Grantham Town - Match Programme

THE COLLS

WELCOME TO THE HUNTERS STADIUM

Pontefract Collieries FC would like to extend a very warm welcome to the fans, players and officials of our visitors for this fixture and to all of our Ponte Colls supporters and committee.

We also welcome our match officials and any neutrals who have chosen to come along to watch our game today.

We hope you enjoy your visit to our stadium and would like for you to make use of our facilities that we are proud to offer…

in particular, our clubhouse situated under the main stand with cold beer on tap and excellent tea bar with a selection of hot and cold food.

Whatever the outcome of today’s game, we do hope that you will be able to join us for a drink in the clubhouse after the match before wishing you a safe journey home.

We would also like to thank our sponsors and partners for the 2022/23 season

NOTE: ONLY FOOD AND DRINK BOUGHT ON THE PREMISES CAN BE CONSUMED ON THE PREMISES

H E C O L L I

COLLS CONTACTS & OFFICIALS

Office; Pontefract Collieries Football Club CIC 4 Holywell Avenue Castleford England, WF10 3FD Company No. 08103129 Director: Trevor Waddington contact@pontefractcollieries.com www.pontefractcollieries.com

The Colls Club History

Pontefract is known to have had a football club as far back as the 1890s when a side, presumably composed mainly of soldiers, competed in the West Yorkshire League as Pontefract Garrison.

Much of the history of the game in the town is still in need of further research, but it is known that a Pontefract Borough club reached the dizzy heights of the Yorkshire League in the late 1920s. They failed to finish the 1929–30 season, though. But by 1935, a club called Tanshelf Gems managed to acquire a ground on Ackworth Road, moved there, and became Pontefract United.

United ruled the roost in local football before the war, but when hostilities ended in Europe, they were rekindled in the town with the appearance of a Pontefract Collieries side, who by the late 1950s had gained slight bragging rights over their town rivals, both playing in the West Yorkshire League.

But in 1960 the old Collieries club became extinct, only for the name to return a couple of years later when United merged with a local youth side and adopted the name for themselves.

The new club quickly gained in stature and found considerable success in the West Yorkshire League, before joining the Yorkshire League in 1979. Progress on the field continued, culminating in a Yorkshire League Division Three Championship win in 1982.

This was the last season of the old Yorkshire and Midland Leagues, which then combined to form the Northern Counties East League.

The Colls were founder members of the new league. Successive promotions were gained in the first two seasons; the Runners-Up spot in Division Two (North) being followed rapidly by the Division One (North) Championship.

This was the last season of the old Yorkshire and Midland Leagues, which then combined to form the Northern Counties East League.

The Colls were founder members of the new league. Successive promotions were gained in the first two seasons; the Runners-Up spot in Division Two (North) being followed rapidly by the Division One (North) Championship.

This meteoric rise saw the Colls into the top flight of the NCEL, a position they held for a decade. Progress on the field was matched by ground improvements, as floodlights, a new clubhouse, stands, seats, and other major changes took place.

Much of the work was done during the miners’ strike, cementing further, literally, the club’s relationship with the mining industry and local community.

The floodlight opening in 1987 saw the Collieries take on Hull City in a friendly, watched by the record 1,000 crowd for the Skinner Lane ground. More honours came the club’s way as the NCEL Floodlit Cup was won twice, and two West Riding County Cup Finals were reached. Another near miss was the appearance in the NCEL Presidents Cup Final in 1994.

Managers Paul Cooper, John Brown, and Ged Elliott had been the main inspirations behind the footballing rise of the club during this sustained period of progress. But when the last of this line, Ged Elliott, left the club during 1994–95, a sudden decline could not be halted and the first relegation for many a year came about.

The appointment of new boss, Jim Kenyon, soon halted the slide, however, and the Colls bounced straight back, taking the Runners-Up spot, and winning the Wilkinson Sword Trophy along the way.

The following season saw Pontefract in yet another cup final, when they lost out by 3 –1 to Hucknall Town at Millmoor in the NCEL League Cup Final.

Success could not be sustained, though, and by 1998–99, a disastrous start saw the first 11 games lost, and only 7 points gained by Christmas. New manager, Peter Daniel, came in, and almost turned the fortunes around in an amazing rear-guard battle. The club still lost its Premier Division status, finishing second bottom, but only on goal difference.

