Pontefract Collieries welcome local rivals Garforth Town to The Hunters Stadium on New Year’s Day, with the visitors making the short trip from less than ten miles up the road. With both sides coming into the game in strong form, this one has all the makings of a West Yorkshire classic.
The Colls head into the fixture on the back of a Boxing Day victory over Bradford Park Avenue, a game in which Ponte dominated for long spells. Two late consolation goals for the hosts gave the scoreline a closer look than the match itself suggested, but it was another impressive performance against strong opposition.
Garforth also arrive in good spirits, having picked up a 1–0 home win over Emley AFC in their own Boxing Day derby. That result extended an excellent run of form and only adds to the edge ahead of this New Year’s Day clash.
League Position & Form
Pontefract currently sit eighth in the table on 37 points, with a goal difference of -1, while Garforth are just one place behind in ninth on 36 points, boasting a +15 goal difference and a game in hand. Both sides are right on the heels of the play-off places, underlining the importance of this fixture.
In terms of form, Garforth top the division’s form guide with five wins from their last six games. Ponte, meanwhile, have taken nine points from the same period, and could easily have had more after a run of tough fixtures against strong sides heading into 2026.
Previous Meetings
The sides haven’t met yet this season, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. Last season’s meeting at The Hunters Stadium ended in a 2–2 draw, while the reverse fixture at Garforth saw the Colls run out 1–0 winners in a game that could have been decided by a wider margin.
With local bragging rights on the line, both teams will be keen to strike first in this season’s head-to-head.
With the festive period now in the rear-view mirror, this feels like the perfect way to start the new year. Two in-form sides, local rivalry, and plenty at stake — let’s get a big crowd behind the lads on New Year’s Day.
Fixture: Pontefract Collieries vs Garforth Town
Date: Wednesday 1st January
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Venue: The Hunters Stadium