Pontefract Collieries were left frustrated after conceding twice in the final ten minutes at Lincoln United, having looked set for all three points following an excellent away performance.
Colls made one change from Tuesday night’s victory over Consett, with Ollie Russon coming into the side for Joe Kenny.
Both sides looked to get forward in the early exchanges, and it was the hosts who fashioned the first clear opening — only to be denied by Lloyd Allinson in the Ponte goal.
Gradually, Pontefract began to take control, with the attacking quartet of Payne, Boyle, Sinfield and Thompson electric throughout the afternoon. The breakthrough arrived when a long throw was recycled and Jack Greenhough teed up Jack Boyle, who cut inside and curled a superb strike beyond former Colls keeper Heath Richardson.
The lead was nearly cancelled out instantly as Allinson was forced into a fine double save, though the flag was already raised for offside.
Just before the interval, Ponte came close to a second as Danny Burns swivelled inside the box, only to see his effort cannon back off the post.
After the restart, Pontefract raised the tempo further. Burns was denied by the woodwork again, while Thompson saw a close-range effort somehow scrambled off the line.
With 15 minutes to play, the visitors doubled their advantage in style. A flowing move from flank to flank ended with Boyle beating his man on the left and delivering a brilliant cross to the far post, where Russon arrived to convert from close range — sparking wild celebrations between players and supporters.
But the hosts responded almost immediately. A penalty was awarded against Gavin Rothery for handball, and Lincoln’s captain made no mistake from the spot. Suddenly buoyed, Lincoln piled forward, and when a corner was cleared off the line by Burns, the loose ball was volleyed back goalwards and found its way into the bottom corner.
Ponte still pressed for a winner, with Charlie Clements going agonisingly close late on when he lifted an effort just over the bar.
The final whistle confirmed a share of the spoils — keeping Colls unbeaten, but feeling very much like two points dropped after such a dominant display for 85 minutes.
Player of the Match: Ollie Russon, who was outstanding all afternoon — breaking up play, driving Colls forward, and capping his display with his first goal for the club.
Next for The Colls is Bradford Park Avenue, as we welcome them to Ingfield Stadium – Bank Holiday Monday (3pm Kick Off).
Match Report Image courtesy of Ed Mayes Photography.