Marcus Edwards scored the last minute winner for Albion Sports in the 4-3 victory over Pontefract
Marcus Edwards demonstrated just how dangerous he can be with the dramatic last gasp winner for Albion Sports last night.
Edwards was mobbed by his team-mates and members of Albion’s coaching staff after scoring the decisive goal in the 4-3 victory over Pontefract Collieries at Throstle Nest.
Pontefract led twice in the topsy-turfy Toolstation NCEL Premier Division encounter and the cruel finish was harsh on Nick Handley’s men.
After stopping the rot on Saturday with the victory over Rainworth, Pontefract’s hopes of recording a second straight win looked good after just two minutes.
Liam Radford’s long range effort that goalkeeper Jack Bentley could have done better with put Ponte in front until Albion hit straight back.
Alex Cusack was onside as he went through and placed under Collieries stopper Ellis Halpine.
Apart from Halpine’s magnificent save from Matt Mathers, momentum swung back to Pontefract.
Andy Catton rattled the crossbar before Aaron Joseph’s cross was superbly turned home by new Collieries captain Aaron Moxam.
Pontefract then succumbed to goals either side of the break. The visitors struggled to deal with the height of Albion’s attackers during set-pieces and Aran Basi was a beneficiary for the equaliser.
Defender Sam Bradley then headed home to hand Albion a brilliant start to the second half.
The slender goal lead did appear good enough as the home side were the most likely team to score next.
Halpine kept his side in the game by denying Edwards after the striker broke clear.
It was a big save as Ponte then levelled the game at 3-3. It was a goal that will give Albion defenders nightmares for months as they stood like statues after Catton appeared to take the ball out of play on the goal-line, ten yards wide of the right-hand post.
Even Catton momentarily stopped to wait for the assistant referee’s flag. None was forthcoming and Catton spotted midfielder Joseph and gave his team-mate a simple tap-in.
A draw was a fair reflection until Edwards sprinted away. Halpine appeared to win their second battle as he forced the former Eccleshill United striker away from goal. However, from a seemingly impossible angle, Edwards struck the ball with venom and into the bottom corner to spark scenes of jubilation.
Albion Sports: Bentley, Hendrie, Erangey, Morgan, Firth (captain), Bradley, Dalton, Basi, Edwards, Mathers, Cusack. Subs: Eastwood, Hussain, Singh, Annor, Habib.
Pontefract Collieries: Halpine, Darley, Whitehouse, Clark, Forgione (Danville 52), Haigh, Catton, Joseph, Radford (Heeley 87), Moxam, Mawson (Schofield 63). Subs unused: Lumb, Reece.
Referee: Paul Tomes
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 93
Man of the match: Grant Darley (Pontefract Collieries)