FA Cup
Pete Wild admitted underdogs Pontefract Collieries gave FC Halifax Town a fright in the goal-less draw FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie at Beechnut Lane.
The Halifax manager cut a frustrated figure in the technical area as Ponte defied the three leagues difference to hold out for a replay.
“100% (we could have lost), it could have gone either way,” Wild told Non League Yorkshire.
“I think they have given us a right good game today and they deserve immense credit.
“They put pressure on us from set-pieces and they have gone after us as he (Craig Rouse) said they would and they have defended resolutely.
“We are a possession based football team and at times we were looking for that opening to move in behind.
“I think we opened them up four or five times but we haven’t been able to get over the line.
“Fair play to them they have stuck in the contest and I have nothing but praise for them.”
The cup tie was the biggest day in Ponte’s history and over 1400 people attended the cup tie – their record gate – and Wild paid tribute to the Colls’ efforts on-and-off-the-pitch.
“It was a fantastic occasion for the (Pontefract Collieries) football club and we were pleased to be part of it,” he said.
“I think the club has put on a fantastic day, a fantastic occasion and I think the players on the pitch have done their manager proud in terms of how they performed to the occasion.
“I think everyone at the football club should be very proud and very pleased with what they have done today.
“There a really friendly atmosphere and it was a great West Yorkshire derby.”
The two sides will meet again for the replay at The Shay and Wild revealed one reason why home advantage will suit his men.
“The pitch is more suited to the way we play and that’s disrespect to the groundsman (at Ponte),” he said.
“Our pitch is a lot bigger and we’ll look to stretch them in ways that we probably couldn’t today.”