FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round
Pontefract Collieries 0-0 FC Halifax Town
They will have to win the replay but Pontefract Collieries are on the national stage and in the hat for the first round proper with Football League giants such as Sunderland, Sheffield Wednesday, Bradford City and Ipswich Town.
Just let that sink in for a moment.
Little old Ponte could genuinely play one of those sides if they can win the replay at FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night and if they are paired with a giant in today’s 1pm draw.
The Colls totally deserve to be in the hat too after the David versus Goliath battle.
Craig Rouse’s heroic history-making Pontefract were absolutely brilliant and they gave National League outfit FC Halifax Town a massive fright inside the packed Beechnut Lane to the point where it felt like a victory.
This was Ponte’s greatest day – a special one – with just under 1500 people squeezing into the tight venue, creating a wonderful and friendly atmosphere.
Back in 2008 – ironically also the rebirth of year of the Shaymen – the Colls were getting beat heavily each week and literally being watched by 25 people and two dogs.
Thirteen years on and 100s of people, of all ages, wore the club’s badge with pride and stood cheering the Colls on in its biggest ever stage.
With Ponte struggling in the NPL Division One East and Halifax riding high in third in the National League, on paper, the hosts had no chance.
But this is the FA Cup and with a tight pitch and slightly gung-ho tactics, Ponte had the potential to put Halifax on the ropes.
Rouse’s promised to mount a heavy artillery attack and a succession of corners and Jack Greenhough’s long throw caused numerous problems for Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson and his defence throughout the 96 minutes.
Halifax didn’t help themselves either by conceding silly free kicks, allowing Ponte the opportunity to launch dangerous balls into the penalty area.
The Shaymen struggled to dominate possession and at half-time the Colls were arguably the better side because of two clear-cut chances.
Jack Vann had Johnson stretching to keep out a 20-yard power blaster.
The best chance belonged to striker Eli Hey who should have scored after leaving defender Jesse Debre for dead inside the penalty area before blazing over.
Losing Hey on the hour mark was a blow for Ponte as he was a key focal point of the attack but at one stage of the second half the visitors were really rattled.
The decibels from the Ponte fans were raised and Halifax manager Pete Wild, who in January 2019 led Oldham Athletic to a sensational cup win at Premier League Fulham, became agitated on the side-lines.
This all coincided with a dangerous free kick that an unmarked leaping Spencer Clarke connected with.
That was a heart-in-the-mouth moment for Halifax but Clarke wasted it by heading the ball straight into the hands of a relieved Johnson.
A double substitution breathed life into Halifax and certainly for five minutes, the Ponte faced the battle of the Alamo.
The Colls had everyone behind the ball and the fitness levels began to tell.
Captain Niall Maher smashed the woodwork with header while goalkeeper Ryan Musselwhite denied Elliott Newby from finding the top corner with a thunderous effort.
Critically, rather than a full onslaught, Halifax failed to maintain the pressure and Ponte gained several bits of respite through their own attacks – leading to a couple of corners and free kicks.
The six minutes of added time were nerve-jangling simply because of the length but the Colls were relatively comfortable.
They were breached once in the 94th minute but defender Scott Brown sacrificed himself to a second yellow card by hauling down Jamie Allen who looked set to go through on goal.
The final whistle was greeted by an almost victory roar, with the Ponte players, volunteers and fans basking in the monumental achievement.
Ponte can dream for a bit longer…
The Teams
Pontefract Collieries: Musselwhite, Greenhough (captain), Gordon, Vann, Clarke, Williams (Brown 63), Rothery, Robson, Hey (Hinsley 55), Redford, Smith (Bailey 82). Subs unused: Brook, Lazenby.
FC Halifax Town: Johnson, Senior, Debrah, 8 Kieran Green, Warburton, Waters, Spence (Woods 69), Gilmour (Allen 59), Warren, Slew (Newby 69), Maher (captain). Subs unused: Scott (GK), Summerfield, McDonagh, Vale.
Who Was In Charge
Matt Diciccio (10/10)
How Many Were There
1429
Man of the Match
Ben Gordon (Pontefract Collieries)
