Pontefract Colls 1 Atherton Colls 1:

Atherton Colls played out a 1-1 draw with Evo-Stik Division 1 East side Pontefract on Saturday in the last part of their pre-season preparations. The game went to penalties, with Ponte emerging victorious and claiming the inaugural Collieries Cup. Atherton’s form in the build-up to the league kick-off has been stellar, with a 7-1 mauling of Ramsbottom United followed by a good 1-1 draw with Witton Albion.

The first half started cagily, but as it progressed the Lancastrian's started to exert pressure resulting in Tom Bentham’s header being tipped over the bar. Just after the half hour mark Gareth Peet got his name on the scoresheet with a trademark free kick, looping over the wall and out of the reach of the keeper.

Minutes before half time, Ponte were reduced to ten men following a word said out of turn to the referee, allowing Atherton to feel confident of a strong performance after the break.

Michael Clegg's lads continued to dictate the game after the interval, with Bentham again seeing his header saved, however Ponte dug deeply into their energy reserves and on 70 minutes equalised. The ball came in from the right, with striker Hey volleying a superb effort past a hapless Greg Hartley.

In a change of momentum, Hartley then had to be at his best to parry a speculative effort to stop the game really turning on its head minutes later. The visitors regrouped and had chances to win it, but James Sigsworth shot into the side netting and an off-balance Ian Rowlands headed over.

Penalties ensued to determine the winner, with both keepers taking turns to save the opening four kicks. The hosts then scored, with Bentham levelling things. Ponte bagged their fourth penalty before Gareth Peet had his attempt saved. A fine fifth home penalty secured the win, handing Pontefract the Cup.

All roads now lead to Glossop North End on Saturday and the start of the Evo-Stik Division 1 campaign.