After suffering disappointing back to back defeats in the NPL East Pontefract Collieries are looking to a couple of promising players from Sheffield Wednesday to give them a boost.

Colls have signed 18-year-old left winger Joel Akpobi and 19-year-old midfielder Denny Oliver on 30-day youth loan deals from the League One side.

Both are rated prospects making their way in the game and will give Pontefract cover as well as the move being good for the players as they will be able to gain valuable experience.

They were on the bench for Ponte’s latest game at Dunston when the West Yorkshire side was unable to make the most of having a man advantage for much of the contest after their opponents had a player sent-off for a professional foul on Joe Lumsden in the 19th minute.

Joel Akpobi has joined Pontefract Collieries on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Steve Ellis

placeholder image — Joel Akpobi has joined Pontefract Collieries on loan from Sheffield Wednesday. Picture: Steve Ellis

Oliver made his Colls debut as a half-time sub at Dunston while Akpobi also came off the bench in the 52nd minute.

They were unable to help the side hit back, however. after they had trailed to a 17th minute goal when the hosts had their full 11 on the pitch.

With their extra player Ponte had plenty of possession and a number of chances, but frustratingly could not find the back of the net.

Jack Steers and Lumsden were both denied by good saves in the first half when Jack Vann also missed an opportunity.

Dunston had a penalty saved by Harry Christy early in the second half before Colls then also were unable to score from the spot following another save.

Akpobi came close to scoring as he showed a glimpse of what he can offer in producing some lovely footwork to create space only for his shot to go narrowly over.

James Morris forced the home keeper into another save, but Dunston sealed victory with a second 10 minutes from time.

“I thought we started the game well up until they scored,” said manager Jimmy Williams.

"It was shocking defending – a route one ball straight down the middle of our centre-halves.

"Straight after they had a man sent-off we got on the ball, dictating play, but ultimately we haven’t done enough, simple as that.

"They got men behind the ball and we haven’t done enough to break them down.

"We’ve got look at ourselves as a group and have got to do so much better when they’re down to 10 men. We created some half decent chances and missed a penalty that’s the main talking point.”

Ponte are now back at home this Saturday as they look to climb back up the table from their current sixth position with a game against Guisborough Town.

"A reaction’s needed and we probably have to start looking at changes to the starting 11 and squad,” added Williams.

"They are a good footballing side are Guisborough, they get it down, they play well so our pitch is going to suit them. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and we’ve got to get three points to keep us in the play-off positions.”