Luke Cox netted the only goal of the first with a thunderous header on the half hour mark.

Callum Minkley then doubled the Blues’ lead mid-way through the second half, before Cox netted his second, albeit in the wrong net, to narrowly secure Long Eaton all three points.

Ian Deakin opted to make just three changes from the side that fell to a 1-0 defeat on Easter Monday – Brad Wilson made his first league start since November 2022 in place of Larell King, whereas Keiran Walker came into the centre of defence and Danny Gordon slotted into midfield.

Pontefract began the more lively of the two sides, and that was evident with a number of chances through Michael Dunn in the opening five minutes. The best of the bunch was a pressurised curling shot that crept just around Ross Durrant’s far post.

In the 13th minute, the ball was dangerously up the other end of the pitch, as Jamie Walker was gifted a rebound effort from Tom Marshall’s corner, although the wingers close range strike was cleared off the line.

Just over 10 minutes later Jamie Walker had an opportunity to provide an assist of his own – the winger curled an inch perfect pass onto the run of Ashaiah Fearon, however Lloyd Allinson was quick off his line to deny the forward a chance.

With 30 minutes on the clock, Cox broke the deadlock – Jamie Walker’s curling corner met the unmarked Cox’s head for a thumping header into the ground and subsequently the back of the net.

Instantly after the restart, Fearon had another opportunity almost identical to his first, although this time the turf got the better of the winger and Fearon scuffed his shot wide of the target.

The Colls has a big opportunity on the stroke of half time as Dunn charged towards goal from the left and aimed to pick out the bottom right, although once again the turf got the better of the forward and the ball bobbled just wide of the far post.

Deakin’s side came out in the second half with a spring in their step. Jamie Walker and Fearon almost combined once again, as the latter connected with Walker’s cross, although he could not trouble Allinson.

Keiran Walker’s missile throw was causing chaos throughout the match, however it almost eventually came to fruition mid-way through the second half when Fearon rose and sent a headed effort towards goal, but it was stopped by the hands of Allinson.

Two minutes later, the Blues did manage to secure their second of the match. After a positive counter attack, Micah Jebbison and Jamie Walker were both able to send strikes towards goal, although they were blocked and Minkley was able to connect with the rebound to double the Blues’ lead.

Moments after the restart, Pontefract were piling on the pressure down the other end of the pitch. Dunn’s fizzed cross bobbled over the leg of Durrant and smacked the shin of Cox before nestling in the back of the net.

The Colls were eager to grab an equaliser in the dying moments of the match – Adam Priestley once again causing danger as his deep cross found the head of Luke Hinsley, but the Ponte striker could not re-divert his headed effort.

Despite a heavy press in stoppage time from the hosts, Durrant was able to claim many chances and earn the Blues an all important three points on the road.