Pontefract Collieries F.C.

Infobox Football club
clubname = Pontefract Collieries

| fullname = Pontefract Collieries Football Club
nickname = "Colls"
founded = 1958
ground = Skinner Lane Stadium,
Pontefract
capacity =1200 ("300 seats")
chairman = Trevor Waddington
manager = Simon Houghton
league = Northern Counties East League Division One
season = 2008-09
position = Northern Counties East League Division One, 17th
pattern_la1=_blue_stripes|pattern_b1=_bluestripes|pattern_ra1=_blue_stripes
leftarm1=000000|body1=000000|rightarm1=000000|shorts1=000000|socks1=000000
pattern_la2=|pattern_b2=|pattern_ra2=
leftarm2=FFFF33|body2=FFFF33|rightarm2=FFFF33|shorts2=FFFF33|socks2=FFFF33

Pontefract Collieries F.C. are a football club based in Pontefract, West Yorkshire, England. They were established in 1958 and played in the West Yorkshire League before joining the Yorkshire Football League Division Three in 1979. They won the Division 3 title in 1982 before the Yorkshire League joined up with the Midland League to form the Northern Counties East League. They continued their success in the new league, finishing 2nd in Division 2 North in 1983, then winning the Division 1 North title in 1984. Pontefract stayed in the Premier Division until relegation in 1995. They finished 2nd on goal difference to champions Selby the following season but were relegated back to Division 1 in 1999. For the 2008-09 season, they are members of the Northern Counties East Football League Division One.

In cup competitions, Pontefract have reached the West Riding County Cup final in 1988 and 1991, they reached the League Cup final in 1997 and won the NCEL Floodlit Cup in 1988 and 1989. They also won the Division 1 Wilkinson Cup in 1996 and reached the final in 2000 and 2003. In the FA Cup, Pontefract have never been further than the 1st Qualifying round. In the FA Vase, they reached the 2nd Round in 2002-03.

Well known former players include David Penney who joined Derby County in 1985 and now manages Darlington, Dean Trott, who joined Northampton Town, Andy Hayward who joined Rotherham United and Rory Prendergast who went to Accrington Stanley. Other players who turned out for Pontefract include former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Phil Hughes, former Bolton midfielder Phil Wilson and former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Kevin Taylor.

Squad:Karl SlaterStarted with Pontefract in the NCE in the 1990-91 season and had three successful seasons before moving on to Glasshoughton. Returned from Brodsworth. Also played for Ossett Town, where he was a member of the side that won promotion to the Unibond League. His wealth of experience and command in the air at the centre of defence has been a steadying influence.

Andy LanesCentral - MidfielderA player who has served the club from junior sides, he is hard and determined and as a good heading ability.

Kevin DuckworthDucky was a proven goal scorer at NCE level, previously with Tadcaster Albion, joined Colls in 2005-06. A natural finisher.

Matt Herschell - SmithGoalkeeperJoined the Colls from Westella & Willerby of the Premier League. Very good all round keeper.

Mike RossitorA reliable defender never lets the side down.

Craig ElliottCentre - ForwardPowerful target man with bags of NCE experience, including neighbours Glasshoughton.A great leader and at times seemingly impossible to dispossess. Also played for Stocksbridge in the Unibond League.

Andy BirkettMid - Fielder - DefenderCame through the juniors. Andy can always be relied on both on and off the pitch.

Tom GrindelMidfield - StrikerCame through academy, played with reserves. Established himself into the first team scoring regularly. Former clubs Frickley Athletic - Askern Welfare.

Ryan OsborneCentral - MidfielderOnly 18 years of age, a squad member already good passer of the ball.

Ashley RobinsonMidfield - ForwardAnother player that came through the academy, former clubs St Josephs.

Kieron TurnerCentre ForwardA prolific scorer for the Colls under 19's, Kieron has done well in his limited opportunities at first team level. Never lets the side down.

Paul MulloolyDefender - MidfielderPlayed at the Colls before joining local side Pontefract Sports & Social before returning to the club, always gives 100%.

Steve SlaterDefenderSteve can play in defence or mid-field, and is the longest serving player at the club. Experienced NCE player can be relied upon.

Michael SeedLeft - MidfieldPlayed most of last year with reserves, always gives 110% when called on for first team duties.

External links

* [http://www.pontecolls.co.uk/ Official website]