Pontefract Collieries continued their strong run with an impressive 3–1 victory away at Bishop Auckland, producing a composed and clinical performance to take all three points.
The hosts started the brighter of the two sides and enjoyed much of the possession during the opening stages. Bishop Auckland moved the ball well and looked to dictate the tempo, but despite their control they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities as the Colls defence remained well organised.
The home side did have a big appeal for a penalty when a shot at goal struck Alex Metcalfe at close range. Bishop Auckland players and staff were convinced it had hit an arm, but from the Colls perspective it appeared to strike his midriff rather than a falling arm, and the referee waved away the protests.
Moments later Pontefract made the most of their opportunity. As the first half edged towards the break, Frankie Sinfield found space outside the area and unleashed a superb strike that beat the keeper and gave the visitors the lead heading into half-time. It may have taken a slight deflection, but the keeper never had a chance.
The goal shifted the momentum and the Colls emerged after the break with far greater control. Moving the ball with confidence and purpose, the West Yorkshire side began to stretch the hosts and find space in wide areas.
Their second goal came from an excellent move. A well-weighted pass by Joe Lumsden released Alfie Perry through the middle, the full-back timing his run perfectly before keeping his composure to finish beyond the goalkeeper. It marked Perry’s first goal for the club and doubled Pontefract’s advantage.
The Colls continued to manage the game well and looked dangerous whenever they broke forward. However, the afternoon took a worrying turn late on when Alex Metcalfe was forced to leave the field with an injury that was later confirmed to be a broken humerus — a real blow after another strong performance in midfield.
Despite that setback, Pontefract added a third into stoppage time. A swift counter attack ended with Frankie Sinfield calmly rolling home his second goal of the afternoon to seal the victory. Bishop Auckland grabbed a late consolation from the penalty spot through Dale Hopson, but by then the points were firmly heading back to West Yorkshire as the Colls continued their push up the table.
Player of the Match: Alfie Perry – A superb all-round display from the full-back. Solid defensively, energetic going forward, and capped off with a perfectly timed run and composed finish for his first goal for the club.