Pontefract Collieries hit the goal trail as they enjoyed a big victory over Parkgate to advance in the FA Cup.

Jimmy Williams’ men have drawn both of their opening two games in the NPL East, but have tasted success in national cup competitions with wins in the FA Trophy and FA Cup.

And it was certainly an emphatic way to go through to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with an 8-0 romp against a Parkgate side from the NCE Premier Division.

Niah Payne got the ball rolling with the opening goal in the ninth minute – a terrific strike from range that found the top corner of the net.

Pontefract Collieries found the back of the net eight times against Parkgate in their FA Cup tie. Picture: Pontefract Collieries

placeholder image — Pontefract Collieries found the back of the net eight times against Parkgate in their FA Cup tie. Picture: Pontefract Collieries

Connor O’Grady doubled the lead six minute later when heading into an empty net after the visiting keeper had misjudged the flight of the ball from a corner.

But Ponte had to wait until the second half for their avalanche of goals with the floodgates opening once Alex Pavan netted to make it 3-0.

Kiyani Clayton’s neat finish made it four then Pavan’s second, following good work by Payne, added to the lead on the hour mark.

Four minutes later Payne’s effort deflected in off a Parkgate defender and the one-way traffic continued with Clayton unlucky to hit the crossbar.

Jayden Major did make it seven when his shot went in off the post.

Parkgate did come close to a consolation goal when hitting the woodwork, but Colls had the final word late on as Jack Wilson was played through by Clayton to score.

"It’s obviously pleasing to get that many goals,” said first team coach Gavin Rothery. “I thought we started a bit sloppy, but second half we were miles better.

"We said move the ball quick, which we had to do against a team that just sat in, and we took our goals well.

"We could have had another four or five easy – Kiyani’s hit the post twice, Mids has had a header in the six-yard box in the second half. We could obviously have had more, it was really pleasing.”

In midweek Pontefract had to settle for a point from a 1-1 draw at Lincoln United with Wilson netting their goal.

They return to league action at Matlock Town on Tuesday night and are at home to early season NPL East leaders Liversedge next Monday (3pm). In between Colls travel to Padiham for a first qualifying round tie in the FA Trophy.