Pontefract Collieries made it a Boxing Day to remember as they claimed a thrilling 3–2 victory over Bradford Park Avenue in a fiercely contested West Yorkshire derby.
The visitors couldn’t have asked for a better start, striking inside the opening minute. A trademark long throw from Jack Greenhough was hurled into the Avenue penalty area, causing immediate panic, and goalkeeper Jack Hall could only help the ball into his own net under pressure.
Colls continued to apply pressure and were rewarded on fifteen minutes. Frankie Sinfield picked the ball up on the right, cut inside onto his favoured foot and curled a superb effort all the way into the far corner to double Pontefract’s advantage.
Greenhough’s long throws remained a constant menace, and another delivery into the box just anrter the half hour again caused havoc. Hall was unable to deal with the ball, which deflected into the net after an attempted punch to hand Colls a commanding three-goal cushion at half time.
The second half saw Bradford Park Avenue respond, with Hall atoning for his earlier errors by making two excellent saves to keep the deficit at three. The hosts then mounted a late comeback, scoring twice through Jameel Ible and Marcus Carver to set up a nervy finish.
Despite the late pressure, Pontefract defended resolutely to see the game out and deservedly take all three points back to West Yorkshire.
Player of the Match: Jack Greenhough — a relentless threat throughout, with his long throws proving decisive in the contest. As well as another commanding performance at the back.
Notable mentioned are due to our stand in keeper Aston Wilson – on a short term loan from Barnsley FC. The young stopper played above his age and put in a solid performance. Finally, our supporters… who were noisy from the first whistle, to the very last and really got behind the team.