Saturday 19th November, 2011
Selby & District Junior Football League

Pontefract Collieres u9s 5 v 1 Sporting Club Collingham u9s

Ponte extended their wining run in league games to 34, and remain unbeaten for over 2 and a half seasons, having beaten an improved Collingham side at Beechnut Lane on Saturday.

The Pontefract Collieries U9s squad, 2011-12, flanked by coaches Jamie Rhodes and Kevin Gill

The side – well drilled by coaches Jamie Rhodes and Kevin Gill – dominated their opponents to run out deserved and convincing winners, and could have scored more, but for an excellent performance from the visitors’ ‘keeper. However, they also showed their character, coming from a goal down to recover and eventually triumph.

With the back line of Lennon Athorn, Ben Mosby and Liam Nicklin looking as solid as ever, Colls pushed forward from the start. However, it was Sporting who took a surprise lead, with a corner going straight in, having been swung in from the left. The young Colls recovered from the setback in style, scoring two quick-fire goals from Will Harrison and Alex Giles to turn round their deficit and lead at the interval.

After the break, Ponte totally dominated, but could have been shocked by a second goal when a close range Collingham header was brilliantly saved by Lennon Athorn, diving low to his left to keep out the goal-bound effort and keep his side in front. Within a minute, they had extended their lead through Alex Giles. Will Harrison and Ryan Mateer added the fourth and fifth, with Harrison taking the Man of the Match award, having also missed a penalty.

The versatile Joe Morton made his league debut, slotting in well alongside the hard tackling James Mitchell. With Ryan Mateer flying down the wings and Elliott Rhodes holding the ball up well, this was a really good attacking performance from the Pontefract youngsters.

Pontefract Collieres u9s 8 v 1 Sporting Club Collingham u9s

Having taken the league points, Pontefract completed the double in the second game, with the players maintaining their 100% record with another fine victory.

Anthony Bugge kept a clean sheet in goal for the first half, helped by some excellent defending from Josh Buttle and Alex Lees. With Josh Mutonono and Revie Hodgson making breaks down the flanks the goals started to fly in. Joe Morton was solid in midfield and pushed forward at every opportunity.

Charlie Tennant made his debut up front and showed some good touches. Goals from Harrison (2), Morton (2), Mosby, Mateer, Lees and an own goal gave Colls thei victory, with Josh Buttle also picking up the Man of the Match award.

To view the U9s web page (which includes league tables), click here