After a rare and surprise home setback on Saturday Pontefract Collieries came up with the reaction they needed as they came back from their short trip to Garforth Town with a vital three points on Monday afternoon.

Jimmy Williams’ men suffered their first home defeat since they moved back into their Hunters Stadium ground last October – and only a second loss anywhere in 18 matches – when they went down 4-1 to mid-table but much improved Lincoln United.

Joe Lumsden was on target in front of a bumper crowd of over 500 and Colls led 1-0 at the break only to be humbled in a second half in which they never got going.

Despite the result they stayed in fourth place in the NPL East table, but were now level on points with Dunston and remained four in front of sixth-placed Bradford (Park Avenue) so the pressure was on when they travelled to Garforth Town’s Cedar Ridge ground 48 hours later.

Simon Jakab was Pontefract Collieries' goal scorer in their 1-0 win at Garforth Town.

placeholder image — Simon Jakab was Pontefract Collieries' goal scorer in their 1-0 win at Garforth Town.

With chances proving few and far between in the first half it was no surprise that that the game was still goalless at the break.

But Colls were growing into the contest after a slow start and they broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the second half with Frankie Sinfield’s corner glanced home by Simon Jakab.

They needed a smart save by keeper Harry Christy to stay ahead as he kept out a dangerous free-kick from the home team.

It remained tight until the final whistle, although Alex Pavan came close to doubling Ponte’s lead with an effort that hit the side netting.

Nerves jangled in added time, but Colls saw out the game well to earn a vital 1-0 win.

With Dunston and Bradford both winning it is as you were between the three play-off rivals, although Pontefract have closed to within three points of a stumbling Emley, in third, who drew their bank holiday derby with Ossett United.

Colls can clinch their play-off place if they can win this Saturday and Bradford lose, but they face a tough task against a Redcar Athletic side showing no signs of slowing down despite already clinching the championship.

Their last two matches are also huge as they play Emley at home and Dunston away.

Leeds United’s Women’s team played at Pontefract’s Hunters Stadium on Sunday and enjoyed a 2-1 victory over Wythenshawe FC with two goals from Drew Greene.