Pontefract Collieries 2 v 3 Bridlington Town
By Alexander Fynn
Bridlington Town started March on a high as the Seasiders claimed an important 3-2 victory over Pontefract Collieries, hopefully beginning to ease relegation worries.
Manager Mike Thompson made one change from the 3-1 victory over Ashington as Danny Earl replaced Nathan Dyer, who started on the bench. Bridlington were also missing Michael Coulson and Pete Davidson through injury.
A much-needed victory was required as the Seasiders still sat in 19th place in the NPL East table after today’s result.
The first real chance on goal fell to the Seasiders around 9 minutes into the game. Matty Dixon had a free kick; however, his right-footed shot was hit straight to the Pontefract shot-stopper. Bridlington were the first to strike as Alex Markham pulled in a cross to Barrett, and the striker connected with a superb diving header into the net, leaving Pontefract keeper Heath Richardson rooted to his spot.
However, the Colls had chances of their own as Jack Greenhough put in a long throw into the middle to Mikey Dunn, but the number 9’s shot went wide of the post. Mikey Dunn had another chance to put the game back onto level terms as Jack Boyle swung in a corner to the middle to Dunn, but he headed his chance over the bar. Bridlington were looking to extend the lead as Matty Dixon fired in a free kick to Alex Markham, but his close-range shot was brilliantly saved at the legs of Richardson.
With half-time closing in, Josh Barrett doubled the Seasiders’ lead as Sam Leverett was pinpoint with his corner into the middle. With a scramble in the box, the ball fell to Barrett, and he fired the shot into the Pontefract net. Danny Earl had a clear-cut chance to extend the visitors’ lead further; Barrett squared the ball to Earl, but the number 7 completely missed the opportunity, and the home side easily dealt with the threat.
Pontefract were not to lie down as the second half commenced. Jack Boyle had a corner to Danny Burns, and the midfielder reduced the deficit.
Boyle’s goal seemed to galvanize the home side as the Seasiders struggled with the Pontefract threat. Once again it was Boyle who put in a free kick to Dunn; however, the Pontefract number 9’s header went straight into Jack Hall’s gloves.
Mike Thompson rang the changes for the Seasiders as goal hero Josh Barrett came off for Tom Allan.
But it was one of their own as Benn Lewis made it three for the Seasiders. Sam Leverett delivered a corner to the back post, and Lewis fired in a low-driven shot to restore the Bridlington advantage. Substitute Ahmed Salam was through on goal; however, Salam shot straight at the keeper.
As stoppage time began, Pontefract weren’t letting go. Boyle fired in a corner to Jack Greenhough, and the captain headed the ball past Hall.
The Seasiders, though, held out for a crucial three points as they fought for their NPL East survival.
Manager Mike Thompson said this after the match: “We know what Pontefract’s qualities are, and we knew what sort of a game it was going to be, especially the first half. We alleviated them; we hope to have Michael Coulson back next Saturday at Consett.”
The Seasiders sit 19th in the NPL East, level on points with Heaton Stannington, who are sitting above them on goal difference, and with a game in hand.
