The Collieries saw themselves jump up to second in the league table, our highest league position since the opening day of last season, thanks to a 2-0 away win at fellow top five side Consett.
This fixture was rearranged following an earlier match being abandoned, after the kick off was first delayed due to a waterlogged (3G) pitch and then floodlight failure with then minutes remaining. Consett were a goal ahead at the time, so it was a second chance for our lads as we headed north once again.
The Collieries on the back of four straight league victories started brightly and forced a couple of chances but nothing to worry the Consett ‘keeper.
The hosts were stopped abruptly a number of times thanks to the offside flag and misplaced passes. Whilst up the other end Boyle and Chorlton were denied by smart saves.
Right before half time Ponte were handed a chance to take the lead, Chorlton was bundled over but only for Adam Haw’s penalty to be saved by the feet of the keeper.
The second stanza started much the same way as the first and after just six minutes we broke the deadlock. A Smythe corner dropped to Boyle who rolled it back to Smythe, his shot deflected in passed the stranded Consett stopper.
Despite trailing Consett struggled to create much against a resolute Ponte defence, whilst Chorlton, Greenhough and Haw continued to break forward. The latter caused the centre backs nightmares all game and almost earned another penalty as he was brought down on the edge. Only a yellow was awarded for their captain.
With Consett trying to push forward Ponte charged forward on the counter through substitute Frankie Sinfield. He twisted and turned passed his man, who dragged him to the ground and gave away a penalty. Adam Priestley also on as a sub sealed the three points with a great strike.
A third straight away league victory as The Colls recorded another clean sheet, to put Ponte at the top of the form guide. A trip to Grantham Town up next.
Match Report written by Charlie Fletcher