North Shields - 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

Waddington

Chair Tom Wiles

Beach

Harling

Goodworth

Fletcher

Flint

Goodworth

Gray

Athorn

Rouse

Williams

Gavin Rothery

James Baxendale

Lee Kelsey

Megan Parsley

COLLS CONTACTS & OFFICIALS

Office;

Collieries Football Club

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 North Shields

North Shields Athletic was originally formed in 1896, and played initially in the South Shields & District league They progressed through the Northern Combination, Northern Alliance and North Eastern League and became a major force in North East Football, outside the Football League, moving to play at Hawkeys Lane around 1900 They originally joined the Northern Alliance, before switching to the North Eastern League in 1908

The club emerged as Preston Colliery F C after the Great War, reverting to North Shields A F C in 1928 They enjoyed tremendous local support with a record 12,800 watching the local derby with South Shields in October 1936 Shields won the North Eastern League title in 1950, before the league folded in 1958 Spells in the Midland League and Northern Counties league followed before the club joined the Northern league in the 1964 65 season, finishing third at their first attempt

The Robins' moment of crowning glory came in 1969, when they won the FA Amateur Cup by beating Sutton United in front of 47,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium. Shields were a goal down after only four minutes but won with second half strikes from Richie Hall and Brian Joicey both laid on by Orrick, a shipyard worker from Byker. The club, which also won the Northern League title and Challenge Cup that same year, were declared joint holders of the European Amateur Cup the following season when two games against Italian Side Almas resulted in a level aggregate score

Having moved into the national pyramid by joining the NCEL in 1989, North Shields earned promotion to the Northern Premier League by winning the title in 1992 However, financial problems arose, which meant Appleby Park had to be sold to and lead to the club folding However, they almost instantly reformed as a new club, thanks to the efforts of local people and many of the current committee

In 1999, the club moved to Ralph Gardner Park, now known as the Daren Persson Stadium, and began to develop the ground to meet the Northern League standards Once again known as North Shields FC, the club began to kick on, league runners up in 2000/01 and winners by eight points the following season. They also continued to collect silverware elsewhere, winning the Monkwearmouth Charity Cup in 2001 and again in 2003

After a fifteen year absence, the Robins gained promotion back into the Northern League in 2004 following their third Wearside League title and a further Shipowners Cup triumph.

“The Robins” finally gained promotion back into the Northern League in 2004 and were promoted to Division 1 in 2014 under the guidance of Graham Fenton

TThe club won the FA Vase Final in 2015 as the attacking and never say die team beat Glossop North End at Wembley 2 1 after extra time after falling behind early in the second half Bainbridge’s header evened things up and Adam Forster wrote himself into the club's history with the winner The team was once more the pride of the town and didn’t the supporters love it! The following season 2015 6 Shields finished fifth in the league whilst lifting the Northumberland Senior Cup beating Blyth Spartans 4 3 in a thrilling Final at St James Park

Shields moved to appoint Assistant Manager, Brian Smith as the new Manager, with Gary Ormston stepping up as Assistant and Andy Gowans joining the coaching set up alongside Wilf Keilty Brian Smith left the club in February 2018 to be replaced by ex Whitley Bay boss Marc Nash

The campaign of 2019 2020 before halted due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the side saw an impressive 4th placed finish with games in hand on the teams above. The team scored 56 goals only conceding 37 The following season (20 21) was another curtailed with the Shieldsmen again in a strong 4th position with 26 points from 11 games having lost only once as well as enjoying a decent FA Vase run including a penalty shoot out success at Bridlington Town.

However Marc Nash’s men were to make no mistake in an unforgettable 2021 2 campaign cruising to the Northern League First Division title by 9 points their first such triumph since 1969 The management team challenged the players to respond after the disappointment of a quarter final loss in the Vase after a marathon 8 match adventure featuring 3 penalty shoot out victories The Robins’ clinched the Championship and promotion to the Northern Premier League East with a 3 1 triumph at Whitley Bay sparking emotional celebrations Shields won 25 and drew 9 of their 38 games overcoming an 11 point deficit behind Consett at one stage and having to play their last 6 matches all away

NORTH SHIELDS SELECTED CLUB HONOURS

Northern League 1st Division Champions: 1968 69, 2021 22

Northern League 2nd Division Champions: 2013 14 Northern League Cup Winners: 1968 69, 1971 72 Wearside League Champions: 1998 99, 2001 02, 2003 04

North Eastern League Champions: 1949 50

Northumberland Senior Cup Winners: 13 times

FA Vase Winners: 2014 15

FA Amateur Cup Winners: 1968 69

Reached FA Cup 2nd Round: 1933 34, 1982 83

Reached FA Trophy 2nd Round: 1983 84

Our Visitors North Shields

Goalkeepers

Finlay Hodgson

Summer signing Finn joins us from Northern League side West Allotment. The excellent young shot-stopper and starts many attacks with his excellent distribution skills. Still only twentyyears-old, Finn’s career started with stints at both Cramlington Juniors and New Hartley Juniors.

