Aaron Moxam hit a hat-trick in Pontefract’s 3-1 win over Rainworth
Hat-trick hero Aaron Moxam haunted his former manager Julian Watts as Pontefract Collieries claimed their first win since September with a 3-1 success over Rainworth Miners Welfare.
Nick Handley wanted an improved defensive display from his side and he got that along with a fine victory at Beechnut Lane.
Moxam was Handley’s hero with a treble that will be giving Watts a few nightmares. The Ponte striker and captain for the day was let go by then Shirebrook boss Watts last season and he went onto be instrumental in the Collieries’ march to promotion.
The afternoon did not start well for Ponte as a mistake from goalkeeper Ellis Halpine gifted Matt Sykes a goal after letting the ball slip through his hands.
Luckily there was no repeat of the embarrassing collapse against Retford as Moxam forced an equaliser with a superb finish close to half-time.
Halpine made up for his first half gaffe by making two superb saves to give Ponte a platform to secure all three points.
Moxam had Rainworth defender Craig Morley feeling dizzy in the build-up to his second before lashing the ball into the far corner.
The striker then capped his afternoon off by lobbing Rainworth goalkeeper Sam Leigh from 35-yards.
Pontefract Collieries: Halpine, Darley, Whitehouse, Forgione, Clarke, Haigh, Catton, Joseph, Radford, Moxam (captain), Mawson. Subs: Schofield, Lumb, Cable, Watson.
Referee: Michael Denton
Attendance: 77