Heaton Stannington made to rue missed chances in defeat against Pontefract Collieries

Heaton Stannington 0-2 Pontefract Collieries

Pontefract Collieries are now 14th in the Northern Premier League Division One East, with a 2-0 away win at Grounsell Park. Goals from Mikey Dunn in the third minute and Elliot Walker in the 76th were enough to take all three points.

Coming into the game, Ponte had not won back-to-back games since mid-October, when they defeated Ashington and Bridlington Town.

Elsewhere, Heaton Stannington were looking for its first win since November 12th.

Stannington started on the front foot with two promising attacks in the first couple of minutes but shortly fell behind as Dunn curled the ball into the far corner of the net on his right foot, putting the visitors ahead.

Stan nearly had a quick response. Jay Errington pushed through on goal, one-to-one with Heath Richardson, but too many touches killed the chance.

Before halftime, Stan came knocking on the Pontefract goal again. The hosts believed they had found an equaliser, but both the referee and assistant didn’t deem the ball to have fully crossed the line.

Stan made a quick start after halftime, nearly equalising. Joe Shepherd went through into the box, but Richardson reacted well, made himself big and closed off the angle.

Missed opportunities came back to hurt the Stan. Lewis Brass stopped Gavin Rothery’s shot but couldn’t keep out a close-range finish from Walker, who scored from the rebound.

The Stan had one more chance in stoppage time as Dan Groves had a go at a free kick from 25 yards out, but Richardson caught the ball into his hands, marking the end of the clash.

Heaton Stannington are back in action tonight as they host Dunston UTS who sit 5th in the table.