Pontefract Collieries endured a difficult evening at Causeway Lane as Matlock Town ran out 7–1 winners under the lights on Tuesday evening.
The Colls went into the contest after a ten day break, while Matlock were looking to bounce back from FA Trophy disappointment at the weekend. The hosts started with real intensity, dominating possession and territory, and took the lead on 13 minutes when Ben Sault fired low into the corner from the edge of the box.
It quickly became two as Cam Wilson pounced on a loose ball inside the area and rifled home his first of the night. Ponte’s best first half chance came through Jack Boyle, whose effort drifted narrowly over, but Matlock soon pressed further ahead. Wilson broke through to double his tally, before Tom Elliott slid in at the far post to make it 4–0 by half-time.
Jimmy Williams introduced three changes at the interval and his side responded positively, reducing the deficit after 53 minutes. New signing Alex Metcalfe drove forward to feed Niah Payne, who turned and unleashed a thunderbolt from distance into the top corner.
However, Matlock quickly restored their cushion as Sault netted his second of the evening, before former Derby, QPR and Northern Ireland striker Connor Washington tapped home after Allinson’s fine save. The night was summed up with just over ten minutes left, when a dangerous cross deflected off Harry Spratt into his own net to complete a comprehensive 7–1 scoreline.
Credit goes to the travelling Colls supporters, who stayed with the team until the end and showed their backing at full-time, despite a punishing result against a clinical Matlock outfit.
Player of the Match: The travelling Ponte supporters – for their unwavering support.
Attendance: 526
