Match Report - Pontefract Collieries vs Sheffield FC - Saturday 23rd April 2022 (1-2)

  • 23/04/2022
Josh Burns

The final day of the season loomed for the oldest football club in the world, as Sheffield FC travelled to Pontefract Collieries today, with one eye on the results around the league, as they could determine the clubs status next year! 


Club went into the game relying on other teams results, namely Lincoln United and Bridlington Town. However, a win would massively help the sides chances of retaining its league status. 


Pontefract didn’t sit back early on, even though their season was over, as Mikey Dunn broke through to put him one-on-one with Musselwhite, but he dragged his shot wide and Sheffield kept hold of their nerves. 


However, It was Sheffield who drew first blood as Josh Burns climbed highest from a corner and wheeled off in celebration as the goal at that point would see Sheffield stay up.


Just 10 minutes after, Pontefract found themselves on the break again, and Luke Hinsley was unmarked in the box, but took his time and smashed the ball off the post after trying to place his shot. 


Approaching half time, with Club still in the lead, Pontefract danger man Rob Guilfoyle blazed over the bar with a volley, but he really could have troubled Musselwhite in the visiting goal. 


At half time, it looked as though Sheffield FC could stay up comfortably, given they maintained the lead. 

The home side however gave their best effort to send down the oldest club in the world, and Musselwhite had to make a series of good saves to keep Pontefract out. 


It wasn’t too long until the home side found their equaliser however, as Guilfoyle found himself on the end of a clearance carried by the wind over the back-pedalling defence, and lobbed over the rushing Musselwhite. 


Within five minutes, it looked like Sheffield FC would be back in the lead, when Nathan Modest made light work of the midfield and had one final man to beat but Scott Brown slid in and made a perfect challenge to stop the attack. 


On the 70 minute mark, Manny Kianga found himself on space on the right wing, and drove forward, cutting inside and trying to find a shot, but he was brought down around 5 yards from the edge of the box. 


Up steps Rory Coleman, and he curled his shot straight into the top corner, truly living up to his name as the Sheffield Roberto Carlos, and what a time to score the best goal the Sheffield faithful have seen all season. 


We were treated to a robust final 20 minutes, as neither side could string 10 passes together as every time someone controlled a ball, another player was ready to snap the ball straight back off them. 


But, Sheffield FC held on to their one goal lead, and the players jumped in celebration at the final whistle, but as soon as they looked over to the bench they realised that the result meant little, as both Bridlington and Lincoln had won their games, leaving us in 17th, and a possible relegation play-off.