Pontefract Collieries make the long trip north this weekend to face Ashington AFC, looking to continue their push for a play-off place as the season enters its final stages.
Jimmy Williams’ side arrive in excellent form, having made it three wins in a row with a convincing 4–0 victory over local rivals Brighouse Town last time out. That result also marked back-to-back clean sheets, highlighting the balance Colls have found at both ends of the pitch.
Ponte currently sit second in the form guide, taking 15 points from their last six games, and will be aiming to carry that momentum into another important away fixture up north.
Ashington’s recent form has been more mixed, with eight points from their last six matches. However, they have been strong on home soil, going unbeaten in their last three — including a win over Consett and draws with Grimsby Borough and Bridlington Town, the latter seeing them come back from 2–0 down.
They currently sit 18th in the table, one place above the relegation zone, but hold a five point cushion and a game in hand on the sides below. A positive result this weekend, combined with others going their way, could lift them as high as 13th, underlining how tight things are in the lower half.
For Colls, the focus remains on maintaining their position in the play-off places. With Bradford (Park Avenue) slipping to defeat in their game in hand during the week, Ponte now hold a four-point advantage, while also staying ahead of Dunston in fifth on goal difference.
With both ends of the table so tight, this is another fixture where the points carry real weight.