Steve Kittrick then took up the challenge with a more locally based squad, and an emphasis on youth development. 199900 saw the Under-16’s win the West Riding Junior Cup, and the Under-19’s reach the Northern Youth Alliance League Cup Final. The senior squad also reached the Wilkinson Sword Trophy Final, which was narrowly lost on a 4–2 aggregate to Goole.

But successes at youth level were ultimately unable to be repeated by the senior squad, and Steve Kittrick left, after a disappointing finish to the 2000–01 campaign. The successful youth coach, Gary Batley, took over for the 2001–02 campaign, but a very young and unsettled side saw a disastrous season end with the Colls rock bot-tom of the NCEL First Division.

The Colls Club History

2002–03 saw Peter Daniel return, and improve-ments on the field were obvious from the very start. Ironically, despite bringing in a few key players to strengthen the squad, much of the side were graduates from the club’s youth policy, which seemingly had not matured quite quickly enough for previous managers.

The season saw the club reach its best ever stage in national competitions, reaching the Second Round Proper of the FA Vase, and with another Cup Final appearance in the Wilkinson Sword Trophy, this time losing out to Mickleover Sports, 3–1 on aggregate. A strong run in the second half of the league season saw the Colls finish in fourth place in Division One.

But optimism for the 2003–04 campaign soon evaporated, and after a poor start, Pete Daniel resigned. Reserve team manager Roly Lanes took over the reins, and the club were pulled off bottom spot, but still needed to apply for re-election. Battles off the field have dominated recent times, with fires destroying seats and parts of the stand, the tea bar, and the closure of the adjacent Prince of Wales Colliery and loss of the electricity supply. On the field, Collieries continued to struggle, and only avoided relegation on more than one occasion as a consequence of Pyramid restructuring.

Progress in national competitions was virtually nil. Things reached rock bottom in 2007–08 when, despite winning the first league game, Ponte then failed to win another for the rest of the season, and finished with just 9 points, a staggering 15 adrift of the club above them. Once again, relegation was avoided as the club were saved by the constant restructuring of the Pyramid league system.

Turmoil and bad feeling dominated the summer break, seeing the departure of the management team and most of the Committee as well. But this provided an excellent opportunity for the club to rebuild, and to put in place a plan for the future where none had previously existed.

2008-9 saw a new and enthusiastic, Committee appoint new manager, Simon Houghton, from local Central Midlands League side Kinsley Boys, and after just 4 league games the new team gained the 9 points it won the previous season. For the first part of the season, the club kept pace with eventual champions Scarborough Athletic at the top of the table, but unfortunately, a disastrous spell into the new-year saw the club embark on a run of 1 win in 9, which saw the club finish in ninth place.

2009–10 saw continual improvement from Houghton’s players. The side was strengthened and despite a slow start, the side eventually finished the sea-son in fifth place, taking four points off promoted Brighouse Town during the campaign. Despite the team topping the league during the Christmas and New Year period in the 2010–11 Season, the team’s results fell away badly in the early months of 2011.

As a result, Simon Houghton left the club, with former Leeds United captain Brendon Ormsby being brought in as manager. During his first dozen games in charge of the club, Ormsby used the remainder of last season to assess the players at his disposal and start to implement changes to the playing style of the team. With several target signings brought in during the closed season to enhance his squad, Ormsby prepared his team for an assault on the NCEL First Division.

Unfortunately, success wasn’t forthcoming for the Colls, and a bad spell during the middle of the 2012-2013 season led to Ormsby leaving the club by mutual consent. Player-managers Nick Handley and Duncan Bray stepped into the breach for the club, and with one defeat in the last ten league games, they ended the season with the club in-form,

The 2013-2014 season was one of consolidation as Bray and Handley brought in new players and stamped their style of play on the squad. Ending in a ninth place league finish.

The plan was delivered and 2014/15 turned out to be a successful season for the Colls as they finished as runners up in the NCEL Division 1 and achieved promotion to the NCEL Premier League after an absence of fifteen seasons. Along the way they achieved the season’s records for highest away win, best aggregate score, most goals scored (joint with Louth Town), second best defence and most clean sheets.

