Pontefract Collieries pre-season campaign gathered pace at The White Rose Stadium on Saturday, as the Colls took on local league side AFC Pontefract.

Facing a resolute team intent on frustrating their hosts and equatorial weather conditions that would have slowed most teams down to walking pace, the Colls put in a high energy performance throughout ninety minutes. In truth, there was an intensity about the team that was apparent even during the warm-up, as the players feel the start of the NCEL season bearing down upon them. With the game marking a week before the start of the league campaign, the players all seemed keen to press their claims for a place in Brendon Ormsby’s starting line-up for the big kick-off away at Dinnington next Saturday.

With regular ‘keeper Lee Kelsey unavailable for selection, young Tom King was promoted from the U19s. It was to be a straightforward afternoon for the youngster, who was protected well by a back four of the versatile James McDaid, Johnny Forsyth, Stephen Edwards and newcomer Tom Robinson. Nevertheless, King put in a solid performance which underlines his potential.

The absence of midfield anchors Paul Haigh, Ryan Poskitt and Andrew Broadbent also allowed Chris Walton, Mick Walpole and Richard Morris the chance to impress, and none of the trio were in the mood to turn down the invitation.

The Colls took the lead within the first minute, when some excellent link play down the right side involving McDaid, Connor Rollinson and Warren Redford resulted in a penalty, neatly despatched by Greig McGrory.

Mick Walpole scored a cracker for the second, smashing home a thirty yard effort with his right foot.

With the home team in the ascendancy, McDaid and Edwards were playing more or less as wingers, effectively pinning their opponents in their own half. Connor Rollinson and James McDaid were linking up time and again for the majority of the first half and three out of the first four goals came from the right-hand side. With the midfield quarter dominating possession, the team confirmed the cutting edge that has been developing momentum in the previous few games, and looked a real threat going forward. With McGrory and Chris Walton adding goals before the interval, the result was beyond doubt although, despite the lowly opposition, the team worked hard to maintain their momentum and control of the game.

With the team leading 4:0 at the interval, Brendon Ormsby rang the changes, both to personnel and system. Dean Twibey returned from injury to replace McDaid and bring a more familiar look to the back four, whilst the excellent Morris and Walton were replaced by Liam Ormsby and Scott McGrory in the engine room. With Will Ramsey also restored to a berth on the right flank and Rob Oldham impressive on the left, the team used the width of the field to full effect.

To the credit of the players, the team did not allow the pace to drop below full throttle despite the changes, and the second half was at least as impressive as the first.

It did not take the younger Ormsby long to open his account. When their visitors failed to fully clear a corner, the impressive youngster was on hand to ping the ball home from the edge of the box.

Ormsby’s midfield partner Scott McGrory then added his name to the scoreboard – ensuring that both McGrory brothers had their name in the goals column for the second Saturday in succession. Johnny Forsyth – watchful and comfortable throughout in his defensive duties alongside Robinson – got in on the act, powering home a corner with his head.

After Greig McGrory had completed his hat-trick, and Rob Oldham had calmly converted a penalty, Dean Twibey struck home when the keeper was unable to hold a free kick, the right-back pouncing on the loose ball to crack it home and open his account for the season.

The last ten minutes belonged to Warren Redford, who capped a fine all-round performance with a brace – although the youngster will be kicking himself that he did not complete his hat-trick when spurning a last-minute opportunity. Redford’s first was a header, notable for its bravery in the face of the ‘keepers fist. His second was a text-book finish, coolly slotted home after breaking through the defence.

Perhaps most pleasing for Ormsby was the ruthlessness of his team. Despite the result being unquestioned from midway through the first half, the team maintained their professionalism and intensity for the full ninety minutes, ensuring that their emphatic performance was not marred by any sloppiness. They also maintained calm heads when the visitors started to react to the drubbing with some robust challenges. With genuine quality throughout the squad, Ormsby will doubtless have some sleepness nights over the next week as he weighs up the claims of his charges for a place in the team. None of the sixteen players on display will have done their chances any harm with this performance.

Team: Tom King, James McDaid, Tom Robinson, Johnny Forsyth, Stephen Edwards, Connor Rollinson, Chris Walton, Richard Morris, Mick Walpole, Greig McGrory, Warren Redford, Scott McGrory, Liam Ormsby, Rob Oldham, Dean Twibey, Will Ramsey

Goals: Greig McGrory (3), Warren Redford (2), Rob Oldham, Chris Walton, Johnny Forsyth, Dean Twibey, Liam Ormsby, Mick Walpole, Scott McGrory

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