Second half goals from Damian Reeves and Albert Ibrahimi secured Pontefract Collieries a 2-0 friendly victory over neighbours Nostell Miners Welfare at Beechnut Lane.
The parallels between the two sides are stark. Both adopted a model of fielding young players in their respective leagues and both have a philosophy of playing out from the back.
Despite their status as a Toolstation NCEL Division One side, Nostell gave as much as they got and certainly matched Andy Monkhouse’s Northern Premier League outfit in the first half.
Joe Wood and Amir Berchill were a constant nuisance for Ponte’s defence, exploiting areas of space at every opportunity. Perhaps the only disappointing part of Nostell’s first half performance was the lack of shots at home goalkeeper Mikey Emery.
The Colls were a threat too. Reeves had a goal disallowed and relatively new signing Jack Lazenby watched a long range rocket get tipped over by Nostell goalkeeper Lee Kelsey.
The visitors continued to be dangerous at the beginning of the second half. Only some brilliant last-ditch defending from Matty Nebard prevented Berchill from going through on goal.
But once as the inevitable multiple substitutions were made, Nostell became disjointed and tired. Pontefract took full advantage and they dominated the rest of the proceedings.
Ex-Altrincham and Farsley Celtic striker Reeves scored the easiest goal of his career with a simple tap-in from a yard out from Ibrahimi to break the deadlock.
For the second goal, Nostell were pinned right back and were unable to get the ball out of defence. Ponte won it back and academy starlet Charlie Clegg set Ibrahimi free on the left-side of the box thanks to a killer pass. The attacker beared down on Kelsey and sent a low effort into the right-hand bottom corner.
In action elsewhere, Luke Aldrich (2) and Sumaili Cissa scored as Eccleshill United defeated Brighouse Town 3-1.
Ossett United were 3-0 winners against Athersley Rec. Aaron Haswell, Reggie Waud and George Green hit the the target.
James Knowles and Jack Bennett turned a defeat into a victory for Emley who won 2-1 at Liversedge. The pair struck late for Emley who were trailing to a first half goal from Ollie Fearon.
Steeton lost 3-2 to Prestwich Heys in the first game at Marley Stadium. Kayle Price and Josh McKiernon found the net for Steeton.
Silsden were beaten 2-0 at Barnoldswick Town and Worsbrough Bridge lost 8-0 at Worksop Town.