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Pontefract Sports & Social u16's   4 v 1   Monk Bretton Juniors

This match was never going to be a classic with the sticky playing surface, however, Social still managed to play good football and inflicted Monk Bretton's first loss of the season with comparative ease. Sports started quickly and a good passing move culminated in Conor Beetham sliding a ball through to livewire striker Mikey Dunn, he slid the ball under the diving keeper to give the home side the perfect start. Ponte kept the pressure on, pinning Bretton in their own half and the away team buckled, Lewis Hill skipped down the left channel to the by-line, cut back inside and curled the ball into the top corner 2-0 Pontefract.

The away team weren't able to get any long periods of possession as Ponte closed down well and passed through them and again the impressive Beetham was the creator as he again released Hill with a terrific pass, Hill made no mistake powering the ball past the keeper. 3-0 Social. It looked as though it may be embarrassing for the visitors as Ponte kept up the pressure and were only kept out by a good diving save from a defender, however the resultant penalty was missed. James Craven then had to produce a magnificent save to keep out Bretton after a rare attack.

The game appeared over before half time as Hill returned the favour, feeding Beetham, he jinked between two defenders and struck a sweet curling shot into the top left hand corner. Half time 4-0 Social.

Pontefract should have been out of site in the second half as Hill, Rob Jones and Dunn all put opportunities millimetres past the post as Monk Bretton's team talk appeared to improve them. A long range shot pulled one back for the away team, however, Ponte continued to dominate with Hill, Littlewood, Dunn and Jammie Crosbie all hitting the woodwork.

Casey Smith, Conor Beetham and player of the match Mikey Dunn were all outstanding for Ponte, closely followed by Littlewood and Hill.

Townville Juniors 2 v 1 Pontefract Sports u16's

Sports continued their unfortunate trend of missing out by the odd goal in a game that was as even as it could have possibly been in terms of possession and chances. Social started a bit quicker than Townville, a long Jammy Crosbie shot was saved by keeper Nick Wright. Crosbie then fed Joe Wadsworth, his shot comfortably gathered by the keeper. Ponte then appeared to take the lead when Crosbie pounced on a keepers parry to slot home, however it was chalked off for offside. James Craven then made an excellent save from a freekick tipping the ball over, after which Townville took the lead against the run of play. Both teams continued to cancel each other out, Townville dominating the high stuff both defensively and in attack, while Ponte were the better on the ground attempting to pass round the home team. Townville were dangerous with the long ball over the top to their pacey strong striker, and Casey Smith had to be on his mettle racing back to clear.

The second half continued in the same manner Ponte going close with shots over the bar from Charlie Clark, Adam Blackburn and Wadsworth. The visitors continued to push and were rewarded with 5 minutes to go when from a James Littlewood throw in Rob Jones danced through the defence and slotted the ball past the keeper. The old cliché, your at your most vulnerable just after you've scored then smacked Social square in the face as Townville after being held out for over an hour went straight up the pitch and scored to win the match.

Unfortunate loss, getting first to the ball, (particularly in the air). and second ball anticipation would have made a massive difference to the game. man of the match Casey Smith.

Pontefract Sports u16's  2 v 2  North Gawber u16's

Honours ended even in this, a match played in very difficult muddy conditions. That said, both teams deserved great credit for producing the football they did in an end to end battle. In a goalless first half Pontefract came nearest to scoring when Lewis Hill struck the bar with a great strike from the left hand side of the box. Ponte didn't have it all their own way though as James Craven was forced to make a superb diving save and Casey Smith made an impressive sliding block tackle to deny the visitors. Jake Thomson was slid in by Conor Beetham prior to half time forcing a save from the keeper.

Pontefract took control of the game at the start of the second half penning Gawber in their own half. They were rewarded when Thomson picked the ball up deep and after a good run fed Hill, his shot could only be parried by the keeper and Jammy Crosbie pounced to drill the ball into the net. One nil Sports and the pressure continued for the visitors, struggling to get out from their own half a hand ball in the area resulted in a penalty, unfortunately not converted and a spur for the South Yorkshire team. They took advantage when a cross took a high bounce and went straight past the unsighted Craven in goal.

Ponte continued to press and again took the lead, a Jon Coussons free kick  in the left channel was delivered with terrific accuracy and Hill was first to react and smash the ball in. The game was then end to end both teams having half chances, Social were unfortunate not to be able to hold their lead, when from a freekick a good save by Craven hit a Ponte defender in the face and fell for North Gawber to equalise.

A solid team performance in difficult conditions MOM Casey Smith, Coussons, Thomson and Hill not far behind.

Team: Craven Littlewood, Coussons, Smith, Worrall, Beetham, Thomson, Clarke, Crosbie, Hill, Dunn. Subs Craven, Wadsworth, Hicks.

