A fierce game between Charnock Richard and Pontefract Collieries in the Emirates FA Cup ends 2-2 after a real humdinger of a battle which saw a second half comeback force a replay.
The game got off to a frantic start with the hosts looking to play out from the back and with an attempt to dominate possession early on. Both sides created half chances but nothing to worry either goalkeeper.
Charnock took the lead on 13 minutes. Aaron Griffith headed home from close range following a well worked corner, to give the Lancashire side the side. They didn’t rest on their lead and had the ball in the net for a second time, but this was ruled out for offside.
The Colls began to get into the game and their attacking threat caused issues at the back for Charnock, Lumsden struck the post before Rothery rattled the bar from range with a wonderful strike.
As the sides closed in on half time, a ball in behind Jack Shepherd bounced up and as he tried to hook a clearance over his shoulder he caught the opposing forward flush in the face. He received his marching orders from the referee, despite their being no attempt of making contact with his opponent in a freak incident.
With the sides leaving the field for half time, A melee ensued as players and management teams clashed. Jimmy Williams (substitute) and the Charnock Richard left back both were sent off for their parts.
The second half saw little change in the way of the first half action, the hosts continued to play out from the back and were rewarded with a penalty. Grimshaw battled with Brown and Bailey and was deemed to be fouled just inside the box. Grimshaw stepped up himself to fire home the penalty. 2-0 Charnock Richard.
This forced Craig Rouse’s hand and he made a triple change which saw the introduction of Brook, Baxendale and Allott. The latter quickly put his stamp on the game allowing Ponte to work their way up field. Within five minutes Allott found the back of the net, Picton switch play to Bailey on the right and his left footed cross found Allott who was denied initially before bundling in the rebound. 2-1 and The Colls were back in the tie.
The Yorkshire side were in the ascendancy now and were pushing for an equaliser and with just under twenty minutes to play they were level. Bailey again involved down on the right flank, he curled in a cross which found the head of Picton who glanced perfectly into the far corner. 2-2 game on!
Both sides pushed for a match winner, but it was substitute Allott who thought he had the tie won. Mikey Dunn played a perfect through ball to Allott who fired above the on coming ‘keeper and as the shot bounced down off the underside of the bar and out, it was deemed by the officials to not have crossed the line – despite many appeals from the fans and players of Pontefract.
Charnock had late chances as they pushed for a winner themselves, but it wasn’t to be. The referee called time on an action packed game, we now host the replay at The Hunters Stadium Tuesday night.
Match Report written by Charlie Fletcher