Worksop Town - Digital 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

Club Owner & Chair - Trevor Waddington

Vice Chair - Tom Wiles

Director - David Beach

Head of Operations - Mark Harling

Club Secretary - Tina Goodworth

Head of Social Media - Charlie Fletcher

Commercial Assistant - David Flint

Committee Members - Phil Goodworth

David Gray

Gareth Athorn

First Team Manager - Craig Rouse

Player/Assistant Manager - Jimmy Williams

Player/Head Coach - Gavin Rothery

Player/First Team Coach - James Baxendale

Goalkeeper Coach - Lee Kelsey

Sports Therapist - Megan Parsley

COLLS CONTACTS & OFFICIALS

Registered 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 Worksop Town

The club was formed well over 150 years ago in 1861, noted in old minute books, but the first public recorded items referring to its existence were dated 1873 at a time when home fixtures were played on a pitch at Netherton Road – the area presently occupied by the Holy Family RC School and the Outwood Portland school. Playing in green and white striped shirts the team was a mixture of professional and amateur players, administered by a fifteen strong committee.

In 1886 William Allen of the Worksop and Retford Brewery Company was the President and it was his influence which guided the club, especially through the Great War period. Games were played against teams from the Sheffield area, and with the formation of the Sheffield Association League it became clear that a new ground of a more central situation was a priority.

This was resolved in 1891 when the Lord of the Manor, by this time the Duke of Newcastle, decided to sell the Worksop Manor Estate to Mr John Robinson who later became Sir John of Daybrook and Home Brewery fame. William Allen and his committee intervened and obtained the lease on land in the centre of the town which was bounded by Hardy Street, Allen Street, King Street and the River Ryton.

Known as Bridge Meadow, the ground was enclosed by a wooden fence with the River Ryton as its northern boundary. Football matches were played on the eastern side, the western portion was reserved for cricket and there was also a quarter mile cycle track, which led to Whit Monday becoming Worksop's annual sport day.

In granting a lease to Worksop FC the Duke of Newcastle also gave the club £50 to assist in developing the ground. As a result, the pavilions which had been on Netherton Road were transferred onto the new site to the satisfaction of the committee and they considered the only ground to better it in Nottinghamshire was Trent Bridge itself. Worksop's playing strip was now black and white stripes, while the Queens Head and the old Cattle Market Hotel were used for changing.

The proximity of the River Ryton prompted fears of flooding, but this never happened until 1931, by which time the land between the River Ryton and the Chesterfield Canal had been acquired by William Josiah Moore of the Dragons Brewery, Bridge Street with the help of a sizeable mortgage. However, the ink had hardly dried on the conveyance when Mr Moore died at Carlton-in-Lindrick on 28th February 1891, leaving his widow and teenage son to cope with the mortgage repayments.

Worksop FC's president had built his house at Creswell Holme and his brewery was established on the banks of the Canal, so upon hearing that the Bridge Meadow lease was ending he agreed to purchase the freehold rights of the Moore’s land, exchanging the lease on the neighbouring Allen Street site and guaranteeing to build a wooden bridge that would give access to Central Avenue.

The Moore family continued to lease the old ground for grazing until the housing developers got to work by building the present pattern of streets. Mortgage payments on Central Avenue were taken over by Mr Allen, with a result that the Worksop FC finally had a permanent home, albeit as a tenant, as the owner was now President of Worksop Cricket and Sports Club. The same allocation of use was in operation and the first job for Worksop FC's committee was the building of dressing rooms, which they did in the north-east corner where the Tigers Club, later called the Riverside Pub, stood until 2007. The changing facilities were basic and included a very large communal bath.

Sheffield Association and Midland League football attracted the fans and success in the latter was frequent both before and after the Great War. The 1908 season in the Midland League saw the Club, affectionately known as the Donovans, after the Duke of

Portland’s racehorse, drawn away against Chelsea in the FA Cup Sixth Round. Worksop lost, but the gates were closed with 70,184 fans inside the ground – the largest crowd ever to watch Worksop FC.

In 1911 the club celebrated its 50th birthday making the year of foundation 1861. Worksop's 1921-22 season was the most successful since the war and the team included Hodthorpe born goalkeeper, Jack Brown, who became the club’s first England international. Signed from Worksop Wesley in 1919, Brown served Worksop brilliantly until his transfer to Sheffield Wednesday in 1923, after which he played for the English League against the Scottish League at Leicester in March 1927. At Wembley on 2nd April 1927

Brown kept goal for the full England side in a victory against Scotland and a reporter in Athletic News said; "Brown kept a splendid goal and in my opinion is in Sam Hardy's class". In a brief eight year career he had progressed from junior football to international class and always wore a brown jersey.

