Toolstation NCEL Division One
Jordan Turner has returned from injury for Pontefract
Although he’s pleased with his squad, Craig Parry admits Pontefract Collieries might need a couple of extra bodies to cover for injuries and suspensions in the next few weeks.
Although striker Jordan Turner is back from injury, leading goal-scorer Mikey Dunn is set to start a three-match ban in the next few days.
“We have a few selection dilemmas because of injuries and suspensions,” Parry told Non League Yorkshire.
“We have Jordan back and that’s massive because we have missed him. It was his first game back on Tuesday.
“We are still in the market for one or two players as we want to strengthen because of injuries and suspensions.
“But we are happy with the squad because they are a good set of lads and there is a good togetherness. They’re playing in the attacking way we want and they’re scoring goals.”
Former Athersley Rec goalkeeper Darren Shirt is one new addition as Ben Saynor is currently unavailable. Shirt made his debut in the goal-less draw with Penistone Church in midweek.
“We’ve got Shirty in and he pulled off an unbelievable save in the last minute against Penistone,” he said.
“He’s confident and he’s fitted well into our changing room. I thought to pull off the save in the last minute having had nothing to do all game was fantastic.
“We’re pleased to get him in and he’ll compete with Ben (Saynor).”
Pontefract were close to becoming the first team to beat leaders Penistone in the league this season having missed several chances.
Parry felt the Colls should have won the contest.
“I was disappointed really because everyone in the ground would have said that we clearly deserved three points,” Parry added.
“I said to the lads after that I cannot knock the performance because if you play like that in every single game you’re there or there about.
“At half-time we came in and we had missed four or five clearcut chances. I thought Penistone’s back four were solid and the experienced Brett Lovell commanded everyone around him.
“They stuck together and they are top for a reason. They a good and organised side.
“Now we have quite a lot of home games coming up and other teams at the top have to play each other.
“We have been away to quite a few of the big hitters so it will be interesting to see how the other teams do.
“The top eight can beat each other and it is going to be the closest the league has ever been.”
The Colls host Yorkshire Amateur tomorrow.