Ponte now in the NCEL Premier (in 2015/16) new players arrived to strengthen the promotion winning squad. However struggles saw a new management team announced with manager Craig Parry assisted by Craig Rouse and Nigel Danby. They fought to the bitter end and unfortunately ended up in the third from bottom spot and back into division one.

The 2016/17 season saw many changes in players and staff behind the scenes and on the field, with emphasis on the clubs infrastructure being paramount. The team had a great pre-season and that gave the side the building blocks for the year they had.

The Colls Club History

After a great start with 9 wins out of the first 9 games (including friendlies) the Colls had started will in both league and the FA Cup. The latter saw us reach our joint furthest in the competition after wins against Runcorn Town and Bootle who both went on to have good league campaigns in their own right.

We ended up getting knocked out by Tadcaster Albion after a thrilling cup tie going 2-0 down then 3-1 down and after pulling a goal back to make it 3-2 were then harshly not given a late penalty!

The league saw us put in some brilliant runs of form which saw us leap from 6th to the top of the league. Fate was in our own hands on the final day requiring a win on the final day away at Worsbrough Bridge to gain promotion, which we did 2-1 to return back to the NCEL Premier Division.

2017/18 saw what can only be described as a spectacular season. The mighty Ponte Colls surprised everyone (probably most at the club too). We started the season brilliantly winning 12 out of our first 13 games scoring 50 goals in the process. By the end of 2017 Ponte had only lost 3 times in league football and were still going strong in the FA Vase. Due to these cup runs we sat third in the league and 18 points behind league leader AFC Mansfield but many games in hand.

But by the time we travelled to Mansfield for the “Title Decider” we were right on their tails, The game was billed to be a close battle yet Ponte took the wheels off the Mansfield title charge and hammered them 3-0 in their back yard!

A win in Ponte’s next game would guarantee our historic first promotion to the Evo Stik. Away at Maltby Main saw Ponte do exactly what was needed a 2-0 win and mass celebrations. The Colls followed this up with a midweek win again away, this time at Handsworth Parramore and a 3-1 win and Pickering losing the following night, meant Ponte were CHAMPIONS of the NCEL Premier Division.

After 2 consecutive promotions the Colls had an extremely successful first ever season at Step Four in 2018-19 in the NPL Division One East finishing as runners- up to Morpeth Town. The Colls narrowly lost out on promotion to the NPL Premier Division at the first time of asking after losing to Brighouse Town in the Play-offs.

The 19-20 and 20-21 seasons were curtailed early due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2021/22 season saw Craig Rouse return to the club as First Team Manager, along with a number of former players. We struggled to get started in the league,

but history was made in the FA Cup as Ponte reached the fourth qualifying round. FC Halifax Town needed a return leg to beat The Colls, following a draw at home in front of a club record attendance,

With only league games remaining follow exits from other cup competitions, it was time to pick up poor league form. Colls sat second bottom in early November but a string of big wins saw a jump to mid table. A strong bond between players and fans built from the start of 2022 and some big wins followed.

Many positives for the new season in 2022/23 see many players retained, plus the addition of a couple of former faces. On and off the field the club seems to be in a much stronger positions, so here's to more happy days down Beechnut Lane!

Our Visitors Grantham Town

The club was founded in 1874 and early competition was in the Midland Amateur league which was won in 1910/11 The Central alliance was won in 1924/25 and the club finished runners up to Shrewsbury Town in the Midland counties League in 1938 After the war local legend Jack McCartney scored 416 goals in just 456 appearances until his retirement in 1955

In 1964 under player manager Jim Rayner the Midland League was won with the club scoring 152 goals in the season Rayner moved to Notts County to be replaced in 1965 by Terry Bly as player manager and the next 14 years are still remembered as the golden years for the club The Midland League was won in 1971 and in 1972 and regular cup runs brought large crowds to the London Road ground with the most memorable being in 1973 when Jack Charlton brought his Middleborough side to London Road where a record crowd of 6578 saw Middleborough win 2 0

The club moved into the Southern League winning Division 1 North in 1978 and the following year finishing runners up in the Premier Division Following relegation, the club bounced back the following year to win Division 1 North again

Following the reorganization of non league football, the club were moved to the Northern Premier League and finished 4th in 1984 but the following year they failed to gain re election and returned to the Southern League

