Emley v Doncaster Rovers    (Sheffield Cup Final - at Hillsbrough)

10th May 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Always the bridesmaid never the bride - that's how this historic season has ended up for Ronnie Glavin's gallant side.

But `The Nearly Men' tag would be a little harsh as they rocked Conference club Doncaster in the final of the Sheffield Senior Cup at Hillsborough last night with a captivating first-half performance.

Flying winger Rory Prendergast put Emley ahead on 17 minutes, but goals by Tristram Whitman and then Mike Turner six minutes from time - Whitman was dismissed in the 78th minute for deliberately kicking the ball at Prendergast in frustration when play was stopped - wrestled the Cup from Emley's grasp.

How ironic therefore, that in another crunch match, like the 3-2 home league defeat by Stalybridge Celtic, Emley have failed to beat 10-men, even if it was just for the final 10 minutes.

After a first-minute scare from former Tranmere Rovers wing-back Kevin McIntyre, Emley took the game to Rovers but never got to grips with the superb former Witton Albion and Crewe right winger Frances Tierney, who is looking for a contract at the Belle Vue club.

And his eighth-minute free kick ballooned out of goalkeeper Danny Taylor's hands before steadfast Nicky Wood cleared.

But, with top scorers Simeon Bambrook and Danny Day on the bench, Emley's best chances fell to Jamie Robshaw, who was back in the starting line-up after an injury-blighted season with back trouble.

Mark Wilson made a neat dummy to allow Robshaw in on 11 minutes and he forced a great save from keeper Andy Warrington, who blocked at his near post. Robshaw then shot inches wide with a long-range drive a minute later.

But impressive Ryan Crossley played Prendergast in on 17 minutes and his cracking drive cannoned off Colin Hawkins to fool the keeper and open the scoring.

Emley had appeals for handball in the area by Tim Ryan turned away before Tierney's tricky 25-yard effort screamed past the woodwork.

Emley carried their momentum into the second half, Wilson and Wael Nazha outjumping centrebacks Jimmy Kelly and Hawkins, but Nazha headed wide.

Wilson planted a header over the bar while Walker was booked for a late tackle on former Halifax favourite Jamie Patterson. Ryan's header from Barrick's resulting free kick crashed off the bar before Nazha ballooned a sitter over.

After the match Rovers' manager Steve Wignall admitted to giving his side a real roasting at half time.

And a mistake by Steve Nicholson allowed Whitman to produce a cracking equaliser on 68 minutes before tempers flared just after Whitman's dismissal.

Tierney crossed for substitute Turner to ram home the winner six minutes from time.

Result: Emley 1 - 2 Doncaster Rovers

Emley - Taylor, Nicholson, Crossley, Walker, Prendergast, M Wilson, Tonks, R Robinson, Robshaw (Bambrook 64 mins), Nazha (Day 74 mins), Wood.

Doncaster - Warrington, Marples, Barrick, Kelly, Hawkins, Ryan, Tierney, McIntyre, Campbell (Turner 80 mins), Whitman, Patterson (Caudwell 58 mins). Sub not used: Shaw.

Referee - A Hogg

Attendance: 1,486.

Droylsden v Emley

7th May 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley reached a century of points with a comprehensive victory - what a shame Stalybridge went one better.

The Cheshire side clinched the UniBond League title and promotion to the Nationwide Conference by winning at Droylsden on Tuesday, but were unable to celebrate with a victory in the final game on Saturday as visitors Burscough won 2-0.

That left them on 102 points, one more than Emley, whose 31st victory of an amazing season was sealed by a Mark Wilson double and a Wael Nazha strike.

Wilson slotted his first from close range on nine minutes after Droylsden goalkeeper Paul Phillips had produced an excellent block from Rob Tonks' shot which ricocheted off Danny Day. Droylsden drew level on 55 minutes with a goal borne from the apathy of Emley and the enthusiasm of Danny Warner.

In a three-man break which forced Ryan Crossley and Nicky Wood to backtrack frantically, Chris Young drove past goalkeeper Paul Cuss.

There was more excitement off the pitch than on it when Emley manager Ronnie Glavin was ordered from the dug-out in the 61st minute for alleged dissent to linesman Steve Upsall.

