Pontefract Collieries first team have won the inaugural Baris Northern Counties East League First Division fair play award for the month of August, after picking up a mere two cautions during the seven games played in the month.

The Fair Play League has been introduced this season as part of League sponsors Baris’ determination to promote sportsmanship within football. There will be a monthly award for each division and monetary prizes will be handed out to the sides with the best disciplinary record at the end of the seas.

Colls’ manager Brendon Ormsby is delighted with the award. “I am pleased that we won the Fair Play Award for the First Division in August”, Ormsby said. “I believe that the game should be played with good sporting values, and will always encourage my teams to play the right way.”

However, Ormsby also equates the player’s good discipline with good performances, and believes that the two are linked. “Our discipline seems to have slipped a bit in September, largely through frustration at ourselves, I am sure. We have had far too many bookings for dissent for my liking. It’s a real waste, getting booked for something you’ve said, and also takes the player’s mind off the one thing they can control – their own performance. It’s a competitive game, and players need to get stuck in to be winners, but retaining your control is a key to getting the best out of yourself.’

“What has really impressed me about our players is that they can keep calm when the tackles are flying, in the face of some severe provocation. We’ve a good set of lads – I’m really pleased for them.”

The Baris NCEL have recently been awarded the status of Chartered Standard, as the league seeks to become more professional and achieve the highest standards within the game. The Fair Play league initiative is a key part of this status.

Pontefract topped the Fair Play League table for the division in August, with a measly two yellow cards and no reds, which gave them a total of 2 disciplinary points for the month, at an average of 0.25 per game.

To view the full Fair Play table, click here.