Financial problems meant the club had little success until in 1987

The board appointed Martin O’Neil as manager and along with assistant John Robertson Promotion was missed by a single point his first season and 5th spot gained the year after Martin moved on to climb the managerial ladder at the end of that season

John Robertson returned as manager in 1990 and at this time the club left its London Road home and after a year ground sharing at Spalding returned to the town into the new South Kesteven Sports Stadium

Little success was achieved until the arrival of Gary Mills as manager in 1996 Under Gary 4th place was achieved in the Southern League Midland Division in 1997 and the following year the championship was won also the club reached the quarter final of the FA trophy going out after a replay to Conference side Southport The first game at Grantham attracted a stadium record attendance of 3695

The following year the club was taken over by Reg Brearley through his company Antrac Mills was replaced as manager and the club went full time, but huge financial losses saw the club’s future threatened when Antrac walked away The club was forced to enter a CVA, and a difficult period followed as the club struggled to get back onto its feet This was reflected on the pitch and when John Wilkinson arrived as manager at Christmas 2000 the club had just 9 points but following a tremendous run were finally relegated on goal difference on 47 points Promotion back to the Premier division was achieved in 2002 as runners up

Following Wilkinson’s resignation Roger Ashby became manager and lead the club to the first round proper of the FA cup in November 2003 where they played Leyton Orient at home in front of the Match of the Day cameras only losing 2 1 to an injury time goal

In the summer of 2006, the club were moved from the Southern League back to the Northern Premier League It took the club some time to adjust to the move and they were relegated to Division 1 South John Wilkinson returned as manager and in 2008 lead the club to the Division 1 South play offs where they lost 2 1 to Nantwich Following a brief spell with Phil Starbuck as manager Jim Albans and Wayne Hallcro came in as joint managers

In 2011/12 the club reached the Division 1 South playoff final losing 2-0 to Rushall Olympic but the following year they won the division by a 10-point margin the club found life in the Premier division difficult and following the resignation of chairman Steve Boam Albans and Hallcro also resigned. After a period under former players Gary Sucharewycz and Ian Robinson they returned and led the club to 15th spot in the Premier division.

During season 2014/15 the club had to make the difficult decision to cut its playing budget when predicted income was not achieved. This resulted in several players leaving the club. Also departing was Jim Albans but his partner Wayne Hallcro stayed and recruited former Coalville manager Adam Stevens to replace Albans as joint manager and the pair set about rebuilding the side. Hallcro departed in late January to team up again with Albans at Belper Town to leave Adam Stevens in sole charge of team matters. Under Stevens the club finished 12th in the Premier Division and the following year 18th.

2016/2017 saw the club had its best season for many years and had a chance of reaching the playoffs right up to the final week of the season finally finishing in 8th spot. In addition, they reached the league cup final going down 2-1 to Bamber Bridge.

2017/2018 saw the club finished in 4th spot in the premier division and went on to reach the playoff final going down 2-0 at Ashton United. Manager Adam Stevens stood down after the game replaced by Ian Culverhouse for the 2018/2019 season. Culverhouse resigned in October and was replaced by former Notts County Assistant manager Richard Thomas. Richard Thomas left the club in February to be replaced by former Harrowby United managers Paul Rawden and Russ Cousins. Rawden and Cousins left the club in late February and after a game under the control of caretaker manager Danny Racchi Martin McIntosh was appointed as manager. Martin managed just two games in charge before Covid brought the season to a close.

He has spent the summer rebuilding the side for the new season. With the season halted due to the Covid pandemic McIntosh left the club. Former England International Carlton Palmer was appointed as team manager and along with his assistants Jas Colliver and Matt Chatfield totally rebuilt the side for the 2021/2022 season.

Carlton Palmer stood down as manager in early November with assistants James Colliver and Matt Chatfield taking charge of team affairs. The club moved quickly to appoint Dennis Greene as manager with Matt Chatfield becoming assistant. The club parted company with Greene in March with Chatfield stepping up to take charge until the end of the season.

The club were relegated to step 4 at the end of the 2021/22 season after 10 years at step 3. Chatfield took the managers job permanently and has remodeled the squad as the club try to bounce back.

