Pontefract Collieries lost for the third time in a row for the first time this season, as the Colls campaign fizzles out disappointingly

Despite having the better of the first half, it was Worsbrough who made the better chances and finally made Pontefract pay in the second half with two simple goals.

The game kicked off in the Spring sunshine of South Barnsley with the home side’s Liam McFadyen tapping just wide from an early free-kick, something that was to be the visitors undoing throughout the match.

However, the majority of play was Pontefract’s early on. Dean Twibey was doing a great job marauding down the right hand side on the overlap, and Danny Frost was having one of his better games, showing some good close control and bursts of pace. The first real chance to the Colls came from a wonderful through ball from Tom Jubb. Warren Redford was the recipient and did well to hold the ball up for Frost, whose shot grazed the post.

The next chance fell to Adam Smith whose chance was made by Twibey darting forward from right back, outpacing the defence, and feeding Redford, who inturn found Smith. Unfortunately, the midfielder’s shot was blocked on the line. Almost immediately at the other end, Lee Snodin hit an effort straight to Sam Dobbs in Ponte’s goal.

A set piece looked the most likely way Pontefract would concede, and they nearly did as a corner-kick was played in, misjudged by Adam Pollock, who was then allowed to retrieve the ball and fire wide of goal.

Back at the other end, Frost was having one of his better games for Ponte, as he created a wonderful chance for himself. After turning his would-be tacklers and dashing away from them, he hit a lovely placed effort with the outside of his boot over Sam Andrew in the home goal, but unfortunately the shot hit the bar.

As the half drew to a close, it was Worsbrough having the better chances. Firstly Chris White shot wide from a Adam Podmore cuback, before Lee Snodin’s curling header seemed in all the way yet came back off the post. Finally, Pollock had a free header which he directed wide.

The second half kicked off with Ponte’s captain Nicky Handley heading just wide, before Worsbrough thought they had scored. A lovely forward run by Podmore after a break saw the ball end up in the net after what seemed a deflection, but it was ruled that the Worsbrough players were interfering with play and offside.

A break away by Pontefract saw a strong run from Andy Broadbent bringing the ball forward, before laying off to Frost, who again set up Twibey whose show was just wide of the target.

However, the defence was to blame once again as Worsbrough took the lead. The defence was not clearing properly as a corner-kick was played in, finally finding CRAIG MARSH (59m) on the back post, who was left with the chance on a plate and despite Dobbs’ best efforts, the home side took the lead.

Ponte didn’t learn the lesson from this however, as a few minutes later an almost identical corner-kick came in which was not dealt with and went beyond everyone, substitute Tom Copping was on the back post and planted a low show which was superbly saved by Dobbs, then moments later Ponte’s stopper had to keep out another effort from Podmore.

At the other end, Redford put in a cross for substitute Stephan Furness, but his effort was too close to substitute stopper Richard Stainthorpe, before the same player’s shot in the area was blocked.

Worsbrough made the game safe three minutes from the end as a calamity in defence saw Dobbs failing to deal with a back pass, leaving ADAM PODMORE (87m) with a simple tap in.

All-in-all a disappointing performance again from a Ponte side who are ending their season with awful form. The last home game of the season sees us take on Leeds Carnegie for the last time on Saturday, and a chance to get Ponte’s first ever home win against the University side at the final attempt.

TEAM:

Dobbs, Twibey, L Smith, Handley (Hill 49), Jubb, Haigh, A Smith (Furness 75), Broadbent, Redford, Frost, Boyle (Ahmed 67)