A BIZARRE pre-season friendly unfolded at the Skuna Stadium as the Collieries of Atherton and Pontefract faced off in the second edition of the Collieries Cup.

The result was a 6-1 victory for the Yorkshire visitors.

The Yorkshire outfit had picked up the silver trophy 12 months ago with a penalty shootout win following a 1-1 stalemate.

The tone of the game was set immediately after kick off as Pontefract put 100 per cent into every kick, tackle, pass, header and shot. Clegg’s team was constructed of a mix of trialists and regulars supplied no answers.

The deadlock was broken just six minutes in with a fine drilled effort from Joe Lumsden.

With no real challenge, Gavin Rothery doubled that advantage six minutes later.

The midfielder picked up the ball, cut through midfield and simply curled the ball into the back of the net.

John Cyrus made it three minutes later, a free header from a free-kick a gift for the tall defender.

Ponte’s relentlessness persisted as they grabbed their fourth on the 21 minute mark.

Lumsden lobbed Colls stopper Chris Cheetham from the edge of the area.

Atherton never given an opportunity to get going as Pontefract bossed the game physically.

The second half looked hopeful for the hosts as they came out with plenty more vim and pep.

Ultimately though an early dismissal hampered any against the odds fight back hopes.

This was confirmed with another easy headed goal from Vaughan Redford.

Redford was strong in attack, and with another lobbed goal the attacker got his second and Ponte’s sixth.

Despite the numerical disadvantage the black n white stripes dug in and pulled one back with seconds of the game left.

Gaz Peet masterminded a run into the area, and crossed the ball for a trialist to fire home.

A strange performance from the reigning NPL Division 1 West Champions which manager Michael Clegg will get to the bottom of.

The visitors returned to the White Rose County with the Collieries Cup deservedly still in their grip.

They put in an ultra competitive yet skilful display which will surely have them marked down as one of Bet Victor North East Division title protagonists.

On Saturday Colls wrap up their pre season preparations when ex Football League team Workington AFC visit The Skuna Stadium. Ko 3pm.

Atherton Collieries have signed midfielder Jack Egan ahead of their debut season in the BetVictor Northern Premier.

Egan, 20, turned out for the Colls in a number of pre-season games, including against Altrincham.

He came through the ranks at Carlisle United, making his debut in the EFL Trophy, as well as having spells at Workington and Clitheroe, before moving to Witton in March.

Manager Michael Clegg said: “Jack has been a big hit with all the staff and the players during pre-season. He has had a little injury and this is why we haven’t seen so much of him, but on the training ground he has been fantastic.”

Meanwhile, Colls have confirmed that Marcus Perry has returned to former club Irlam.