Monk Bretton u16's  4 v 3 Pontefract Sports u16's

Social were unfortunate to come away from unbeaten Bretton with nothing to show for their efforts after controlling the majority of this match. After going behind 1-0 early Ponte hit back in style, a slick move involving debutant Jake Thomson, Mikey Dunn and Lewis Hill resulted in a powerful strike from Thomson, which, the keeper could only parry to Hill who followed in to equalise, 1-1.

Sports then took a deserved lead, as they began to dominate the game. Conor Beetham was provider as he threaded a superb ball through for Thomson who drilled a powerful strike past the keeper, 1-2 Pontefract. The lead should have been extended as Hill and Crosbie both went close and it remained 1-2 till half time.

The second half was more of the same with Pontefract taking the initiative, however a lull in tempo allowed Bretton a lifeline which they took to level it up at 2-2. Ponte continued to compete and again took the lead when, from a James Littlewood freekick Thomson timed his run to perfection and then powered a shot bulging the net to make it 2-3.

In the final quarter, Social were unable to maintain the intensity allowing Bretton back into the game and 2 team mistakes saw them hit the net twice to take a 4-3 lead, which, they held despite some late pressure and at least 3 good chances to score. Best for Ponte were MOM Thomson, Hill, Smith and Littlewood.

St Josephs 3 v 4 Pontefract Sports

Pontefract earned the bragging rights in the Pontefract derby despite never hitting top form and with St Josephs usual more than massive "home advantage". Mikey Dunn was the star of the show offensively with a hat trick and the MOM award. The defence, a combination of Littlewood, Smith, Coussons, Worrall and Foy limited open play chances to virtually nil, as stand in keeper James Crosbie comfortably swept up behind them.

Sports took the lead early when Conor Beetham's astute through ball was pounced upon by Dunn, who upon seeing the keeper advancing produced the perfect lob, 0-1 Social. Crosbie made a comfortable save from a "freekick" before an excellent run down the left by Joe Wadsworth found Adam Blackburn who's scuffed shot was collected by the keeper. Ponte extended their lead when Dunn won the ball in the left channel, skipped around a defender and powered the ball under the keeper. Ponte could have extended their lead with half chances, a header from Blackburn and a Clark shot over the bar, however, Social were comfortable 0-2 leaders at half time.

The second half started again with Sports on top and they deservedly took a 0-3 lead, great work down the right channel by Tom Hicks who then produced a great cross which Dunn seized upon to skip around a defender and hit a great strike to bulge the net. Ponte did well from this point to keep their composure as St Joes were given the opportunity to score from the awarding of numerous unjustified free kicks from which they scored one with a superb drive to make it 1-3. They were then awarded a preposterous penalty which had even the home fans laughing with embarrassment. 2-3 and Pontefract could have capitulated, however, they continued to battle and extended their lead yet again, Dunn this time the provider, battled and won the ball and set up Rob Jones who struck a sweet shot into the net to make it 2-4. St Joes got an open play consolation goal with a 40 yard lob which looped up and crept under the bar prior to the final whistle, but it would not be enough as Sports deservedly took all 3 points. Lots of room for improvement, however, a battling performance in an extremely frustrating situation. MOM Mikey Dunn closely followed by James Littlewood.

Pontefract Sports & Social u16's 0 v 5 Tingley Athletic

Pontefract were not at the races against a well drilled Tingley side who were first to every loose ball and played the more intelligent and aggressive football throughout. Socials support play was non existent for the majority of the match and after falling behind 3-0 in the first 15 minutes too many of the team dropped both their heads and work rate. The positives for Ponte were the first half performance from Mikey Dunn and man of the match James Littlewood. Sports threat on goal was limited to 3 shots from Hill, Dunn and Wadsworth which the keeper dealt with comfortably, 2 shots into the side netting from Worrall and Wadsworth and a Beetham free kick which hit the cross bar. Its early in the season for a team with a number of new members so performances will improve as the squad is full of good players.

Kellingley Welfare u16's 3 v 1 Pontefract Sports & Social u16's

Ponte, still without several key players due to injury and unavailability took on Kellingley in this invitation cup tie. Matching the higher league team in every department with the exception of the creating and finishing of chances. Chances for both teams were hard to come by throughout, however the difference in the end was Kellingley edged it creatively.

Pontefract took the lead early in the match, when pressure on the defender caused him to pass the ball back to the keeper, who in turn completely missed the ball with his clearance and the ball ended up in the net. The back four of Casey Smith, Jon Coussons, James Littlewood and Rob Craven stifled the Kells front line for most of the half, so much so they resorted to shooting from long distance, a tactic unlikely to trouble Sports keeper James Craven.

Kellingley equalised when a good cross and header struck the bar, unfortunately the rebound fell to Ponte Sports product and former captain Danny Lambert for a tap in. Half time 1-1 and some frustration shown from the home team players on the way off the pitch.