The 1921 season is also remembered for national recognition and disaster, because Worksop became one of the famous FA Cup minnows by holding Tottenham Hotspur to a 0-0 draw at the Division One side's White Hart Lane ground. The directors held a hasty meeting, and very conscious of the remaining unpaid mortgage and other hefty debts they agreed to reply the match at White Hart Lane and Worksop lost 9-0. It was a decision which knocked the stuffing out of Worksop supporters for decades. All the supporters had expected the replay to take place at Central Avenue and they showed their disappointment by staying away from matches with a result that the clubs debts mounted.

A stand had been built on the Netherholme side of the ground, but the roof blew off several times in storms, while the changing rooms became unusable and the teams prepared for matches at several town centre inns, including The King Edward VII, Kings Head and Marquis of Granby. Before and after the Second World War Worksop was run by a committee of the Cricket Club, chaired by George Raynes, but without the help of a most active supporters club could never have continued as a non-league professional club.

In the mid-1960s Worksop won the Midland League and became founder members of the Northern Premier League. Sadly after one season Worksop were relegated back to the Midland League. The arrival of Fred Horne as Chairman in the late 1970s gave a newly re-formed football club some stability again, culminating in re-entry into the Northern Premier League.

The highlight of the seventies came when Worksop reached the FA Cup First Round and were drawn away to Barnsley on Saturday 25 November 1978. Although the Tigers lost by a 5-1 margin with the goal being scored by Kevin Woods, other famous names in that game included Alan Clarke (player manager), Peter Springett (goalkeeper), Graham Pugh, John Saunders (later to become Worksop's centre half) and Mick McCarthy.

Mr Horne saw the need for permanent headquarters and modern changing rooms, and with three-quarters of the popular stand once again missing it was arranged for these facilities to be built on the halfway line, where it remained until the club left Central Avenue. The derelict changing rooms made way for a Tigers Club, floodlights were acquired for the playing area and a licence to sell drink was obtained, although with conditions typical of similar private clubs in the sporting arena.

In the mid-1980s Worksop managed a couple seventh place finishes in the Northern Premier League before two contrasting seasons brought the decade to a close. 1987/8 saw a best ever 6th place attained, but 1988/89 found the Tigers bottom and relegated to the newly formed Division One. To pile on the agony the club...

Our Visitors Worksop Town

also lost the Central Avenue ground, sold to extend the Shoppers car park. The then Supporters Club, led by Mel Bradley, took over the ailing club and guided it through three difficult seasons, ground-sharing 20 miles away at Gainsborough Trinity. Tommy Spencer came for a second spell as manager and almost, but for the lack of its own ground, guided the club back into the Premier Division at his second attempt.

The club moved to its next home of Sandy Lane in 1992 which was a former sand quarry, landfill site, and Council recreation ground. Because of the site’s history nearly two years of ground work were necessary before the grandstand and clubhouse could be erected and the new pitch laid. The 1990s on the playing front were dominated by one Kenny Clark, top scorer of no less than six seasons, and latterly the arrival of a new management team, Paul Mitchell and Danny Hague, who in 1997/8 regained for the club the Premier Division place lost 10 years earlier.

The very first season back in the top flight brought a best ever runnersup place, while the first season of the new century saw a Quarter-final place in the FA Trophy Cup competition against Forest Green Rovers which the Tigers lost by a 2-1 margin, the goal-scorer being Gary Townsend.

The highlight of the 2002/03 season was Worksop's 2-1 away victory against Chester City in the FA Trophy competition who at the time were lying in second place in the Conference League. Worksop's scorers on that day were Gary Townsend and Gavin Smith with a late winner. In mid-April 2003 Paul Mitchell and his assistant Peter Rinkcavage were dismissed after a successful six and a half year spell and the Board appointed new Manager, Steve Ludlam, with whom they put their trust to gain promotion to the Nationwide Conference North League. The Tigers completed the 2002/03 season after winning the Sheffield Senior Cup by a 2-1 margin against Doncaster Rovers at Hillsborough. The scorers were Mark Barnard and Ryan Ludlam, son of manager Steve, who scored a winning penalty just two minutes from time to secure the silverware.

After gaining entry to the Conference North League by virtue of a seventh place finish, financial difficulties off the field forced the club into a Creditors Voluntary Agreement. But despite a 10 point deduction the club just managed to stave off relegation down to the UniBond Premier League. Manager Steve Ludlam left the club, and the former Barnsley and Celtic favourite Ronnie Glavin was installed in May 2004 along with his assistant Peter Price. The club reached the quarter finals of the FA Trophy in 2005/06, after victories over Conference opposition in Burton Albion and Accrington Stanley along the way.