H E C O L L I E R I E S | P A G E 1 0

Our Visitors Grantham Town

MATT CHATFIELD – Manager

Coached in academies at Chesterfield, Rotherham, Scunthorpe and Nottingham Forest. Was first team coach at Frickley before managing at FC Bolsover and AFC Mansfield. Was assistant manager before becoming caretaker manager towards the end of last season taking over on a permanent basis in May

DAN HAYSTEAD – Goalkeeper

Rejoined for a second spell at the club in pre season from Stamford. Also counts Boston United Hinckley, Sheffield FC Belper and Ilkeston amongst his former clubs

JONASZ GADOMSKI – Goalkeeper

Joined the club in August. Local player who was previously part of Nottingham Forest Academy

MATT TOOTLE – Defender

Joined in pre season from Boston United. Very experienced player who began his career as a youngster at Crewe going on to make 199 appearances before moving to Shrewsbury (16 appearances) and Notts County (95 appearances)

JAKE WRIGHT - Defender

Another preseason signing from Boston United. Experienced player who counts Halifax (64 appearances) Brighton (6 appearances) Oxford United (222 appearances) and Sheffield United (46 appearances) amongst his former clubs. Has been made team captain

JONATHAN WAFULA – Midfield / Forward

Signed last season from Matlock Town. Began his career at Chesterfield before moving on to represent Worksop, Shaw Lane, Gainsborough, Boston United and Guisley.

SISA TUNTULWANA – Defender

Promoted to the first team squad last season after some impressive performances for the clubs academy sides. Was awarded a contract last season

RICKY MILLER – Forward

Joined from National League Dover (106 appearances) last season. Experienced player who began playing locally where his clubs included Stamford, Spalding, Corby and Boston United before he played in the league for the likes of Luton Town (12 appearances), Peterborough (10 appearances) and Port Vale (28 appearances).

LEE SHAW – Forward

Local player who scored 30 goals when the club reached the play off final in 2017/2018. This earned him a professional contract at Chesterfield. Played at Guisley and Alfreton before returning to his hometown club last season

ELLIOTT DURRELL – Midfield

Signed from National League North Telford last season. Experienced player who counts Hednesford, Rushall, Tamworth, Macclesfield, Chester and York amongst his former clubs. He was NPL Premier Division player of the year in 2012/2013.

NATHAN TYSON – Forward

Joined in preseason from Chesterfield (27 appearances). Very experienced player who counts amongst his former clubs Reading (33 appearances) Wycombe (102 appearances) Nottingham Forest (176 appearances) and Derby (39 appearances). Has represented England at under 20 level.

CHARLIE JEMSON – Defender

Joined in preseason from Ilkeston. Came through the Nottingham Forest Youth System before playing at Peterborough Sports Coalville Tamworth Worksop and Gainsborough.

DAMIEN McCRORY – Midfield / Defender

Joined in preseason from Nuneaton Borough. Began his career at Plymouth before loan spells at Port Vale Grimsby and Dagenham & Redbridge Joined Burton Albion in 2012 (196 appearances) before moving to Notts County (28 appearances) Has represented the Republic of Ireland at both under 18 and under 19 levels

BRADLEY MUNNS – Forward

Local player promoted to the first team squad after impressing for the clubs academy and under 23 sides last season

ASHTON HALL – Defender

Joined last season from Sheffield FC. Began as a youngster at Sheffield United before joining the Matlock Town academy progressing to their first team.

HARRY WOOD – Midfield

Joined in February following his return to the UK after playing in Malta. He was previously at Matlock and Chesterfield

KIERAN HAYES – Midfield

Joined the club in pre season from Phillippines club United City. Was part of the Nottingham Forest academy progressing to under 23 level. Had a spell on loan at Truro City before playing in the Phillippines. Has dual nationality and has represented the Phillippines at under23 level

MATTHEW McBRIDE – Midfield

Signed first team forms last season after impressing for the clubs academy and Under23 sides

HARRY JOHNSON – Midfield

Another local player who has stepped up from the clubs Academy and under 23 sides

FREDDIE McGRADY – Forward

Young player who is part of the clubs academy. His performances have earned him a place in the first ream squad

ROBBIE ATKIN – Midfield

Came through the clubs academy before playing in the clubs under 23 side.

JACK SHERLOCK – Midfield / Forward

Joined in September. Came through the ranks at Barnsley playing for both under 18 and under 23 sides

MITCHELL TAIT – Defender

Currently on loan from Basford United

Match Sponsor - Grantham Town David Beach

David has kindly sponsored today's fixture and wanted to share the following message ahead of the game, here is what he had to say...

