Pontefract Collieries striker Liam Radford scored his side’s second goal in the easy 2-0 win over Hallam last night
Two first half goals were all what Pontefract Collieries needed in their straightforward 2-0 Toolstation NCEL Division One win over Hallam at Skinner Lane last night.
Strikers Craig Rouse and Liam Radford both struck inside five minutes close to half-time and Pontefract comfortably saw out the second half.
Ponte, who lost 2-0 to Worsbrough Bridge on Saturday, had numerous players missing and Pontefract joint manager Duncan Bray told Non League Yorkshire: “When you’re changing the squad as much as we have done lately, you’re never going to be playing at your best.
“We have had that many changes, we weren’t as fluid as we could be.
“We created a lot of changes. Sometimes they all go in, but, as long as you win the game it doesn’t really matter. We could have a three or four more tonight.
“They had a couple of half chances and shots from long distance and you’re always worried one might take a deflection and go in and then its a tight game.
“But, being honest, we were always a threat going forward and we created the better chances. I’m satisfied with the overall performance.
“On another day we could have five or six, but, I’m happy with 2-0, a clean sheet at home and being back to winning ways.”
Pontefract’s win compounds a bad start to the season for Hallam, who had high hopes for the campaign under new manager Steve Toyne.
The visitors were restricted to hopeful efforts and the defeat leaves them joint bottom after losing all five of their league games.
Even in the opening exchanges, Hallam weren’t at the races and goalkeeper Christian Bark denied Radford on two occasions.
Hallam’s best period was just before Pontefract went in front, but, their attempts were from distance and easy for Collieries’ experienced goalkeeper Craig Parry to save.
Craig Robinson was the provider of the opening goal. His cross from the right-wing reached Rouse, who headed home inside the penalty area – his third goal in four games since arriving at the club.
Nigel Danby then went close with a header for Ponte before Rouse then went from goal-scorer to goal-maker.
His through ball left the Hallam defence all at sea and Radford took control of possession and then fired a low shot into the bottom corner – his first goal of the campaign.
At the start of the second half, it was one way traffic as Pontefract were all over Hallam.
Rouse was unlucky with his spectacular volley which crashed against the inside of the crossbar and dropped down on the goal-line with the assistant referee unable to adjudge whether the ball had crossed the line.
The striker then forced a good save out of Bark, who prevented Radford from scoring on at least two more occasions.
Hallam were hanging on and Bark pulled his team out of the mire again by saving a shot from Reece Hicks.
The visitors created the odd problem for the Pontefract defence, but never troubled goalkeeper Parry into making a real save.
Tom Copping almost kept up his recent scoring run in the final minutes as Ponte failed to add to their goals sheet – which didn’t reflect their dominance.
Pontefract Collieries: Parry, Twibey (captain) (Marsden 27), A Robinson, Danby, Copping, Swift (Wetherald 78), Catton (Simpson 65), C Robinson, Radford, Rouse. Hicks. Sub unused: Bray.
Hallam: Bark, Fairweather, Whittaker, Flannery, Hutchinson, Greaves (Taylor 58), Smith (Roper 63), Mirfin, Wade, Allott (captain), Flynn.
Referee: Mark Smith (West Yorkshire)
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 71
Man of the match: Liam Radford (Pontefract Collieries)