In September 2006 Ronnie Glavin left the club and caretaker boss Ian Bowling was installed as temporary manager, winning the Manager of the Month award for October 2006. Ex-Chairman Keith Ilett was given the position of Life President of the club after many years involvement. John Hepworth became chairman of the Club.

Unfortunately, after such a promising start to Ian Bowling's tenure, results faded, and Worksop were relegated to the Premier Division of the UniBond League at the end of 2006/07. Peter Rinkcavage returned to Worksop in June 2007 (where he has been player, coach and assistant manager in the past) to take the club forward on the playing side. Together with his assistant manager Jason Maybury, Peter managed to achieve a complete turnaround on the field which culminated in an excellent ninth place finish in the league.

At the end of the 2007/08 season, Worksop Town was locked out of its Sandy Lane ground by the leaseholder, who later was to sell the ground to Parramore FC from Sheffield. 2008/09 was spent at Hucknall Town FC and after a difficult first half of the season whilst the club were reeling from losing the ground, manager Peter Rinkcavage turned the fortunes of the club around and results were much improved after the New Year, maintaining the club’s Premier League status.

The next season saw the Tigers play their home games at Ilkeston Town which started with promise and ended almost in disaster, players coming and going because of financial problems. John Hepworth [chairman] decided that he had done all he could do and handed the club over to Jason Clark. 2010/11 saw Jason at the helm and under his guidance we had a good season, playing at Retford United. He appointed Martin McIntosh as first team manager part way through the season and only just failed to get a play-off place.

2011/12 The Tigers were back in town after three years on the road, back at Sandy Lane, sharing with the new owners Parramore Sports and hoping to do well. A Sheffield Senior Cup victory over Frickley at Hillsborough augured well for the future. A new manager in Simon Clark joined the following season looking to improve on recent performances, but after looking good for a play-off place the team faded away to finish 9th and he departed. Mark Shaw followed and performed miracles on a reduced budget getting the team into the promotion play off places by finishing fourth. A defeat at AFC Fylde saw the hopes fade but just a short time later news broke that club backer Jason Clark was leaving and that the Board had resigned from the Northern Premier League.

2014/15, then, found the club making its bow at Step 5 in the Premier Division of the Northern Counties East League where second place in the table was attained. Not enough for promotion, and 2015/6 saw a 4th place finish after a mid-season exodus of senior players. After a couple of indifferent seasons, Worksop won both the Northern Counties East League and the League Cup in 2018/19, after no less than 22 consecutive victories, to gain promotion back to the lower regionalised tier of the Northern Premier League.

At the end of the 2019/20 season Peter Whitehead took over as Chairman and started a programme of ground improvements the first stage included installing a FIFA quality 3G surface and the building of a new changing room and reception complex.

The start of the 2020/21 season saw the appointment of the former Pontefract Collieries management duo Craig Parry and Craig Rouse along with an influx of new players. With only one defeat in their opening seven league the Tigers found themselves on the fringe of the play-off positions, However, due to the COVID 19 pandemic the season was curtailed, and all results expunged.

Before the start of the 2021/22 season Craig Rouse returned to his former club and the leagues constitution changed with another Step 4 division added. Despite a spate of player movements throughout the season the team did threaten to break into the play-off places. However poor form in the

last weeks of the season, the club could only finish the campaign in a midtable position. The last game of the season saw the club win the Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup for the 13th time, beating NCEL team Maltby Main FC 3-0 at Doncaster Rovers Keepmoat Stadium.

Pen Pics Worksop Town

SEBASTIAN MALKOWSKI - GOALKEEPER

The former Polish International joined the club in the summer of 2020 having previously played for Frickley Athletic and Pontefract Collieries amongst others

DEEGAN ATHERTON - DEFENDER

Deegan joined the Tigers in 2018 from Rotherham United The dependable defender is comfortable at full back and centre back

JOSH WILDE - DEFENDER

Josh joined the club in this summer from Alfreton Town FC Josh started his career at Sheffield Wednesday before moving onto Buxton FC, North Ferriby United where he was an FA Trophy winner, and Halifax Town

REGAN HUTCHINSON – DEFENDER

Regan joined the club from Farsley Celtic earlier this season He started his career in the academies of Sheffield Wednesday and Rotherham United before joining Chesterfield. He left the Spirites to join Guiseley before joining Farsley

HAMZA BENCHERIF - DEFENDER

The French born defender joins us from Guiseley AFC, where he was club captain His previous clubs include Guingamp, Notts County, Lincoln City and Macclesfield Town