Defenders

Thomas Bexton

Former Wolves, South Shields and Whitley Bay defender. Comfortable in possession which is what attracted him to us. Spent some time at Spartans during pre season but we are delighted to have secured him.

Lewis Brennan

Lewis joins us after his release from Newcastle United. A highly composed defender that reads the game well and is a great tackler which is something of a dying art these days.

Johnathan James Chrisp

JJ is a product of New Hartley Juniors. Can play at full back or in midfield. Very tenacious and doesn't mind the physical side of the game. A great left foot enhances his skill and awareness. He will continue to improve as he moves up a few leagues with North Shields following a year in the Northern Alliance with New Fordley.

Liam Doyle

Joined the club from Ashington. Liam is a full back who has also played further up the pitch. Liam provided great energy and looks to support attacks whenever possible, with his pace supporting recovery runs when possession is lost. Also featured for Whickham and spent time in the USA for Queens University of Charlotte.

Stephen Forster

Stephen Forster a flying winger who is equally adept at defending as well as going forward. Ex Carlisle United, Birmingham City, and Morpeth Town.

Chris McDonald

McDonald is a strong and versatile defender/ midfielder with experience from captaining Whitley Bay to playing for Berwick Rangers in Scottish League Second Division more recently playing for Morpeth Town. Chris has scored some spectacular goals in his playing career.

Anthony Myers

The versatile and no nonsense defender is powerful in the air, a great passer of the ball and strong in the tackle. Can also play in the centre of midfield. Former clubs include Seaham Red Star, Jarrow Roofing and Hebburn Town.

Jack Walker

Jack returns to the club for his second spell being reunited with North Shields and Marc Nash who he started his footballing journey with. A rock at the back of the defence with his commanding tones being heard across the park.

Midfielders

Cameron Cunningham

Tipped as the Non League Messi, Cam is an extremely talented young player that burst onto the scene. Made the transition from junior into senior football with ease and is tipped to go very far if he continues to progress at a rapid rate.

Adam Forster

Adam ‘Skip’ Forster rejoins the club for his second spell. The former Blyth Spartans midfielder has been given the captains armband for the Robins and was a vital member of the North Shields side that won the FA Vase and Senior Cup. Adam scored the extra time winner against Glossop North End in the FA Vase Final in 2015.

David Palmer

David joins the club to add quality to the midfield area Previous clubs Seaham Red Star star, Jarrow Roofing, South Shields. Palmer has won the Northern League with South Shields and promoted with Shildon. Has turned down various offers to stay at the club this season.

David Robinson

Another quality addition to the midfield area. The former Seaham and Blyth AFC captain is a box-to-box midfielder that will leave everything out on the pitch for the team and is a player that will certainly chip in with goals and assists throughout the season.

Connor Oliver

The midfielder joins after leaving Northern Premier League outfit Morpeth Town and brings a wealth of experience having started out at Sunderland before joining Hartlepool United, Blackpool, Morecambe, North Ferriby, Halifax, Blyth Spartans and Gateshead.

Paul Van-Zandvliet

Local lad Paul is another product of Tyne Met College. He was a member of the Northern Counties Championship winning squad with Northumberland Schools County and was also the captain of the NFA county team. His performances last year attracted the attention of Sheffield United where he played twice for the youth team in victories over Hull City and Leeds Utd. Paul's box to box and powerful style will no doubt propel him to be a fans favourite in time, especially coming from North Shields.

Josh Walker

Josh is another product of TyneMet Academy. His composed play and simplicity has impressed everyone. Left footed centre midfielders are quite a rarity and he gives that balance in those areas. Josh has a great range of passing and we expect him to progress into the first team set up permanently quite quickly at the rate he is currently improving.

Forwards

Daniel Wilson

Wilson is a very powerful centre-forward that certainly knows where the back of the net is. He can hold the ball up with ease, but is also capable of driving at the defence too. Returning for his second spell at the club after a stint at Seaham Red Star.

Bradley Hird

The former Ryhope CW top goalscorer joins The Robins to bring some goals to the side. Brad is a dynamic and nippy forward who enjoys getting into goal scoring positions and getting a few goals too.

Regan Paterson

The former West Allotment and Heaton Stannington forward joins the club with a good track record for the forward!

Extremely pacy and skilful, defenders will not relish the sight of Regan bombing down the wing towards them.

Our Visitors North Shields

Thomas Potter

The exciting forward has plenty of North Eastern football experience and success. Potter has won the Northern Premier League and Northumberland FA Senior Cup with Morpeth in 2019 and then the 2020 FA Vase and promotion with Hebburn Town.

