The postponement of last Saturday’s NCEL game at AFC Emley and tonight’s West Riding County Cup game at Liversedge has meant that three of the U19 squad – called up by Simon Houghton for first team action – will have to wait for their debuts.

With injuries suffered to Josh Wright and new signing Duncan Bray, the Colls’ midfield is stripped to a minimum, with Paul Haigh and Rian Sykes remaining the only fit central midfielders. Thanks to some terrific performances in the U19 Academy side and for the Reserves, Simon Houghton chose to call-up Callum Green to the First Team squad, rather than seek to bring a player in from elsewhere. Houghton explained: “Callum has been putting in some really good performances for the Reserves and the 19s, and deserves his chance.”

Also called up into the squad are Warren Redford – following some terrific displays, often as a lone front man – and Leon Guest, who has just returned from suspension. “Warren has been doing really well,” Houghton explained, “and Leon would have been called up earlier had he not been unavailable because of suspension.” All three players had their Northern Counties Eastern League registrations confirmed in time for the trip to Emley which, to the frustration of all concerned, was called off due to the snow.

Pontefract’s Academy Manager John Redford was delighted but frustrated. “It’s great that the lads have been recognised, after working hard and impressing for both the Academy and the Reserves. But it’s really frustrating for them that their chance was delayed by the weather.”

With the call-ups reflecting the excellent work being done by Redford and his coaches Chris Kirby and Joe Milner for the Academy, these three call-ups point to a bright future for many of the youngsters coming through the Academy structure. Club Chairman Guy Nottingham was delighted that “we have players ready for First Team action from within the club,”, going on to state that “the future of our club will be built around developing and promoting our own talent, and it is a great sign that the chances may be coming much earlier for the lads. While we will occasionally enhance the squad with outstanding signings – Josh Wright being a fine example – the promotion of local talent will be the foundation for our growth.”

The WRCC fixture against Liversedge has been re-scheduled for next Tuesday, 7th December (subject to weather conditions) with the AFC Emley fixture scheduled for Saturday 5th February, 2011.