Pontefract Collieries U7′s first run out of 2012 was at Doncaster Rovers’ Quick Play Cup Tournament, which was staged last weekend by the Championship club.

Ponte travelled to South Yorkshire with real strength in depth, entering two sides into the competition to give all the youngsters as much game-time experience as possible. The tournament featured a total of fifteen teams, which were split into three pools of five.

Collieries Blue won all four of their matches against Upton, Branton Reds, Adwick Park Rangers and Bentley.  Top scorers were Josh Lindley and Talley Bryer who netted four goals each.  Ethan Pritchard also got on the scoresheet when he netted a lovely free-kick.  Keeper Eli Saul only conceded a single goal throughout the day, while Jack Smith, Alex Washington and Ellis Skelcher worked like demons to keep the opposition at bay.

Collieries Red also won all of their four matches against Armthorpe, Branton Blues, Wheatley Wanderers and Balby Academy.  Top scorers were Max Hazelgrave with five, Callum Davis with four and Sam Limbert and Kieran Noon with three each.  Henry Warrinder and Zak Taylor netted one each too.  Like the Blues, the Reds also only conceded a single goal all day thanks to Matthew Doyle and Billy Shaw’s tireless defensive efforts.

Ponte’s strong showing confirmed that they will be a force to be reckoned with and go into the second half of the season with high hopes of many more victories to come.

The Pontefract squad contained Jack Smith, Eli Saul, Zak Taylor, Josh Lindley, Sam Limbert, Max Hazelgrave, Billy Shaw, Ethan Pritchard.  Front Row: Alex Washington, Ellis Skelcher, Keiran Noon, Matthew Doyle, Callum Davis, Henry Warrinder and Talley Bryer.