Pontefract Collieries had to settle for taking a point in their opening game of the new NPL East season.

At home to Morpeth Town Jimmy Williams’ men were frustrated by their opponents’ solid defending with the game ending in a goalless draw.

Colls largely went with players who did well for them last season, but did include’ Jack Vann, who has returned to the club, and new signings Connor O’Grady and James Morris, Alfie Perry in their starting line-up.

Vann took the man of the match award as Ponte matched Morpeth in defending well and looked solid enough for their first competitive outing.

Jack Vann was player of the match in his first competitive game back in a Pontefract Collieries shirt. Picture: Pontefract Collieries

placeholder image — Jack Vann was player of the match in his first competitive game back in a Pontefract Collieries shirt. Picture: Pontefract Collieries

The hosts created the first chance of the game as Morris saw a shot blocked then Joe Lumsden sent the follow-up over.

Harry Christy saved a deflected effort at the other end before Lumsden went close with a header from a Perry cross and sent another effort over.

The visitors enjoyed a strong spell of pressure after the break, forcing five successive corners, but Colls dealt with it well and when back on attack went close as Morris’s header was cleared off the line.

Christy ensured Ponte kept a clean sheet and they almost nicked it in added time when substitute Kiyani Clayton looked to take the ball round the Morpeth keeper only to be denied by an outstretched foot.

Collieries were due to follow-up quickly with a game against North Ferriby on Tuesday, but the game was postponed due to their opponents’ involvement in the FA Cup where they need a replay.

They are back at home on Saturday when hosting Clitheroe in an FA Trophy preliminary round tie and play their first away league game at Lincoln United next Tuesday.