Pontefract Sports & Social Under 17’s 1 v 0 Ossett Albion Under 17’s 0
A home win by the narrowest margin but a well deserved victory with newcomer Chad Rooker getting the only goal of the game 15minutes from the final whistle.
On a blustery Sunday afternoon, Pontefract dominated the game, due to hard working midfielders Will Wilson, Karl Bailey, Craig Duggan, and Matthew Wild. Chances were few and far between, the best falling to Elliot Fletcher who would have scored but for the bravery of the visiting keeper diving at his feet.
At the other end, a strong defensive display from Oliver Westwood, James Jenkins, Malik Thomas and Miles Chalkley meant that keeper Jon Rowlands was rarely called upon but commanded his area well, especially from corners.
Rookers goal came about due to Bailey winning the ball by the half way line, beating two player and feeding the ball out wide to Wild, who’s first time ball found Rooker in the area. He beat the defence for pace and calmly lobbed the on rushing keeper.
Pontefract Sports and Social Under 17’s 4 v 3 Barnsley International Under 17’s
Extra time was needed for this cup tie to be decided. Each team could have won the tie, there was never more than 1 goal between them, the lead changed hands several times.
Pontefract were on top from the start, playing attractive football, but the visitors were quick and physical and their goal keeper was in terrific form.
Pontefract took the lead through Danny Wells after good interactive play between Will Wilson and Elliot Fletcher. Despite almost constant pressure, the home team were unable to add to their lead before half time.
The second half was much the same as the first, but Barnsley were in the lead after less than 20 minutes with two goals grabbed on quick breaks. Will Wilson grabbed an equaliser, bundling the ball over the line after Matty Wild’s effort was saved by a defender.
Barnsley took the lead with two minutes of the 1st half of extra time, but Matthew Wild soon equalised, lobbing the advancing keeper after Wells put him through.
The second period was end to end football, Elliot Fletcher got the winner from close range after good work and a low cross from Wild.
Pontefract Sports & Social Under 17’s 6 v 3 Harrogate Town Under 18’s
Pontefract were trailing 3-1 at half time and were unfortunate to be behind but put on a brilliant 2nd half display which the visitors couldn’t cope with.
Pontefract began the game brilliantly but were one down after 5minutes. 15minutes later, Pontefract were all square when Matty Wild volleyed home after Danny Wells’ shot rebounded off a defender.
Defensive errors cost the home side dearly and 3-1 was the half time score.
The second half was totally dominated by the home side – Mike Shepard-Scott and Danny Wells bossed the central midfield, Phil Eames mesmerised the visitor’s right back with his trickery and Karl Bailey was strong in defence. Pontefract got their 2nd early in the 2nd half, Wells putting Wild clear, who raced 25yards and beat the keeper from the edge of the area.
Mike Shepard-Scott’s equaliser was the best of the game – a 30yard belter into the top corner.
Pontefract were now rampant, Elliot Fletcher put away an Oliver Westwood corner and new comer Craig Morvan opened his account, coolly rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into the empty net.
Fletcher finished the scoring 5minutes from time when Jon Rollands put him through 1 on 1 with the keeper and Fletcher made no mistake.
Pontefract Sports and Social under 17’s 3 v 3 Ackworth under 17’s
Despite putting their visitors under pressure early on, Ponte found themselves 2-0 down within 15minutes.
The home side continued to dominate but with Ackworth defending in numbers, Ponte had to be patient. Matty Wild, Mike Shepeard-Scott, Elliot Fletcher and Craig Duggan all went close before Ponte pulled one back with 5minutes of the half remaining. Matty Wild played a short through ball to Elliot Fletcher, who finished calmly.
The second half was a more even match but Ackworth scored a third with a 20yard effort which wrong footed Ponte’s keeper.
Pontefract Sports slowly took control and again dominated proceedings. Their pressure lead to a penalty for hand ball, which Oliver Westwood converted. The equaliser came a few minutes later as a throw in was flicked on in the area and stand in striker Will Wilson bravely headed home from close range.
The remaining 15minutes was a close run affair and both teams coming close to finding the winner.
Ackworth were awarded a penalty for hand ball but Ponte keeper Liam Duffy made a fine save, diving low to his left to deny Ackworth a winner.