Toolstation NCEL Division One
Knaresborough Town 1-5 Pontefract Collieries
Glyn Cotton was one of Pontefract’s main heroes as he scored twice – one which is probably their goal of the season
Pontefract Collieries spectacularly come back from the dead after scoring five goals in 18 second half minutes to keep their promotion hopes alive.
The Colls looked down and out at half-time having fallen behind to Colin Heath’s fine strike.
But double goal-scorer Glyn Cotton, plus Luke Jeffs, Jack Greenough and Kane Reece ensured that their promotion bid will go to the final day, regardless of how rivals Hall Road Rangers and AFC Emley get on today.
The second half was disappointing for Knaresborough, whose volunteers organised a fabulous evening game – the final match of the second day of the NCEL Easter GroundHop – which was deservedly watched by over 400 people.
If the groundhoppers wanted drama, they got some as Knaresborough took the lead against the run of play. Ponte had enjoyed a lot of possession prior to former Manchester United trainee Heath slotting home a cool finish from the edge of the penalty area.
That meant Collieries managerial duo Craig Parry and Craig Rouse were presented with the task of delivering the biggest half-time team-talk of their careers.
Whatever was said, the Colls clearly knew it was do or die as they came out like a team possessed.
Cotton equalised six minutes after the break and from there on it was one-way traffic as Knaresborough simply collapsed.
The second goal was fortunate as veteran Luke Jeffs’ cross deceived everyone and found the net.
Pontefract’s tempo was raised to maximum and Knaresborough could not cope. Jack Greenough’s header was then turned in by Ally Wilson.
Aware that goal difference may matter in the final reckoning, Pontefract just kept bombing forward – resulting in two more goals in the space of three minutes.
Reece danced his way through for the fourth before Cotton scored one of their goals of the season with outrageous long range lob from 35 yards.
The tempo soon dropped, but no-one could fault the Colls, who simply passed the baton onto Hall Road and Emley.
Knaresborough goalkeeper Ben Ledger catches the ball
Pontefract man of the match Jack Greenough on the attack
Jordan Turner trying to force a way through for Pontefract
The Teams
Knaresborough Town: Ledger, S Parkes (Powis 64), Rodgers, Wilson, Cook, Bradley (captain), Brown, Wilson (Maulin 73), Heath, Walker (Cohen 78), Lancaster. Sub unused: McDaid.
Pontefract Collieries: Saynor, Greenough, Jeffs, Seed (captain), Williams, Clarke, Cotton (Stapleton 81), Reece, Turner (Wood 66), Jackson, Dunn (Whitehouse 86). Sub unused: Stratford.