After a strong first season in the NPL East Division, the Miners have the opportunity to round off the campaign with a positive showing at the Bannister Prentice Stadium this Saturday. Although neither side are at the mercy of the play-offs or relegation, the occasion of a local derby on the final matchday of the season should bring entertainment.

Recent encounters with Pontefract have delivered plenty of goalmouth action at both ends. Goals from Jamie Barkway and Mo Fadera earned a 2-2 league draw in August, while in November finishes from Matt Antcliff and Sam Barker weren’t quite enough to overcome the then-reigning County Cup champions, as the Miners slipped to a narrow 3-2 defeat in the second round of the competition.

The Colls have since bowed out of the County Cup at the semi-final stage and have flirted with relegation at points over the course of the season. However, a vital 2-1 win against Bradford Park Avenue on Easter Monday guaranteed their NPL East status for another year, as an early double was too great for the Green Army to overcome.

Ponte manager Jimmy Williams praised the efforts of his squad post-match, stating: "The players have given me everything, especially these last few weeks. They've been outstanding. I'm proud of every one of them, and we can enjoy the last game of the season now against Garforth."

Collieries’ leading marksman Jack Boyle has certainly been deadly against Town this campaign, with the attacking midfielder bagging a brace in both previous fixtures between the teams. Hopefully, the third time will be the charm in attempt at keeping him at bay.

Bizarrely, the Colls could end the season anywhere from 12th to 18th position in the final standings, largely due to the closeness of the bottom half of the division. Despite the fact that results elsewhere will play a part, one would imagine that Pontefract will be determined to achieve all three points and conclude with a solid league position.

Focusing back on the Miners, draws against North Ferriby (1-1) and Brighouse Town (2-2) over the Easter weekend have maintained a short unbeaten run heading into the final fixture. Debatable officiating decisions somewhat prevented a deserved win against Ferriby on Good Friday, but a scrappy affair against Brighouse on Easter Monday made for another share of the spoils.

The recent run of four unbeaten games have been all the more impressive considering that the Miners have been shown a red card in each of the four fixtures. Two yellow cards to Rinor Ejupi on Friday did not come into effect on time for the Brighouse match, in which he scored a lovely brace. However, the suspension to him and Jamie Barkway (a straight red from Monday) may prevent both from featuring this weekend.

Nevertheless, Paul Marshall's side will definitely aim to reach the 60 points mark this weekend with the guarantee of finishing either 9th as Town currently are or 10th in the table. All in all, a local derby with both teams having the freedom to play well and give their all should make for a cracking closer of the season.

Kick Off is at 3pm