Match Report: Ponte Colls 1-0 Pickering Town (11/12/21 – NPL East)

The Colls claimed a vital win over fellow league strugglers in Pickering Town. An early Gavin Rothery penalty settled the nerves, in a game that could have been more comfortable in the end.

In tough conditions after a lot of rain in the build up it was Ponte who got off to the faster start.

With three minutes on the clock The Colls were awarded a penalty, Jack Greenhough recycled a deep free kick and Scott Smith reacted fastest only to be tripped from behind. Gavin Rothery stepped up from the spot and slotted into the keeper bottom right, sending him the wrong way.

Ponte remained on the front foot for large parts of the first half but were unable to create too many clear cut chances.

Two major flash points in the half saw a red for each team, the first of those went the way of Pickering Town.

A tussle between Jimmy Williams and Alhassane Keita, the latter kicked out and was shown a straight red. His own players then had to intervene, to pull him away from his remonstrations with the referee.

With ten minutes to go before half time it was Scott Smith who was shown a red card for Ponte. His challenged was adjudged to be over the top of the ball and the teams were even once more.

Half time Ponte went in with a goal advantage and a big half to come.

The second half saw more of the same as the first half, Ponte dominating possession but unable to add to their tally.

Changes for both sides changed the flow of the game, Nick Guest had a great chance to score on his second debut for the club but was denied a return goal.

Lloyd Allinson and The Colls rear guard were largely unscathed, a late shot for the visitors flew high and wide and was all she wrote.

A vital three points and back to back home wins for the first time this season.

Next up is an away game this Friday night at Ossett United.

Pontefract Collieries Team;

Pickering Town Team;

Attendance: 181