Toolstation NCEL Premier Division
Pontefract Collieries 3-2 AFC Mansfield
Glynn Cotton was Pontefract’s hero
Glyn Cotton scored a stunning 96th minute winning free kick as leaders Pontefract Collieries sent out a real message.
The victory is Pontefract’s first against a so-called title challenger. The Colls are three points clear of second-placed Pickering Town with a game-in-hand.
In the see-saw encounter, Andy Seed belted the Colls into the lead with a magnificent volley.
Rudy Funk’s Mansfield equalised on the stroke of half-time – Ollie Fearon netting.
Cotton reclaimed the lead for Pontefract with a close range finish on the hour.
Pontefract’s position grew stronger when Fearon was red carded as time ebbed away.
However, as the game ticked over into injury-time, things got really hot. Craig Mitchell appeared to have nicked a point for Mansfield in the first minute of stoppage time.
But Cotton would have the last laugh with an incredible hit. There would be more drama at the death as new Colls striker Bruno Holden saw red.