BOBBY FAULKNER – DEFENDER

Bobby is an exciting younger defender on loan from Doncaster Rovers where he has made 1 first team appearances this season Spent time on loan at Frickley Athletic last season

JACK BROADHEAD - DEFENDER/MIDFIELD

Jack joined the club from Pontefract Collieries in the summer of 2020 Jack has a strong aerial presence in both penalty areas where he scored a hat trick of headers in a game against Pickering Town last January

LUKE HALL - MIDFIELD

Luke joined the club from Sheffield FC in February 2022 in a deal that

saw James Baxendale move in the other direction The former England Schoolboy International came through the Sheffield Wednesday Academy

VAUGHAN REDFORD - FORWARD

The enigmatic forward re-joined the club from Pontefract Collieries FC where he spent the early part of last season He went on to score 12 goals in 37 appearances.

JAY ROLLINS - MIDFIELD

Joined the club from Boston United where he had spent 7 seasons Prior to that he played for Armthorpe Welfare and Askern Villa

ALEKSANDRS STARCENKO - MIDFIELD

The Latvian midfielder joined the club in October 2020, but due to the COVID 19 pandemic it was not until last season that we saw the young attacking midfielders full potential

SAMUEL WEDGBURY - MIDFIELD

The vastly experienced midfielder joins us from Stalybridge Celtic FC where he was Club Captain The former Sheffield United Junior lists Macclesfield Town FC, Forest Green Rovers and Wrexham amongst his former Clubs

TERRY HAWKRIDGE - MIDFIELD

The Nottingham born winger joins us after having spent the 2021/22 season with Boston United and Matlock Town In the last game of the 2016/17 season Terry scored both the goals that ensured Lincoln Citys return to the Football League.

LIAM HARDY - FORWARD

Liam joined the club from Hyde United FC in October 2021 and it took little time for the Doncaster born goal scorer to become a firm fans favourite

JAMES HANSON - FORWARD

The Bradford born forward began his Non-League career with Eccleshill United FC and Guiseley AFC before making over 300 appearances for Bradford City FC He then moved onto Sheffield United and others before returning to Non-League Football

LIAM HUGHES - FORWARD

The former Matlock Town FC Captain was a long time transfer target for Tigers Manager Craig Parry The vastly experienced forward will be a major presence both on and off the pitch

TAVONGA KULEYA - WINGER

Young, pacy winger on loan from Doncaster Rovers who scored on his second appearance for the Tigers Spent time on loan at FC United earlier this season

BEN TOMLINSON - FORWARD

The locally born forward has recently taken up the roll of Player/Coach Ben has scored over 50 goals in two spells with the club After moving from the Under 19 team to the first team Ben signed a professional contract with Macclesfield Town FC

Squad Pen Pics The Colls

Kyle joins the club midway through the campaign following a bright start in the Northern Premier League with Guiseley, previously of Farsley Celtic and Matlock Town. He has plenty of experience for a young keeper.

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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

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 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.

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

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.

‘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

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

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

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.

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

Kyle Trenerry - GK

Jack Greenhough

DF

Spencer Clarke - DF

Jack Shepherd - DF

Callum Brook - DF

Ben Turner - DF

Harry Spratt - DF

Jimmy Williams - DF/MF

Scott Brown - DF/MF

Cody Cromack - MF

James Baxendale - MF

Jack Vann - MF

Squad Pen Pics The Colls

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

’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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

Adam Priestley - FW

Gavin Rothery - MF

Gavin Allott - FW

Joe Lumsden - FW

Craig Rouse - Manager

Lee Kelsey - GK Coach

Megan Parsley - Phsyio

Jerome Greaves - FW

Mikey Dunn - FW

Squad Squad The Colls

Trenerry Greenhough Clarke

Shepherd

Brook

Brown Turner Spratt

Cromack

Baxendale Rothery

Greaves

Sponsorship is available at £100 per player and maximum of two sponsors each.

Up Next Up Next

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 Brook x3

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

Lumsden

Dunn Subs Allott (Lumsden 57') Kelsey Williams Baxendale (Priestley 57') Brook (Brown 57') Turner

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 Brown x2

Lumsden Subs Greaves (Lumsden 65') Baxendale Picton (Greenhough 86') Williams Priestley (Rose 66')

Greaves Subs Rothery (Greaves 42') Picton Brook Bailey Allott Priestley (Williams 73') (Baxendale 76')

Priestley x2 Subs Allott Lumsden (Allott 62') Brook Bailey (Priestley 84') Nodder (Baxendale 68') Williams

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

Priestley Subs Bailey Baxendale Cromack (Priestley 45') Nodder (Turner 90') (Lumsden 74') Dunn

