Pontefract Collieries produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Brighouse Town 4–0 in a West Yorkshire derby, with Niah Payne and Jack Wilson both helping themselves to braces.
Coming into the match in strong form, the Colls were looking to maintain momentum and continue our stay inside the play-off spots. The opening stages saw both sides trying to gain the upper hand, with a number of half chances at either end but little to truly test either goalkeeper.
Ponte were dealt an early blow midway through the first half when striker Joe Lumsden was forced off through injury, prompting a reshuffle in the home side’s attacking line. Despite the disruption, the Colls continued to grow into the game.
The breakthrough arrived on 34 minutes in somewhat fortunate circumstances. After A flowing move worked wide to Jack Wilson, his cross crashed against the post before rebounding into the path of Niah Payne, the ball ricocheting off his head and flying into the roof of the net to give the hosts the lead.
Brighouse had a chance to respond shortly after when Romario Dunne found himself with a close-range opportunity, but he was unable to beat Harry Christy as the Colls held onto their advantage heading into the break.
The second half could hardly have started better for Pontefract. Just two minutes after the restart, Payne struck again. A slick move opened space down the right through Alex Pavan, he cut inside to find Payne who fired confidently into the bottom corner to double the lead and firmly put the Colls in control.
From there the hosts dominated proceedings. Ponte moved the ball well and created further openings but initially struggled to apply the finishing touch despite controlling possession and territory. The third goal finally arrived with eight minutes of normal time remaining. Another flowing attacking move saw Jack Wilson break through and calmly finish to make it 3–0 and effectively end the contest.
Wilson then added the finishing touch to a comprehensive victory just five minutes later. Excellent work from Jack Boyle and Payne down the flank created the opportunity, and Wilson was on hand to convert from close range, sealing a convincing derby triumph.
It was a professional performance from the Colls, who controlled the game for long spells and showed their attacking quality late on to turn a tight contest into an emphatic result.
Player of the Match: Jack Wilson
A constant threat in attack and capped off his performance with two well-taken goals to help seal a big derby win.