Pontefract Collieries booked their place in the FA Cup First Qualifying Round with another late winner, defeating Blyth Spartans at Ingfield Stadium.
The Colls started the brighter of the two sides, pressing high and forcing Blyth back into their own half, though despite the pressure they struggled to carve out clear openings against a stubborn Spartans defence.
Blyth looked threatening on the counter, with Benji Shodeinde lively whenever he carried the ball forward. Gavin Rothery was called upon to make a vital last-ditch tackle to deny Shodeinde when through on goal — an excellent recovery after initially misjudging the flight of the ball.
After the interval, the contest evened out, with both sides enjoying spells of possession but without truly testing either goalkeeper. Lloyd Allinson was called into action during a goalmouth scramble but otherwise enjoyed a relatively quiet afternoon.
Pontefract were dealt a blow when substitute Oli Metcalfe was forced off injured just two minutes after coming on, leaving them without a recognised central midfielder. A reshuffled midfield three of Frankie Sinfield, Niah Payne and Jack Boyle worked tirelessly to keep the Colls ticking over.
With the game drifting towards a replay, the decisive moment finally arrived. Sinfield’s low strike was well parried by the Blyth keeper, but Nathan Modest reacted quickest, bundling home to spark wild celebrations among the Colls faithful. Remarkably, it was the second round in succession that Modest had struck late to secure progression.
The Spartans pushed for an equaliser in stoppage time, but their poor start to the campaign continued when a header struck the outside of the post, sealing their fate.
Simon Jakab impressed throughout the afternoon, starting in midfield before switching to right-back, and was deservedly named Player of the Match.
Attendance: 201
The draw for the Emirates FA Cup First Qualifying Round will be made on Monday afternoon.
