Matchday took place on a Friday for the first time at Sandygate writing yet more history for the world’s oldest ground. Trialling a new Friday night kick off in hopes of further boosting attendances, Hallam took on Pontefract Collieries in an all-Yorkshire affair.
A wet and windy evening partnered with a never-ending World Cup draw led to a dampening start for supporters, but after the pitch past inspection hope was restored in west Sheffield.
Hallam had the first chance as November’s player of the month Jack Brownell crossed the ball to Alfie Smith; his volley fired over the crossbar.
Despite an even opening it was the visitors who went in front. Jack Wilson did well to retain possession and his cross was controlled by number nine Joe Lumsden who snuck the ball low into the corner past Hugo Warhurst.
Lumsden almost had a second, but his glancing header was sent narrowly wide. Neither side managed to forge any further chances as The Countrymen went in behind.
Hallam made a quick start to the second half as Brodie Litchfield was taken down on the halfway line. A yellow card was shown despite claims for harsher punishment. The home side kept pushing and made another chance from player of the match Charlie Staniland. His free kick caused a melee in the penalty area, but Hallam couldn’t scramble the ball home before the referee penalised a blue shirt.
Five minutes later and the equalizer arrived. Confusion in the Pontefract back-line meant Staniland and Litchfield were given all the time in the world. The former burst through before squaring the ball to Litchfield, whho had the envious task of tapping home into an open net, Hallam’s top scorer was never going to miss.
With less than ten minutes left a round of applause travelled round the ground as Benni Ndlovu returned to action for the first time in over two months, but the attacker couldn’t make an impact as The Countrymen had to settle for a well-deserved point, especially in the conditions.
A first draw in seven lifts Craig Denton’s side three points above the drop zone with all to play for going into the festive period, a long trip to Blyth Spartans awaits next.
Match report by: Josh Howard
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