Pontefract Collieries' unbeaten run ends as they are reduced to 10 men after four minutes
Ten-man Pontefract Collieries suffered their first home defeat of the season when they went down 4-1 to Heaton Stannington in the NPL East.
After previously coming through a testing October unbeaten in eight games it was a shock for Jimmy Williams’ men to be well beaten at the Hunters Stadium, but they did have to play all bar four minutes of Saturday’s match with 10 men after defender Connor O’Grady was sent-off.
Colls made the worst possible start to the fixture with O’Grady appearing to win the ball in a challenge, but being deemed to have made a reckless tackle that resulted in a red card being produced.
The task was soon made doubly difficult for the 10 men with the visitors opening the scoring, Cameron Gascoigne finishing off a breakaway move.
Heaton then capitalised on a Ponte error to make it 2-0 on 25 minutes as Gascoigne netted again.
The hosts felt further aggrieved when strong shouts for a penalty fell on deaf ears after Joe Lumsden appeared to have been brought down inside the area.
Colls tried hard to work their way back into the contest, but seven minutes into the second half it was effectively all over as Sado Djalo netted following a cross from the left.
They gave themselves a little hope with a quick response, Ben Middleton’s header from a corner deflecting in.
But Heaton made it 4-1 in the 67th minute with Dale Pearson netting following another smart break.
It was to stay the same score until the final whistle with this proving a day to forget for Colls, who do nevertheless remain in the play-off places in fifth spot.
They are relieved their punishing weekend-midweek-weekend schedule is now over as they only have four league games in the next month plus a second round West Riding County Cup tie at Garforth Town on November 24.
But October was still good to the club with five league wins and two draws plus a first round County Cup victory.
They were in action in midweek when having to settle for a point from a goalless draw at home to North Ferriby.
Neither side was able to provide a finishing touch to their approach play with Alfie Perry and Jack Wilson going closest to scoring for Ponte.
Next up is a long trip to Dunston this Saturday with a tough test expected against the league leaders who have only suffered one loss so far this season.
Ponte will have to make the trip without Alex Pavan after confirming that the young player has been recalled by his parent club Doncaster Rovers ahead of another loan to a higher Step Three club in Cleethorpes Town.
Colls thanked both the club and Alex for his time at Pontefract where he scored seven goals.