POCKLINGTON TOWN U19 0-8 PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES U19
Northern U19 Youth Alliance – Eastern Division
Tuesday 13^th September 2011

A dominant Pontefract academy side started their league season in style by smashing Pocklington for eight goals on their own ground. The forward attacking play from the young Colls was a joy to watch, and in truth, they could have had more than the mere 8 goals that their attacking play would have deserved.

The starting line-up saw few changes from the side which set up a tie with Grimsby Town in the Youth Cup recently, with U17s goalkeeper Andrew Sykes making his debut, along with regular first teamer Rob Oldham and Ryan Waugh, who started on the bench.

The hosts actually started the better of the two sides, controlling the football and keeping hold of possession relatively comfortably. Craig Mathie had a half chance early on from a defensive lapse, setting up Rob Carter who hit over the bar.

Chris Saltmer also shot wide for the hosts, but Pontefract were getting back in the game, thanks to some powerful running and battling from Leon Guest in the middle. However, the next chance went to the hosts again as Sam Taylor headed an effort from a corner which deflected wide.

It was the visitors who took the lead however, from their first real attack. A wonderfully flighted free kick from Kieran Wright was guided into the back of the net from the head of ROB OLDHAM (16m) to give Ponte a lead they were never in real danger of relinquishing.

Just three minutes later, Ponte had doubled their lead. This time it was a great solo goal, ROB OLDHAM (19m) taking the ball on the left hand side of midfield, taking on his marker, and sending him the wrong way, before planting a lovely finish into the top corner of the net.

Pontefract looked like scoring everytime they attacked the home side’s goal. A good passing move on the right hand side saw Lewis Osborne put in a great cross to Oldham, whose headed effort was well held by Tom Guilsford in the hosts’ net. Moments later, Warren Redford was almost in for Ponte’s third, yet a wonderful sliding challenge by Alex Cutts prevented the danger.

The third goal arrived minutes before half-time, Jordan Turner, who had a great game battling out on the right wing, and using his pace to good effect, won the ball in the middle before passing to Osborne. It was all about the striker next as he dribbled past three would-be tacklers in the box before laying the ball on a plate for ROB OLDHAM (40m) who tapped home from about a yard to claim his hat-trick.

There were still more chances for Ponte, Osborne putting in a sublime through ball for Turner to chase – the winger did well to check back and send his marker the wrong way – but his shot was just saved by Guilsford.

A slight scare at the other end saw debutant goalkeeper Sykes make a great save with his legs when it seemed certain that Saltmer would score, the rebound headed wide by Taylor. The game finished by Redford setting up Osborne for what should have been the fourth, however the chance was lost when the young striker shot wide.

The second half started with Ponte virtually stopping any chance of a comeback. Another good break forward saw Rob Oldham turn provider this time, putting in an inch-perfect cross for REDFORD (47m) who finished easily from close in.

There then followed a good spell for Pocklington, Sykes had to be alert again to save an effort from Taylor close in, before a fierce 20 yard effort from Rob Carter was palmed away at the near post.

Thankfully, Ponte restored their dominance moments later. Guilsford had just pulled off a good save from Osborne when Redford won the ball back in midfield and crossed the ball into the area for OLDHAM (65m) to increase the lead with a good finish.

Both sides traded chances, with Guest and Osborne going close for Ponte, and Sam Thompson putting in a good header for the hosts – all of which were dealt with by the respective ‘keepers.

The sixth goal came just 12 minutes before full-time, Osborne putting in a great through ball to Redford on the right hand side, whose cross was inch-perfect again for OLDHAM (78m) who finished calmly once again.

Oldham nearly claimed his double hat-trick with just five minutes to go, a wonderful 20 yard free-kick was met with by an even better save from Guilsford, however the Pocklington custodian could only look on as GUEST (85m) put away the rebound.

Unfortunately, Ponte’s night was marred when Osborne was sent off for something said to the referee off the ball. Thankfully, the side didn’t let this get to them as a defensive slip let in REDFORD (90m) who finished clinically.

This was a very encouraging performance for the young Colls and an excellent way to build confidence before the club’s big game at Grimsby Town (Thursday 22^nd September) at Blundell Park. Everyone played their part in a commanding victory and the side looked extremely dangerous going forward. Both substitutes also played their part, Ryan Waugh in particular looking strong and commanding in defence.

COLLS: Sykes, Wright (Wild 51m), Allen (Waugh 66m), Abbott, Chapman, Green, Turner, Guest, Osborne, Redford, Oldham