The second half saw defences remain on top, chances few and far between for the first 20 minutes. Conor Beetham ,Charlie Clark, Liam Worrall, Joe Wadsworth and Tom Hicks working hard in the middle of the park. However, the initiative was lost when failing to close down the player enabled a powerful strike from 20 yards to give Kells the lead as frustrations grew. Pontefract could have restored parity when a good move down the right channel saw Tom Hicks strike the foot of the post with a good shot.

Sports fate was sealed when former player Lambert's scuffed cross span into the top corner to make it 3-1.

A good performance considering the attacking options that were unavailable, Smith, Coussons and Littlewood outstanding at the back, along with joint MOM Rob Craven and Conor Beetham

Team: Craven , Littlewood, Coussons, Smith, Craven, Clark, Beetham, Worrall, Dunn, Jones, Wadsworth. Foy, Brook, Hicks, Cox, Crosbie(inj)

South Elmsall u16's 1 v 2 Pontefract Sports & Social u16's

Ponte's first match of the season saw them travel to South Elmsall and compete on a ridiculously poor pitch, undulating with 5 inch long grass and sporadic mole hills made it a surface not conducive to good football.

However, that said, Sports started playing good passing football, penning Elmsall back in their own half for the first 10 minutes. They then fell foul of the sucker punch, having dominated both possession and territory, the home side scored with their first attack, a long ball over the top for their speedy striker to pip advancing  keeper James Craven to the ball. Undeterred Social continued knocking the ball about and created chances. Debutant Joe Wadsworth beat 2 players and worked the keeper , Jammy Crosbie was unfortunate with a good strike hitting the post and Conor Beetham had a shot over the bar. The inevitable equaliser came when Adam Blackburn's scuffed shot was pounced upon by Rob Jones who scored from close range.

Sports took the lead when captain Casey Smith's terrific curling freekick was met at the far post by Liam Worrall to score on the half volley. Half time 1-2.

The second half was an uphill struggle in both senses of the word with South Elmsall taking advantage of the big slope. However staunch defending by Littlewood, Smith, Blackburn, Coussons and Rob Craven limited South Elmsall to 2 chances which keeper craven dealt with comfortably.

Good team performance, will get better as injury situation improves, MOM Clarke edging out Smith, Beetham and Littlewood.

Team: Craven , Littlewood, Coussons, Smith, Worrall, Clark, Beetham, Crosbie, Blackburn, Jones, Wadsworth. Foy, Craven, Cox

Friendly - Fryston u16's 3 v 3 Pontefract Sports & Social u16's

Social were out of luck before this game kicked off with Lewis Hill, Jammy Crosbie and Mikey Dunn all injured in the warm up and unable to play. This was further compounded when Fryston took the lead. However, as the game progressed Ponte started to play the better football. Rob Jones took advantage of the Fryston keeper fumbling a shot to follow in and equalise at 1-1. Sports took the lead when hard working midfielder Conor Beetham won the ball in midfield, took the ball to the edge off the area, and rifled a left footed shot into the top left hand corner. The lead was extended when Beetham, again won the ball and threaded an astute pass for Adam Blackburn to finish in style with a powerful strike.

Pontefract allowed Fryston to strike back  in the second half being distracted by the introduction of half the local estate, however there was some good football played on a very small pitch and excellent determination from the team particularly joint players of the match Beetham and Charlie Clark.

Friendley - Hemsworth AFC u16's 3 v 2 Pontefract Sports & Social u16's

Sports took on top flight opponents in Hemsworth AFC in this pre-season friendly and came out with heads held high. The home side started the brighter with some good passing football, however the back 3 of Casey Smith, James Littlewood and Adam Blackburn held firm, ably assisted by central midfielders Conor Beetham, Charlie Clarke and debutant Jon Coussons.

An early chance was created when Jammy Crosbie and Mikey Dunn combined, however the shot was collected by the keeper. Hemsworth took the lead with a good move down the left, scoring at the far post. The remainder of the half saw Hemsworth getting the better in terms of territory, but unable to break a determined Pontefract down, Clark, Beetham and Smith standing out in the aggression stakes. A second before half time saw the home side 2-0 up at the break.

The second half saw Sports matching Hemsworth in all departments, all be it, outstanding Pontefract keeper James craven was perhaps the busier of the two keepers. Ponte hit back when from a Smith free kick Dunn stole in at the far post to head past the keeper and make it 2-1.

A defensive slip gifted Hemsworth a 3-1 lead, however the goal of the game pulled the score back to 3-2. An outstanding run and great threaded pass down the right channel, by debutant Crosbie, put in Blackburn, who finished in style with a terrific lob over the advancing keeper.

A great performance, against good opponents bodes well for the new season

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