“ I am honoured and proud to sponsor today's match against Grantham. I feel privileged to be associated with the Colls.

In the years that I have been involved with the club as a junior coach and a coach with the Pirates I have seen many changes that have brought the club to where it is now.

The hard work of all the back room staff has been superb and is a credit to themselves and the club. The work they have done with the food bank has been so important for the residents of our fantastic town who have needed that extra support.

The education facility and staff involved in this important aspect of the club is going from strength to strength and making a real difference to the club and all who benefit from this provision. The development of the club is ongoing and with everyone’s input, dedication and hard work we continue to build a club we all should be extremely proud of.

But most importantly we currently have a fantastic first team with a great football ethic, guided and supported by our brilliant management team, Craig, Jimmy and Lee. Well done boys and keep it up.

And for anyone who does not know us I would like to invite you to the ground to enjoy the football and the exciting atmosphere of a match day.

Two last points. We have the right Craig. And Up The Colls!"

Squad Pen Pics The Colls

Lloyd started his senior career at Chesterfield in the football league He’s since gained experience in National League and NPL. A great shot stopper and has made a big impact since joining The Colls

Pat joins The Colls on loan from Football League club Hartlepool

United The Young stopper is from Pontefract and is with the club initially till Jan 2023

Club Captain Jack joined The Colls academy following leaving Bolton Wanderers He quickly joined the first team and made a big impression.

One of the clubs youngest captains, he is a massive part of how we play

Jake returns to Ponte this year after a spell at Worksop Town An experienced defender at this level, he’s a real leader and has the ability to chip in with a goal from the back.

A stalwart for us, Spencer is a real Rolls Royce of a footballer and a leader amongst the dressing room Vice Captain he is and has been a key component for The Colls over the years.

Our young player of the year last season, Jack has matured into a strong defender that can play either centre or left back. As well as reading the game well, it is his ability to bring the ball out which often catches the eye.

A product of the Chesterfield FC academy, following his arrival he has made a number of appearances and has more than handled himself at this level. He will go on to have a big future at the heart of defence

Another experienced head at the back, Ben joined the club in December 2021. The left sided defender featured heavily in the sides up turn in league form last season

One of our new recruits this season, Harry can feature anywhere across the back line. He joins the club following spells at Ashton United, Scarborough Athletic and York City

A Ponte unsung hero, now player assistant coach Jimmy is a combative player that can play anywhere in either defence or midfield, a real presence in the side.

Fabian is into his fifth straight season at Ponte

He is a real versatile player that can feature anywhere from defence to midfield

Scott Brown DF/MF

‘Browny’ is another player that can feature in the heart of defence or midfield, he’s always fire in the tackle but is also great with the ball at his feet. Made a real difference upon returning from a loan last year.

Versatile Fullback or Midfielder Adam joins the club from Liversedge, where he won a league and cup double last year. He has played for local rivals Tadcaster Albion and Ossett United as well as stints at Farsley Celtic and Harrogate Town

Jack Lazenby - MF

Jack is a ball playing midfielder that has a great range of passing and loves a crunching challenge A former Guiseley academy product, will be looking to kick on this year

Cody Cromack MF

Combative Deep lying midfielder, Cody returns for his second spell after enjoying success at the club Returns following spells at Worksop Town and Tadcaster Albion

Lloyd Allinson GK

Jack Greenhough DF

Jake Picton DF

Spencer Clarke DF

Jack Shepherd DF

Callum Brook DF

Ben Turner DF

Harry Spratt DF

Jimmy Williams DF/MF

Fabian Bailey DF/MF

Adam Porritt DF/MF

Pat Boyes GK

Squad Pen Pics The Colls

Mitch Rose - MF

An engine in the midfield of the park, he has played a number of times in the football league as well as for Non League clubs higher up the pyramid. A player that adds quality and experience.

