Pontefract Collieries made the long trip north worthwhile, after late goals in each half secured an impressive away victory over Blyth Town on a cold and windy afternoon.
Despite Storm Claudia wiping out fixtures across non-league, the pitch was in good condition and the hosts started brightly. Their back three system helped them control early possession, but despite their spells on the ball they created only half chances, with Harry Christy looking comfortable in the Colls goal.
As the half grew, Pontefract began to settle and assert themselves. With five minutes remaining, a perfectly weighted through ball released Joe Lumsden, who showed great composure to slot home the opener.
Moments later, Lumsden was involved again, this time being tripped inside the area. Frankie Sinfield stepped up and his penalty — helped by a bobble off the surface — beat the goalkeeper to double the advantage.
Colls thought they had a third before the break when Alfie Perry’s cross worked its way to the back post for Sinfield to tap in, but the celebrations were cut short by the assistant’s flag.
The visitors began the second half well but were dealt a blow when Sinfield was forced off through injury. And against the run of play, Blyth halved the deficit on the hour as Adam Johnson cut inside and found the bottom corner with a tidy finish.
Pontefract responded though, continuing to create chances while restricting Blyth to very little. Substitute Nathan Modest looked a threat in behind and was brought down by the onrushing goalkeeper, who was shown a straight red card.
The Colls sealed the points in stoppage time. A move down the left saw Jack Boyle deliver a dangerous cross, Modest just unable to convert – but Alex Metcalfe pounced under pressure to bundle the ball home and wrap up back-to-back wins.
The result lifts Pontefract into the play-off places on 28 points, helped by other games being postponed. It was another strong showing from Jimmy Williams’ side, backed superbly by the half dozen travelling Colls fans on the 230+ mile round trip.
Next up: Dunston visit the Hunters Stadium on 22nd November, as Colls look to extend their unbeaten since returning home.
Player of the Match: Alex Metcalfe – dominant in midfield throughout, breaking up play, setting the tempo in possession and capping off his performance with another well timed goal from midfield.