Pontefract Collieries improved after a poor first half display to record an away win at Bishop Auckland that boosted their play-offs drive in the NPL East.

Three second half goals gave Colls victory in the north east as they stayed in sixth, but closed the gap to two points on the team above them, Bradford (Park Avenue) with a game in hand.

Frankie Sinfield put Ponte ahead five minutes before half-time with a stunning strike and they were fortunate according to manager Jimmy Williams to have gone in ahead at the break.

Full-back Alfie Perry latched onto Joe Lumsden’s pass to add a second on the hour and Sinfield made it three in added time before Bishop Auckland pulled a goal back with a controversially awarded penalty even later in the game.

Frankie Sinfield struck twice for Pontefract Collieries against Bishop Auckland.

placeholder image — Frankie Sinfield struck twice for Pontefract Collieries against Bishop Auckland.

Colls could have won by more after Jack Wilson hit the woodwork and the Bishop Auckland keeper made a wonder save.

"It’s a massive result in a game in which we had to dig in," said Williams.

"First half we were nowhere near it and we didn’t compete – God knows how we came in at 1-0.

"Well I do know, Frankie pulled a worldie out and whipped it into the top corner from 30 yards.

"But as bad as we were I think they only had one decent chance that I can remember.

"Second half we had the wind at our back and we were never in danger, we controlled the game for large parts, got the second goal then the third and were probably unlucky not to keep a clean sheet. But 3-1 away’s a massive result."

Williams continued: “They put a great effort in first half and I knew they couldn’t keep it up for 90 minutes.

"We seemed to find the gaps second half and we played more and created more. It was about taking your goals at the right time and we did that.

"At 2-0 Harry’s pulled off a magnificent save and if it goes 2-1 it’s an interesting last 20 minutes. But it gave us a platform to hit them on the counter.”

Victory came at a cost with Alex Metcalfe ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken arm.

Williams explained: "I am gutted for Metsy. He’s snapped his arm, which is not good for anybody and will rule him out for the rest of the season.

"He’s been different class since he came to the club, a great kid and a great player. We’ll make sure we look after him in the right way, we’ll do what we need to do behind the scenes to put him in a good place.”

Colls are now unbeaten in their last 10 games and aim to keep the run going when they are at home to Blyth Town this Saturday. They are also in action at Blyth Spartans next Tuesday.