Pontefract Collieries extended their winning run to three games with a hard-fought 3-2 victory away at Ashington AFC. Jimmy Williams’ side made the 118-mile trip north and came out on top in a thrilling encounter.
Ashington started brightly under recently new management, creating a couple of early chances with their pace in attack. They took the lead when Craig Spooner fired home after a dangerous cross from the right.
Despite the early setback, Ponte began to grow into the game, with Jack Wilson’s pace troubling the home side. The equaliser came from Elliott Walker, who smashed a shot into the roof of the net from 20 yards after Wilson laid the ball off following a corner.
Ponte quickly seized control and found themselves ahead with a moment of magic from Wilson. Receiving a pass from Jack Greenhough, Wilson danced past his marker with ease, driving into the box from the right wing. His clever footwork left the Ashington full-back in his wake before he delivered a cross that deflected towards goal. The Ashington keeper failed to collect the ball, and Bailey Thompson was on hand to tap it in from just yards out, giving Ponte a 2-1 lead.
Just before halftime, Ponte added a third as Jamie Spencer turned in from inside the six-yard box after Danny Burns’ header was nearly converted from a long Greenhough throw.
The second half saw Ashington pull one back through Spooner once again, whose shot bounced in off the bar and post. Both teams had opportunities to change the scoreline, but Ponte’s defence held firm. Wilson and substitute Kieron Ceesay both had golden chances to extend the lead when they found themselves 1v1 with the keeper, but neither could find the net.
Despite Ashington throwing everything forward in the closing stages, including two penalty appeals being waved away, Ponte’s defense held strong. Crucial blocks from captain Greenhough and Jack Steers, along with key saves from Will Mitchell, secured the win.
Elliott Walker, scoring his first goal for the club, was named Player of the Match after a standout performance in midfield.
Next up, Pontefract head to Bridlington Town for another tough test.