Pontefract Collieries returned home to the newly redeveloped Hunters Stadium on Saturday afternoon — and marked the occasion with a strong performance, drawing 1–1 with North Ferriby in front of a bumper crowd of over 500.
After weeks on the road, The Colls came flying out of the blocks and looked full of energy from the first whistle. It didn’t take long for the breakthrough to arrive. A smart stop from the visiting goalkeeper fell kindly inside the six-yard box, and there was Alex Metcalfe to react first and fire home from close range to give Ponte a deserved early lead.
The hosts continued to dominate, with Jack Boyle rattling the crossbar from range before substitute Simon Jakab almost made an instant impact, forcing a save from the keeper after meeting a teasing delivery inside the area.
At the other end, Harry Christy had to stay alert — first making a smart low save, then tipping a looping header over the bar as North Ferriby searched for a way back into the game.
Despite Colls’ control of possession after the restart, the visitors equalised against the run of play. A quick counter saw Josh Thacker break free and finish well to make it 1–1.
Ponte pushed hard to regain their lead, with Niah Payne and Frankie Sinfield causing constant problems out wide. Payne’s quick feet and clever delivery almost paid off when his teasing cross flashed across goal — just inches away from Sinfield at the back post.
Late on, Christy denied a dangerous breakaway before debutant Olly Fearon went close to winning it, but his strike was well blocked as the points were shared.
Plenty of positives for Jimmy Williams’ side on the club’s long awaited home return — with the atmosphere electric throughout and signs of plenty more to come at The Hunters Stadium.
Player of the Match: Niah Payne for another strong performance at the top end of the field, he has been a full back’s nightmare so far this campaign and was heavily involved in the opening goal.