two league meetings saw Ponte take four points from six, but Frickley sat three points above us at kick off.
After plenty of rain in recent days the committee and ground staff put in hard work to ensure the pitch was playable, the weather didn’t put off spectators as 476 fans packed out the stadium.
The fixture got off to a lovely start with the visitors flying into challenges and Kegan Everington took a yellow card for a very poor challenge.
The first half was one of very few clear cut chances, Spencer Clarke had a header saved from a corner and Rob Guilfoyle’s effort from range was tipped around the post.
Frickley were defending with men behind the ball and were using Brad Wells as their out ball, on occasion they were able to break but the pairing of Clarke and Williams stood strong while Allinson was rarely worked.
With a big 45 to go in the last action of 2021, it was The Colls who came out with something to prove attacking The Shed End.
The first move from either management came from Ponte as Craig Rouse threw on the returning Mikey Dunn for Gavin Rothery, he made an instant impact getting on the ball and moving it quicker.
As the hour struck the game began to open up, Jack Greenhough strode onto a loose pass and laid off to João Rangel. The nippy winger picked up the ball and with two step overs he beat his man, he then fired a cross into the back but the cross come shot flew all the way in! 1-0 Colls.
This brought Frickley out of their low block which created more openings for Ponte. The visitors had a chance of their own, but could only fire high and wide when bearing down on goal.
With fourteen minutes remaining a loose back pass was chased down by Luke Hinsley, he kept his cool to lay off to Rob Guilfoyle who brought it under and slotted home. 2-0 Colls.
Ponte could have extended their lead late on but were able to keep possession to run down the clock. Ben Turner made his Colls debut on in place of goalscorer Rob Guilfoyle.
A big win in the El Clasi-Coal for Craig Rouse’s men who finished December unbeaten with three big wins in Yorkshire derbies.
Pontefract Collieries Team;
Frickley Athletic Team;
Attendance 476.