Friday 6th December 2025, Sandygate, 7.45pm KO

Hallam FC return to Sandygate for the first time since November 22nd as they host Pontefract Collieries in the Northern Premier League East. The two sides met earlier in the campaign, with the Colls winning 3–1, a result that brought an end to Hallam’s long 287-day unbeaten home league run. Their only other recorded competitive meeting came in the FA Vase in the 1987–88 season, when Pontefract won 2–0.

Hallam come into this fixture after their match away at Dunston UTS was abandoned at half time due to weather conditions. Prior to that, Denton’s side recorded two wins from their last four games, beating Bishop Auckland and Ossett United, while defeats to Bridlington and Heaton Stannington left them with six points from November. Hallam sit 13th in the table on 22 points, with a record of five wins, seven draws and seven defeats from 19 matches.

Across the season, Hallam have averaged 1.16 goals per game while conceding 1.52. Their attacking output is below the league average, with 22 goals in 19 matches placing them behind the division’s leading sides. Their numbers closely reflect those around them, including Ossett United and Silsden. Hallam will again look to make use of their wide areas and the physical presence of captain Danny South, who has featured both in attack and defence this season and remains a key influence at either end of the pitch.

Pontefract arrive in Sheffield aiming to respond to a heavy 4–0 defeat away at Emley last weekend. Manager Jimmy Williams described that performance as “the worst we have played all year” and was particularly frustrated with his side’s defending in transition. Speaking ahead of the trip to Sandygate, Williams warned that “if we defend like that as a group in transition then we will get beat again.”

The West Yorkshire side have played 20 league games, winning eight, drawing five and losing seven. They have scored 33 goals and conceded 38, giving them a goal difference of –5. Pontefract average 1.65 goals per game, but concede 1.9 on average, suggesting their matches are typically open and high in tempo. Their defensive record indicates they give up regular chances, but their attacking numbers show they also create enough to threaten consistently.

The main danger for Hallam will be forward Jack Boyle, Pontefract’s standout attacking presence. Boyle is strong in tight spaces, moves intelligently and can finish from both close range and distance. Hallam’s defence will need to be alert to limit his influence. With Christmas approaching, Hallam will hope to mark their return to Sandygate with a positive result and give the home supporters an early festive lift. Pontefract, meanwhile, will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat at Emley and complete a league double over the Countrymen.