Hallam FC are back in league action this Saturday for the first time since the 25th of August. That day brought a 3–1 win at Sandygate against Blyth Town, with goals from Brodie Litchfield, Leon Howarth and Danny South. Since then, the focus has been on cup football, which hasn’t been too kind to the Countrymen. First came defeat to Ashton United in the FA Cup replay, followed by a heavy 4–0 loss away at Consett in the FA Trophy.

Now attention returns to the league, and Hallam will be looking to keep their unbeaten run going. They currently sit 13th in the NPL East table, with one win and three draws from their opening four games, giving them six points. It’s been a steady start, not losing is a positive, but they’ll be keen to turn a couple of those draws into wins to climb further up the table. Goals so far have been spread around, with Paulo Águas, Stephen Brogan and Howarth all finding the net, while Danny South showed against Blyth that he can chip in too when pushed further forward.

Saturday’s opponents are Pontefract Collieries, who sit 9th after five games. Their record stands at two wins, two draws and one defeat. They’ve made a decent start and have shown they can score goals, with Bailey Thompson already grabbing three in the league. He’s the one Hallam’s defence will need to keep an eye on, and if South is back in his usual centre-back role then his battle with Thompson could be key to how the game plays out.

Colls boss Jimmy Williams hasn’t held back in the build-up. After their FA Trophy exit to Lower Breck, he admitted his team were second best on the day and called this weekend’s clash with Hallam “the biggest game of the season.” He also said that three points could push them back towards the play-off spots. That gives you a good idea of how Pontefract are approaching this fixture.

The game will be played at Beechnut Lane, sometimes called Skinner Lane or the Hunters Stadium. It’s a tight, traditional non-league ground with a capacity of around 1,200, including 300 seats that came from Manchester City’s old Maine Road. The ground has plenty of character and sits near the old Prince of Wales Colliery, which ties into the club’s mining heritage. Pontefract Collieries were formed in 1958, but football in the town goes back much further, with earlier clubs dating back to the 1880s.

For Hallam fans this is the shortest away trip of the season, only 25 miles up the road,so there should be a good following making the journey. Pontefract’s supporters are known for creating noise behind the goal, and with Hallam always bringing a strong vocal backing on their travels, the atmosphere should be lively.

It’s also a bit of a historic occasion. From what records show, this is the first time the two clubs have met in a league fixture. That adds a little extra spice, and with both sides looking to bounce back after cup defeats, there’s every chance it’ll be a competitive and close-fought contest.

Kick-off is 3pm on Saturday, and with Pontefract looking towards the play-offs and Hallam