In effect, Glavin took the punishment on behalf of a group of Emley fans who were rightfully asking why the official had failed to see Aeon Lattie slapping Wilson in the face and Tonks receive an elbow.

Supporters also alleged that the linesman made offensive comments about Emley's failure to win promotion.

Glavin was in the drsssing room when Nazha netted from Steve Nicholson's through ball in the 75th minute to put Emley ahead.

Wilson completed the win in the 81st minute when he tucked the ball home from another Nicholson centre.

Result: Droylsden 1 - 3  Emley

Droylsden: Phillips, Prior, Lattie, Johnston, Nolan (Crowe, 51mins), Holmes, Cunningham (Gibbons, 48mins), Morley, Green, Young, Warner (Shiel, 51mins).

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Robshaw, 83mins), Tonks, M Wilson (Prendergast, 87mins), Nazha, Wood. Sub not used: Walker.

Referee: Jimmy Tattam (Liverpool).

Attendance: 238.

Emley v Stalybridge

30th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Big game, big crowd, massive disappointment.

Emley were left clutching at straws in the race for Nationwide Conference football after Stalybridge Celtic substitute Ian Cooke lobbed a heart-breaking, last-gasp clincher.

In a game Ronnie Glavin's side really had to win, it seemed Rob Tonks had at least salvaged a draw when he fired home an 88th-minute equaliser.

That came after Stalybridge, a goal and a man down at the break after Paul David headed Emley in front and Kevin Parr was sent off, had turned the game on its head through Martin Filson and Steve Jones.

But Cooke had the last word, leaving Emley players with heads in hands and sending the army of Stalybridge fans in a bumper 3,708 crowd - Emley's biggest-ever for a League match of any kind - into wild celebrations.

The race for the UniBond League title isn't over yet, but it would be a major surprise if Stalybridge don't regain the Conference place they lost in 1998.

Celtic have a one-point lead with a game in hand, at bitter derby rivals Droylsden tomorrow.

A victory would ensure promotion, otherwise the race will go to the wire, with Emley at Droylsden and Celtic hosting Burscough on Saturday.

Fireworks welcomed the sides onto the Belle Vue pitch on Saturday, when kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes because of turnstile congestion.

Big games require big hearts and no-one wears his heart on his sleeve more than centre-back David, who has provided the backbone of Glavin's side all season.

So it was fitting that David put Emley into an eighth-minute lead when he headed home Gary Hatto's free-kick.

Emley looked capable of running away with the match as they put Celtic under increasing pressure, with Rory Prendergast giving right-back Derek Ward a torrid time and supplying a string of accurate crosses from the left.

But frontline trio Wael Nazha, Danny Day and 30-goal Simeon Bambrook were unable to take advantage. Celtic's fortunes took a turn for the worse in the 41st minute when Liverpool referee Steve Coffey showed midfielder Parr a straight red card after he threw a punch at Andy Wilson.

But Emley were unable to take advantage of the extra man, and instead, faced an onslaught at the start of the second half.

Three minutes after the break, there was a heart-stopping moment when Tony Sullivan beat the offside trap.

Goalkeeper Paul Cuss produced an excellent block to deny the 19-goal striker, but two minutes later, turned from hero to villain when he fumbled Gary Bauress's cross, allowing Filson an easy tap-in.

Things went from bad to worse on 60 minutes, when Celtic went in front through Jones, who drove home when Andy Scott's free-kick was flicked on by Sullivan.

Emley worked hard to get back into the game, and at one stage forced four consecutive corners.

Day should have levelled on 73 minutes, but when Bambrook held off Bauress to cross, the 23-goal man headed over.

Emley were again denied when Miles Thorpe brought the best out of goalkeeper Gary Ingham, who made a flying save.

Sullivan poked a shot wide from a rebound off Cuss before Hatto and Bambrook linked to send substitute Rob Tonks clear to level.

The drama wasn't over, however.

Emley substitute Mark Wilson twice came close to netting a third for his side, first heading over from Tonks' through ball, then just failing to reach Bambrook's threaded pass.

Then, with the stopwatch showing six minutes over, came the final twist.

Stalybridge surged downfield on the counter-attack and as the ball broke to Cooke, the substitute kept his nerve and hoisted the ball beyond the despairing Cuss.

Result: Emley 2 - 3 Stalybridge

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Prendergast (Jones, 81mins), A Wilson (M Wilson, 71mins), Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha (Tonks, 63mins), Wood.

