Pontefract Collieries 2-1 Blyth Spartans Match Report.

Blyth Spartans were punished for not taking their chances in West Yorkshire as two set pieces either side of half time handed Pontefract Collieries an important home victory.

Ewan McGowan scored for the second consecutive game but his header was cancelled out a minute later by Colls captain Jack Greenhough; Connor O’Grady sealed the win early in the second half.

With little quality shown in front of goal the game broke into life five minutes before the break, Colls forward James Morris forced a fingertip save out of Callum Dobson before Jack Vann hit the post with a header from the resulting corner.

Marc Nash’s side opened the scoring in the 43rd minute, a devastating counter attack against the run of play saw Jack Foalle’s effort cleared off the line falling to McGowan who placed his header into the roof of the net.

Unfortunately the lead didn’t last long for Spartans as Pontefract whipped an inviting free kick into the box which was attacked by skipper Greenhough unchallenged, levelling the game before half time.

Half Time: Pontefract Collieries 1-1 Blyth Spartans.

Jimmy William’s side claimed the first goal after the restart, a corner was flicked on to the back post where O’Grady was waiting unmarked to smash home in the 52nd minute.

Spartans did put Pontefract under pressure and should have capitalised when the ball was laid off to Jordan Hickey inside the 18 yard box but his effort was blazed over the bar.

With ten minutes left of the 90 Blyth created their best chance of the second half, substitute Rio Joisce fired a shot towards goal which was excellently stopped by Christy before Kuba Zmich headed towards goal on the rebound but was denied by the post.

Full Time: Pontefract Collieries 2-1 Blyth Spartans.

It wasn’t to be for Marc Nash’s side under the lights in West Yorkshire but different to other defeats on the road this season they were brave and courageous in their performance but it will be a game looked back on for the opportunities they didn’t take.

Spartans next fixture is this Saturday, 19 September as they face North Ferriby at Croft Park, 3pm Kick Off.

Pontefract Collieries:

Goals - 44’ Jack Greenhough, 52’ Connor O’Grady.

Yellow Cards - 25’ Elliot Walker, 72’ Harry Spratt, 74’ Jack Greenhough.

Substitutions - 72’ On: Jack Wilson, Off: Alex Pavan, 76’ On: Jack Steers, Off: Jack Greenhough, 83’ On: Nathan Modest, Off: Alfie Perry, 90’ On: Marcel Stepniewski, Off: James Morris.

Blyth Spartans:

Goal - 43’ Ewan McGowan.

Yellow Cards - 43’ Zach Simpson

Substitutions - 68’ On: Paul Dudgeon and Dan Lanning, Off: Zach Simpson and Lucas Taylor, 78’ On: Rio Joisce and Kuba Zmich, Off: Nathan Kidd and Ewan McGowan.