Daniel Turner

Dan has represented the club in the FA Youth Cup and scored 4 goals as they reached the final qualifying round. A regular scorer for New Hartley Juniors he is looking to break through for next season. Made his Shields debut v Bishop Auckland away in the 51 win.

Management Team

Manager

Marc Nash

Joined North Shields FC in 2018 from Whitley Bay. Marc has managed Whitley Bay Reserves before moving to the first team.

Works at Tynemet as head of football and is a UEFA B licensed coach. Marc has a wealth of knowledge in the Northern League and the Non League Zone from his playing and managerial career.

Promoted North Shields FC as champions to the Northern Premier League in 2022.

Assistant Manager

Anthony Woodhouse

Woody re-joined North Shields FC in 2018 from Whitley Bay. Previously manager of North Shields FC. Began his footballing career for East End Boys Club, going on to having trials for Brighton, Sunderland and Stoke. Has played for a number of Northern League clubs. Signed from Whitley Bay as Player/ Manager with Graham Fenton, Andy Bowman and Brian Smith as assistants he steered the ship to promotion to First Division. Woody made 27 appearances for The Robins with 2 goals.

First Team Coach

Steven Swinyard

The UEFA B licensed Coach works in the professional game with Premier League side Newcastle United as well as with Northumberland FA. Steve has a fountain of knowledge and brings with him his professional outlook. Steve has been Assistant Manager to Anthony Woodhouse at Benfield FC and as a coach at Ashington FC. Also played for North Shields FC.

Squad Pen Pics

Lloyd Allinson GK

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

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

Jack Greenhough DF 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 Picton DF

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.

Spencer Clarke DF 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.

Jack Shepherd DF

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.

Callum Brook DF

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

Ben Turner DF

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

Harry Spratt DF

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 Bailey DF/MF

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.

Adam Porritt DF/MF

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

Jimmy Williams DF/MF

Pat Boyes GK

Pat joins The Colls on loan from Football League club Hartlepool

Squad Pen Pics

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

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

Adam Priestley FW

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

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

Jerome Greaves FW

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 Parsley - Phsyio

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

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 Stuart Hardcaslte (Pontefract Collieries Supporter).

Stuart Welcome, Tell us first of all why you follow The Colls and how you found out about the club?

I attended my first Pontefract game by chance. I was in town and noticed a game was on and I loved it. The more I've attended, the more I have learned about the club, the people involved and what the club does for the local community ...... how can you not support that.

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

IIts the atmosphere and the people you meet for me. Us Pontefract lot do like to have a good laugh and create at atmosphere home and away.

Can you tell us about your favourite experience/match in Non League (so far)?

Having a photo shared by the FA Cup Instagram page this year at Stockton away was pretty good but game wise, I would say all of them. The players always give it their all so as fans we will always cheer for them.

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

The club is moving forward off the pitch and its been a fantastic start on it. With the signings the club has brought in and the players retained from last season, anything is possible So let's go for it and see what happens.

Colls

Squad Squad

Fixture

Garforth Town

Grimsby Borough

Hebburn Town

Date Result

06/08 13/08 16/08

Att

Players

0 1 246 Allinson Picton Spratt Clarke Turner Williams Vann Baxendale Rothery

(pen)

Consett

Lincoln United

Ossett United

Charnock Richard

North Shields

Chester FC

Dunston

Shildon AFC

Brighouse Town

North Shields

Cleethorpes Town

4 0 277 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Turner Williams Vann Baxendale Dunn

1 1 236 Allinson Greenhough Turner Picton Clarke Spratt Vann Baxendale Priestley

Stockton Town 20/08 FAC

2 3 Allinson Greenhough Turner Picton Clarke Spratt Vann Brown 4Rothery 82

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

Stockton Town

Shildon AFC

Dunston

Cleethorpes Town

North Shields

Grantham Town

Bridlington Town

Sheffield FC

Carlton Town

Lincoln United Stocksbridge PS

Long Eaton United

Tadcaster Albion

01/10

Stockton Town 18/10

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

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

3 1 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Shepherd Vann Baxendale 5Dunn 27

Charnock Richard 03/09 FAC

NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL

2 2 170 Allinson Picton Spratt Brown Shepherd Bailey Vann Rothery Priestley

FAC 21/01 NPL

2 1 353 ABaxendale llinson Bailey Shepherd Picton Clarke Williams SVann pratt Allott

3 1 216 Boyes Brook Turner Clarke Baxendale PPriestley icton Brown Rothery Allott

Comp FAC FAT

2 1 1502 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Picton Clarke Brown Vann Baxendale Priestley Rothery

3 3 165 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Clarke Turner Cromack Vann RBaxendale ose Lumsden

3 0 263 Allinson Greenhough Spratt Clarke Shepherd Cromack Vann RRothery ose

A A Dunn

NPL

FAC NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL

NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL

NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL NPL 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 Brook

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')