Stalybridge: Ingham, Ward, Sullivan (Cooke, 87mins), Crookes, Filson, Bauress, Pickford, Parr, Scott, Jones (Charles, 90mins), Locke. Sub not used: Williamson.

Referee: Steve Coffey (Liverpool).

Attendance: 3,708.

Emley's hopes of promotion to the conference were dealt a terminal blow by their rivals Stalybridge at Belle Vue.  Barring a miracle (Stalybridge only getting one more point from two games), it will be the Manchester side who will take the title.  Despite leading 1-0 at half-time with Stalybridge reduced to 10 men, Emley, as in the tie at Stalybridge earlier in the season, failed to press home their numerical advantage.  

Paul David put Emley ahead on 7 minutes and they rarely looked in danger during the first half during which Stalybridge had a man sent off.  This didn't seem to be a problem for them however as they came out all guns blazing in the second half.  They equalized, then took the lead following a rare mistake by Cuss, who up to then had been magnificent.

Substitute Tonks levelled the scores with 8 minutes remaining, but a draw was never enough for Emley and as they looked for the winner Stalybridge pinched a goal right at the death.

On a brighter note 3,700 turned out for the match and Emley can consider themselves unlucky to (possibly) amass 100+ points and not win the league.  It has to be said though that Stalybridge have won both games between the clubs and have stood up to the pace Emley have set all season.  Should they get the two points they need against Burscough and Droylsden, they will be deserved champions. 

Emley v Runcorn

24th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

BRING on Stalybridge!

Ronnie Glavin's courageous Conference contenders Emley are back on course for the biggest prize in the club's history - and looking forward to a titantic UniBond League title tussle at Wakefield on Saturday.

But they're certainly making their supporters sweat.

Held 1-1 at Runcorn on Saturday and knocked off the top of the table by Stalybridge as a result, Emley had to win last night's Belle Vue showdown.

Glavin's men suffered a 27th-minute setback when Runcorn skipper Paul McNally scored against the run of play.

But they continued to drive forward and were rewarded with goals by Danny Day and Rory Prendergast, back in the starting line-up for the first time since the Sheffield Senior Cup semi-final victory over Frickley four matches earlier.

That put Emley two points clear, although Stalybridge, who lifted the UniBond League President's Cup on penalties after a 3-3 extra-time draw at Blyth Spartans last night, have a game in hand.

Of course the value of that match - at bitter rivals Droylsden nest Tuesday - will be lessened if Emley beat Stalybridge in what promises to be a tense and dramatic head-to-head at Wakefield.

After the disappointment of the draw at Canal Street, the psychological advantage is now firmly back with Emley, who know the prize of promotion is once again in their own hands.

Last night, Emley's dominance against Runcorn, themselves in the Conference five seasons ago, was awesome and in stark contrast to the nervy contest fought out three days earlier. Midfielder Andy Wilson popped up at the far post to head home Simeon Bambrook's free- kick after just three minutes but was judged offside.

Even so, it was a clear signal of Emley's intentions.

Prendergast continually outpaced John Benson down the left wing and he wasn't put out of his misery until the 68th minute, when manager Liam Watson decided enough was enough and brought on Danny Salt.

Prendergast supplied the ammunition but 30-goal top scorer Bambrook could not find his range, squandering several chances on the greasy surface.

Then came the moment home fans in a 460 crowd were dreading.

McNally took advantage when goalkeeper Paul Cuss was unable to hold Chris Price's free-kick from the left, slotting home to put Runcorn in front.

Emley continued to press, however, and Day raced through on 44 minutes only to take a touch too many and provide an easy gather for goalkeeper Tony McMillan.

Miles Thorpe tried his luck with a couple of long-range efforts before centre-back Nicky Wood broke forward with authority on 63 minutes to feed Day, who chalked up his 23rd goal of the season with a low shot.

Runcorn were under siege, and Emley earned a deserved victory in the 72nd minute, when Bambrook set up Prendergast, who cut in from the left and unleashed a low angled drive.

Result: Emley 2 - 1 Runcorn

23rd  April 2001

Runcorn v Emley

Emley finally lost top spot in the Unibond following another dismal display at Runcorn.  The pressure seems to be telling on Emley who could barely string two passes together against limited, but hardworking opposition.  They now need to win all three remaining games to take the title which will mean a dramatic improvement in form.