Priestley Subs Bailey (Baxendale 68') Nodder (Cromack 70') Brown (Clarke 73') Rothery x3 Lumsden Allinson

Allott Subs Dunn Baxendale Bailey (Clarke 38') Brown Rothery (Turner 45')

Lumsden (Pirestley 53')

Lumsden Subs Baxendale (Brown 70') Williams Spratt (Rothery 57') Boyes Greaves (Vann 89') Dunn

Priestley Lumsden Nodder Subs Dunn(Baxendale 46') Brown Spratt Rothery (Nodder 68') Bailey (Williams 46')

Dunn Subs Bailey (Brown 78') Rothery Baxendale Turner (Priestley 85') Greaves (Dunn 71')

Priestley Subs Dunn (Priestley 80') Cromack (Turner 37') Baxendale Rothery (Allott 67') Clarke

Priestley Subs Cromack (Dunn 57') Baxendale(Clarke 65') (Priestley 76') Rothery Bailey Greaves

Baxendale Subs Greaves (Baxendale 61') Cromack Thewlis (Rothery 64') Turner (Brown 64') Brook

NPL North East Division 2022/23

Bridlington Town Brighouse Town Carlton Town Cleethorpes Town Consett Dunston UTS Grantham Town Grimsby Borough

Stocksbirdge Park Steels Stockton Town Tadcaster Albion Worksop Town

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 Gareth Athorn (Pontefract Collieries Supporter).

Gareth tell us first of all why you follow Pontefract Collieries and when you started your affinity with the club?

I started following the Colls in the late 80s, my first game was the official floodlight turn on against Hull City, I'd been pestering my dad to take me and watch leeds but he doubted I would actually watch the game so he wanted to test me out with this we both got the Colls bug and Leeds didn't happen and we stayed watching Ponte

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

I feel watching football at this level as a supporter to can make a difference and really help the lads, when your at a league game your just one of thousands but at this level the lads know who you are and appericate your support as we've seen many times with goal celebrations and also how the club rallied around my son when he had big op last year. The family feel is the best thing about it

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

It's hard to pick one moment really we've had so many over the last few seasons with FA cup runs and promotions but if I had to pick one it would be winning NCEL Premier division by a mile, unbelievable season. The away trips with our gang are a really treat I'm lucky with share these trips with good friends and couple of crazy dogs!

Finally, We’re well into the season now, what’s your verdict on our season so far?

Been a strange season in some ways good start but hit a sticky patch around Christmas due to injuries and suspensions but after lasts weeks outstanding win at Stockton with the Gaffer and the boys will make a really push for the play offs and who knows maybe another end of season celebration.

Kyle Trenerry

New signing Kyle Trenerry joined The Colls last week, at the tender age of 23 Kyle has collated experience higher up the football pyramid. Naming the likes of Farsley Celtic, Matlock Town and most recently Guiseley AFC as a few of his former sides.

We caught up with Kyle to discuss the move, here’s what he had to say;

Welcome to The Colls Kyle, tell us how the move came about and your thoughts on joining the club?

It all happened fairly quickly to be honest, Rousey got in touch expressing his interest and as soon as he outlined the plan for the club – I couldn’t turn it down!

You have experience in the higher leagues, how will you be looking to add that to our squad?

I think I’m fairly experienced, I’m only 23 but I have played a lot of games. I’ll be coming in to help the boys try get into the play offs.

What are your goals for the rest of the season both personally and for the club?

My goals are to play as many games as I can from now to the end of the season and keep as many clean sheets as possible. As a team we want to get into the play offs and pick up as many points as we can.

PONTEFRACT COLLIERIES

Kyle Trenerry (GK)

Jack Greenhough (C)

Jack Shepherd

Spencer Clarke (VC)

Callum Brook

Ben Turner

Harry Spratt

Jimmy Williams

George Thewlis

Scott Brown

Jack Vann

James Baxendale

Gavin Rothery

Mikey Dunn

Joe Lumsden

Gavin Allott

Adam Priestley

Jerome Greaves

MATCH OFFICIALS

Ref: Matthew East

WORKSOP TOWN

Seb Malkowski

Regan Hutchinson

Josh Wilde

Sam Wedgbury

Hamza Bencherif (c)

Jack Broadhead

Terry Hawkridge

Aleks Starcenko

Liam Hardy

Liam Hughes

Jay Rollins

Deegan Atherton

Luke Hall

Vaughan Redford

James Hanson

Tavonga Kuleya

Bobby Faulkner

Assistants: David Holbrook & Sam Bailey

Match Sponsored by David Beach

Match Ball Sponsored by Ian Hookham