Pontefract Collieries lost their friendly match against Evo Stik First Division side Ossett Albion on Tuesday night by a margin of three goals to one, but manager Brendon Ormsby was able to take many positives from the performance of his experimental side.

With several starting and squad places still up for grabs, Ormsby chose to rest several of his core players to allow himself a good look at potential new signings. In several other cases, he was left with little choice: Dean Twibey failed to overcome the after-effects of a two-footed assault against Farsley on Saturday, while new signing Stephen Edwards was unavailable.

Several of the new boys did not disappoint. In particular, Rob Oldham again excelled – proving his versatility with impressive performances in both a wide role and central midfield, as did Byron Littlefair at left-back, who provided a calm assurance when called upon to defend while offering good support play going forward. Ash Westcarr and Lee Stretton were partnered in the centre of defence, while Jimmy Bradley was introduced to the midfield area alongside Paul Haigh, and was at the centre of much of Ponte’s good work.

Facing a side from two divisions above them, Ponte could ill afford to concede an early goal. This is exactly what they did, going behind in the third minute to a scrappy opener. However, the home team rallied, enjoying an equal share of the opening exchanges and – much to the delight of their manager – managed to carve out several openings: something that they had signally failed to achieve in their previous outing.

However, the visitors doubled their lead on 17 minutes, when a shot from the edge of the box caught a wicked deflection and looped over Lee Kelsey into the top corner of the net.

Now trailing by two goals in a game in which they had by no means appeared inferior to their opponents, Pontefract stuck to their task. Despite the lack of practice and playing time spent together by the starting eleven, they managed to play some fluid football, with the excellent Duncan Bray proving to be an effective fulcrum for the team, with Josh Stacey running effectively off him.

With half an hour gone, Pontefract got their reward, and the goal was beautifully constructed. The graft was contributed by Paul Haigh, who won the ball in the centre circle, before feeding Ryan Poskitt on the right flank. “Pozzy” – clearly regaining match-sharpness after a long injury spell, drove his team forward, pulling several players into his orbit before feeding Stacey. The young striker flicked the ball into the path of Bray, who made no mistake in clipping the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper and into the back of the net.

The second half allowed Ormsby the chance to rotate several players and take a look at some more of his squad members, with U19s Academy players Jack Hill and Warren Redford also being rewarded for good performances in training.

The result was confirmed when Ossett scored a third goal, the far-post header being the third goal the team has conceded from the air in their three friendlies in this pre-season. Ormsby will need to transfer some of his legendary heading ability to his young charges over the coming weeks.

With four remaining friendlies in the 17 days prior to the start of the season, the team are gradually sharpening and starting to take shape.

Colls: Lee Kelsey, Lee Cockerham, Johnny Forsyth, Lee Stretton, Byron Littlefair, Will Ramsey, Andrew Broadbent, Paul Haigh, James McDade, Ashley Westcarr, Jimmy Bradley, Ryan Poskitt, Josh Stacey, Duncan Bray, Warren Redford, Jack Hill, Connor Rollinson

66 Responses to “Colls take positives from Ossett Albion loss”