NPL Division One East
Ossett United 1-3 Pontefract Collieries
Pontefract Collieries produced a rampant second half fight-back to claim bragging rights over local rivals Ossett United who finished with ten men.
Scott Smith, Luke Hinsley and Gavin Rothery’s goals overturned Reon Potts’ opener for Ossett and secured a second consecutive win for resurgent Ponte who now look primed for climbing the table in the New Year.
Young showman Joao Rangel also deserves huge credit as the substitute’s role in the win was massive.
For Ossett, their hopes got lost in the second half fog and it was a defeat on a Friday night for the second time this season and another game without a win.
The run stands at six and their woes were marred by Luke Hogg’s red card.
All had looked rosy for half-time for Wayne Benn’s Ossett.
The Colls were the brighter side for the early part of the first half and enjoyed several chances and had one goal disallowed for offside.
Ossett then began to cause their visitors issues.
Roy Fogarty headed wide from close range before the breakthrough.
James Walshaw broke away and went one-one-one with goalkeeper Lloyd Allinson.
Allinson made the save but the ball broke loose and Potts was on hand to score.
A key moment was the 50th minute introduction of whizz kid Rangel by Craig Rouse.
Rangel was an absolute menace for Ossett and he instantly made an impact within two minutes of entering the field.
He crossed to the far post from the right wing and Smith headed home.
The pressure was building on Ossett as the Colls were now dominant and carving their hosts open at ease.
Smith missed a sitter as the Colls searched for the second goal.
The early departure of Hogg weakened Ossett’s cause.
He went into a 100mph 50/50 with a Ponte player who came off worse, triggering a brawl.
With the referee deeming the challenge reckless, Hogg was sent off.
Pontefract took full advantage of their extra man by taking the lead soon far – Rothery slotting home from 12 yards after another mazy run by Rangel.
A goal from a corner is how the Colls sealed their win.
The ball landed in the six-yard-box and the unmarked former Frickley Athletic striker Hinsley was allowed an eternity to bring the ball down and smash home.
Rouse’s men could have easily scored three more times towards the end but Ossett goalkeeper Mat Zaniewski was in great form.
The Teams
Ossett United: Zaniewski, Gagen, Hardaker, Hogg, Cowgill, McGivern, Potts (Beckett 68), Whitfield, Fogarty (Connolly 74), Walshaw, Haswell. Subs unused: Hussain, Attakorah, Haigh.
Pontefract Collieries: Allinson, Greenhough, Shepherd, Vann, Clarke, Williams, Rothery (Robson 87), Lazenby (Brown 85), Hinsley, Guilfoyle (Rangel 50), Smith. Subs unused: Guest, Bailey.
Who Was In Charge
Dane McCarrick (6/10)
How Many Were There
552
Man of the Match
Joao Rangel (Pontefract Collieries)
