Pontefract Collieries showed real character at The Hunters Stadium, as they battled back from two goals down to claim a hard-earned draw against Bridlington Town – in an entertaining West Yorkshire contest.
The visitors made a fast start and looked in control inside the opening quarter of an hour. After twelve minutes, Michael Coulson produced a superb first-time strike to give Bridlington the lead, finding the net with precision to silence the Ponte crowd.
Things went from bad to worse for The Colls just twelve minutes later. A loose pass at the back was seized upon by Destiny Nnenanya, who kept his composure to slot beyond the keeper and double Bridlington’s advantage.
Despite the setback, Ponte had shown flashes of neat build-up play without truly testing the visiting goalkeeper. However, the momentum shifted on the stroke of half-time. From a corner delivery into the box, Ben Middleton managed to get something on the ball in a crowded area to bundle the ball home – giving The Colls a lifeline heading into the break.
The second half saw Jimmy Williams’ side emerge with renewed energy and intent. Ponte pushed higher, moved the ball with greater urgency and began to pin Bridlington back. Their persistence paid off with sixteen minutes remaining. Jack Wilson rose well to head the ball back across goal from a deep Frankie Sinfield cross, and Joe Lumsden was perfectly placed to apply the finishing touch and restore parity, setting up a grandstand finale.
Both sides had opportunities to snatch all three points. Ponte almost completed the turnaround with the final kick of the game when Sinfield struck goal bound from outside the area, only for Alex Baird to produce a flying save to deny him and ensure the spoils were shared. It was a battling display from The Colls, who showed resilience and belief to fight their way back into the contest.
Player of the Match: Alex Metcalfe – a tireless performance in the heart of midfield, covering every blade of grass, breaking up play and driving the team forward in a fiercely contested encounter.