Bridlington Town 0 v 2 Pontefract Collieries
By Alexander Fynn
Bridlington Town returned home looking to bounce back from defeat at Cleethorpes on Tuesday night.
The game began with both sides on an even footing and wary of each other’s strengths.
On balance Town were the better side for the first 20 minutes, but Pontefract took the lead through a controversial goal with a long range shot from Jack Greenhough.
The ball was deemed to have crossed the line after it went straight into the palms of Sebastian Malkowski.
With the linesman’s flag up, the goal was awarded, much to the annoyance of the home team, management and supporters.
Within minutes Greenhough doubled the lead from a Jack Boyle free kick.
The game remained lively after the second goal as tensions were running high…especially from the seasiders.
But there was more drama to come as the half time whistle blew.
Malkowski and manager Denny Ingram challenged the officials on the opening goal – subsequently Malkowski was shown a straight red as was manager Denny Ingram.
An enforced reshuffle on the Seasiders squad at half time saw centre back Pete Davidson step up for goalkeeping duties.
However, despite being a man down, such was the attacking play and work rate of the Bridlington side,Davidson only had the one stop to make clearing a shot from Ponty’s Jack Wilson.
Remarkably, Bridlington seemed resurgent despite being down to the 10 men.
Charlie Winfield was one-on-one with the keeper, but he unfortunately scuffed it well over the bar.
Town pushed hard at least to find a consolation goal and pressed hard for the advantage in attack, however with time rapidly running out the home side couldn’t find any reward for their valiant efforts.
The Seasiders are left with only one win at home this season…they now focus on Tuesday’s match against Bradford Park Avenue.
Manager Denny Ingram was proud of his squad at full time.
He said: “Going down to 10 men at the break – to put in a second half performance like that, I thought it was outstanding…can’t fault any of them.”