Jack Vann MF

Vanny joined Ponte last summer and made a real impression, a real cog in The Colls engine room controlling the midfield Ran a one man goal of the season competition last year with two fine strikes

James Baxendale MF

Another midfielder that comes alive in the final third, made a number of Football League appearance for Walsall before moving down the pyramid. He’s back for his second stint at Ponte and will look to add goals and assists Recently also joined the coaching staff as First Team Coach

Gavin Rothery MF

Midfield dynamo and now Head Coach, Gavin is a midfield dynamo and makes his impact when dancing passed defenders Missed parts of last season through injury but when for another key component to our side

Josh Nodder - MF

'Nodds' joins the club from Sheffield FC, Josh is an attacking winger that loves to get forward and has reuglarly chipped in with goals and assists. A great additions to the squad and will provide more depth and experience to our squad.

Mikey Dunn - FW

’Magic Mikey’ a defenders nightmare, this lad on his day can be one of the best players in the league He’s footwork and speed often leave defenders on the floor He’s enjoyed a bright preseason will look to add to his NPL tally of goals this season

A Gibraltar International who has 17 caps and a goal for his country, Adam has a great pedigree and has scored goals for each club he’s been at A fast intelligent forward, he’ll be looking to chip in with plenty of goals and assists

Joe Lumsden FW

Another striker that knows where the back of the net is He rejoined the club last spring and will be looking to add to his tally from last campaign and his previous spell at Ponte

Young forward Greaves joins following spells at clubs higher up the pyramid after his release from Rotherham United The 6ft 4 striker knows where the net is and will be competing for a starting role

Gavin Allott FW

A proper old fashioned no. 9, Gav joins Ponte after winning the league last year with Liversedge. Another man that’s goal record speaks for itself and he’ll no doubt cause many issues for opposing defences

Craig Rouse - Manager

Now in his second season as manager at Ponte, previously a goalscoring player then assistant coach as Colls went through their most successful years Now looking to guide the club to more success

Lee Kelsey - GK Coach

An experienced coach with a UEFA B License as a coach and Keeper Coach Lee is also our Head of Academy and Community and is lead coach for our Scholars during the week

Megan has stayed on for her second season with Ponte as Head Physiotherapis, she works closely with Craig Rouse and the lads to ensure they remain in the best condition

H

C O L L I E R I E S

L L

R

S

Adam Priestley FW

Megan Parsley - Phsyio

Jerome Greaves FW

FANS FORUM

Each week we will give a fan of either The Colls or our opponents the chance to discuss their team and what they love the most about Non League Football This week we will speak to David Flint (Pontefract Collieries Supporter and Committee Member)

David tell us first of all why you follow Pontefract Collieries and how you found out about them?

I've always known about Pontefract Collieries having played football in the local area, in the last few years the profile of the club has grown which has seen more fans coming down including myself and it's great to support your home town team!

Tell us about your current involvement in the club and your roles?

After a few games of watching Ponte play I got to know a few of the people who help run the club, I thought I would try to help get sponsorship for club which I've been doing ever since, it's been great getting sponsors to the club and the local businesses have been really supportive I've also recently started editing match highlights for the the YouTube Channel Pontefract Collieries TV Don't forget to subscribe haha!

What is it about Non League football that you enjoy the most?

The main thing for me is the sense of community that you don't get with a big club. Also the football at this level is a very good standard and you see some great games, with both sets of players fully committed

Can you tell us about your favourite experience or match in non league (so far)?

This is an easy answer for me, without any doubt when we played away at Halifax in the FA Cup reply! It really opened my eyes to the potential of the club. I think we took over 600 fans and we didn't stop singing from start to finish, it was a great night and will live long in the memory.

Finally, We’re well into the season now, what do you make of the start to the season?

It's been an amazing start, as of writing this we are 3rd in league and have games in hand. I think Rousey has been really smart with his recruitment and strengthened in all the right areas and brought in some real quality. I think on our day we could match anyone in this league and with the fans behind the players anything could happen this season!

