Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round
Pontefract Collieries 3-2 Runcorn Town
We’re on our way: Chris Wood runs off after scoring his second during Pontefract’s FA Cup win over Runcorn Town
Pontefract Collieries deservedly knocked out higher league opposition to book a home tie with Bootle in the next round.
It was a nervy finish for the Colls, whose lead had been established from Chris Wood’s double and Mickey Dunn’s opener. The win earned the Colls the £1500 prize money.
Going forward Pontefract were excellent and the ever-dangerous Jordan Turner went close on two occasions in a strong opening five minutes.
Pontefract had to weather a storm for a short period, during which new goalkeeper Ben Saynor made several saves.
North West Counties Premier Division side Runcorn had only themselves to blame for the defeat. The news about the FA’s clampdown on “intolerable behaviour” towards referees obviously hasn’t reached the small town in Cheshire as Runcorn’s players constantly questioned and surrounded referee Phil Cartlich.
Marcus James and Matthew Holt were also lucky to stay on the field because of their conduct in separate incidents. Runcorn’s poor behaviour cost them as they were distracted during the opening two goals because they were haranguing the officials.
Those two goals came in quick succession close to half-time. Turner set the first one up for Dunn with a smart cross after slipping on the surface. The second came from a Luke Jeffs’ free kick which Wood flicked on.
Turner had two good chances early on
Runcorn Town players were regularly in the face of referee Phil Cartligh
Runcorn’s supporters were unhappy with the referee’s performance
Several of Runcorn players were cautioned and two were lucky not to get sent off
Mikey Dunn jumps into the arms of Kane Reece after scoring the opener
Luke Jeff’s free kick is flicked home by Chris Wood
Pontefract celebrate
Liam Radford closes Runcorn down
Danny Claridge in battle for Pontefract
Chris Wood prepares to strike the decisive goal
Pontefract celebrate Wood’s second goal
Tom Rowlands brought Runcorn back into the tie on the hour and the visitors probably deserved that as Saynor had been tested a few times.
There were a few more tense moments, but Wood’s brilliant improvised effort from the edge of the box seemingly killed the contest and propelled the Colls through.
But, there was more drama as out of nothing Dave Forbes sneaked in to score and give Runcorn hope with just two minutes of normal time remaining.
The referee was generous with his timekeeping and he gave Runcorn five minutes of added time to find an equaliser. There were a couple of very dangerous free kicks that the Colls had see out.
Had Runcorn forced a replay though, it would been harsh on Ponte.
What They Said
Pontefract Collieries manager Craig Parry
The Teams
Pontefract Collieries: Saynor, Green, Whitehouse, Reece, Haigh, Jeffs, Mawson (Radford 62), Carter (Williams 62), Turner, Wood, Dunn (Claridge 76).
Runcorn Town: Mackin, Woodward, Doran, M.Holt, James, Pickering (Excell 81), J.Holt, Irlam, Forbes, Cairns, Rowlands (McGregor 88). Subs unused: Jarrett, O`Loughlin, Maguire.
Who Was In Charge
Phil Cartlich (7/10)
Referee Phil Cartlich
Handled the pressure he was put under by Runcorn’s players and management staff well, but should have been much stricter. Decision making was good.
How Many People Were There
72
Man of the Match
Jordan Turner
Jordan Turner was a real handful for Runcorn