H E C O L L I E R I E S

P

Fixture

Garforth Town

Grimsby Borough

Date Result

06/08 13/08 16/08

1

Att

Players

Allinson Picton Spratt Clarke Turner Williams Vann Baxendale Rothery

(pen)

0 277 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Turner Williams Vann Baxendale Dunn

Hebburn Town

1 236 Allinson Greenhough Turner Picton Clarke Spratt Vann Baxendale Priestley

Stockton Town 20/08 FAC

3 Allinson Greenhough Turner Picton Clarke Spratt Vann Brown 4Rothery 82

Consett

Lincoln United Ossett United

Charnock Richard 03/09

Charnock Richard North Shields

Dunston

Comp FAC FAT Chester FC Brighouse Town

Shildon AFC

North Shields

NPL NPL NPL NPL Cleethorpes Town

Stockton Town 18/10

Grantham Town Bridlington Town Sheffield FC

Carlton Town

Tadcaster Albion

Long Eaton United Worksop Town

Brighouse Town Grimsby Borough

Stocksbridge PS

Ossett United Hebburn Town Consett Worksop Town Shildon AFC

Stockton Town

Dunston Cleethorpes Town

North Shields

Grantham Town

Bridlington Town Sheffield FC

Carlton Town Lincoln United Stocksbridge PS

Long Eaton United

Tadcaster Albion

23/08 27/08 29/08 06/09 10/09 13/09 27/09 04/10 08/10 15/10 22/10 29/10 05/11 12/11 19/11 26/11 03/12 10/12 17/12 26/12 02/01 07/01 14/01 28/01 04/02 07/02 18/02 28/02 04/03 18/03 25/03 01/04 08/04 10/04 15/04 22/04

1 323 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Williams Vann Baxendale Dunn Allott

Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Brown Vann Bailey 2Allott 2 128 Rothery

Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Shepherd Vann Baxendale 5Dunn 27

Allinson Picton Spratt Brown Shepherd Bailey Vann Rothery Priestley

ABaxendale llinson Bailey Shepherd Picton Clarke Williams SVann pratt Allott

216 Boyes Brook Turner Clarke Baxendale PPriestley icton Brown Rothery Allott

FAC NPL NPL NPL NPL

1502 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Brown Vann Baxendale Priestley Rothery

Allinson Greenhough Spratt Clarke Turner Cromack Vann RBaxendale ose Lumsden

Allinson Greenhough Spratt Clarke Shepherd Cromack Vann RRothery ose

Dunn

Boyes Greenhough Turner Clarke Shepherd Williams Spratt RBaxendale ose

Boyes Greenhough Turner Clarke Shepherd Picton Spratt VBaxendale ann Boyes Greenhough Turner Clarke Shepherd Picton Spratt VBaxendale2ann 1 N384 PL

NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL

FAC 21/01

NPL

Dunn Lumsden Subs Bailey

Lazenby Brook (Brown Baxendale 63') (Williams 74') (Dunn 83')

Allott Lumsden Subs Bailey (Porritt 75') Priestley (Porritt 75') Porritt (Williams 73') Rothery Brookx3

Allott Lumsden Subs Dunn (Lumsden 66') Rothery (Baxendale 74') Brook Bailey Williams

Allott Lumsden Subs Dunn (Brown 66') Priestley (Lumsden 87') Williams Baxendale (Rothery 66') Bailey Brook Shepherd

Priestley Subs Brook Bailey (Vann 45') Brown (Williams 71') Rothery (Baxendale 66') Lumsden

Priestley Subs Lumsden Baxendale Williams Brook (Shepherd Allott 74') (Brown 76') (Priestley 76')

x2 Allott Lumsden Subs Priestley (Allott 78') Rothery (Baxendale 45') Brook Bailey (Dunn 85') Brown

Dunn Subs Allott (Lumsden 57') Kelsey Williams Baxendale (Priestley 57') Brook (Brown 57') LTurner umsden Lumsden Subs Priestley (Allott 86') Dunn (Bailey 45') Rothery (Williams 70') Brook Brown

Lumsden Subs Dunn (Priestley 72') Kelsey Brook (Brown 68') Porritt (Lumsden 90') Falk Adamson Bailey

Dunn Subs Greaves (Cromack 82') Rothery (Baxendale 76') Priestley (Lumsden 64') Brook Brownx2 Lumsden Subs Greaves (Lumsden 65') Baxendale

Picton (Greenhough 86') PWilliams riestley (Rose 66')

Greaves Subs Rothery (Greaves 42') Picton Brook ABaileyPllott riestley (Williams 73') (Baxendale 76') Priestley x2 SubsAllott Lumsden (Allott 62') Brook Bailey (Priestley 84') Nodder (Baxendale 68') Williams

Allott Lumsden Subs Priestley (Baxendale 64') Bailey(Lumsden 88') Nodder Cromack (Allott 84') Rothery