The Emley goal came on 13 minutes, Bambrook tried a speculative shot from the left of the area, and the bounce totally deceived the keeper to find the corner.  However straight away Runcorn won a free-kick on the edge of the area, Cuss saved one handed but the defence were slow to react as the ball was headed home from close range.

The game then settled into a disjointed affair with no inspiration coming from midfield.  The only other event of note being a clear chance for Day, who crashed his shot against the bar with only the keeper to beat.

The second half saw Emley battling against the substantial slope.  They created few chances as Runcorn harried and closed down the space effectively.  Nazha hit a shot over the bar and Bambrook also put a clear header over as well as having a good penalty shout turned down by the uneven and inconsistent referee.  It was left to Hatto to produce the one piece of quality in the entire game when he went on a run from his own half to the edge of the area.  His shot beat the keeper but was cleared off the line.

Stalybridge won comfortably at Bishop Auckland and must now be clear favourites for the title.

Result: Runcorn 1 - 1 Emley

Emley v Frickley Athletic

17th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

This is proving to be one of the most successful yet dramatic seasons in Emley's 98-year history.

Ronnie Glavin's Conference contenders took another cautious step forward in what is turning out to be a thrilling end of season run in.

And the Belle Vue club battled valiantly after the 35th minute dismissal of midfielder Miles Thorpe for an attempted elbow after Frickley's Rob Hanby had nearly torn the shirt off his back to prevent a clear run through the centre.

But club officials viewed the goalless draw as two points lost after news filtered through that Stalybridge had lost at Runcorn 2-1.

Emley also travel to Liam Watson's Runcorn outfit on Saturday and will be hoping for a better outcome.

Kevin Parr had put Stalybridge ahead on 56 minutes before Gary Lunt did Emley a huge favour bagging a brace on 59 and 82 minutes.

But, what could yet turn out to be a title-winning point, enabled Emley to increase their lead at the top of the UniBond League Premier Division to four points, Stalybridge having just one game in hand which is at home to Blyth Spartans tomorrow night.

Frickley, who Emley beat with ease 3-0 to make it into the final of the Sheffield Cup, fielded just two changes from that semi-final at Westfield Lane.

But the visitors showed a 100% improvement in commitment and workrate epitomised by former Emley player Chris Hurst who got on the end of a long throw in from Phil Brown and his header across the face of goal was punched clear by goalkeeper Paul Cuss after only seven minutes.

For all their effort Emley didn't put Frickley keeper Mark Wilkinson under too much pressure, Andy Wilson, Danny Day and Simeon Bambrook all failing to hit the target when well placed. And after Emley regrouped following the dismissal of Thorpe - from which referee Paul Bennett awarded Emley a free kick for the initial foul by Hanby - Gary Hatto floated in a 58th minute free kick to the far post and Wael Nazha missed a glaring chance in the six yard box, getting under the ball and heading over when it seemed easier to score.

And it proved to be his final contribution of the afternoon, when he was replaced a minute later by Mark Wilson.

Nicky Wood was outstanding at the back and was supported well by Paul Robinson and Ryan Crossley in for Paul David (shoulder) while Simon Jones sat it out on the bench.

And while Frickley hurried and hustled Emley out of their stride, Day's knock down to Mark Wilson should have put Emley ahead but the striker struck it wide of the left post from 10 yards after shrugging off Steve Price and Bambrook struck one wide during the frenetic final flurry.

Result: Emley 0 - 0  Frickley Athletic

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, Robinson, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha (M Wilson 59 mins), Wood. Subs not used: Jones, Tonks.

Frickley Athletic: Wilkinson, Hilton, Stratford, Jones, Ogley, Hanby, Brown (Gregory 65 mins), Price, Chambers, Hurst, Marsh (Beckett 56 mins). Sub not used: Wilkinson.

Attendance: 482.

Referee: Paul Bennett (Bradford).

Blyth Spartans v Emley

16th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley were beaten for the first time in 20 UniBond League matches as the race for promotion to the Nationwide Conference took another twist.

Legendary former Leeds and England star Jack Charlton was looking on as his son John, the Blyth Spartans manager, masterminded a 2-1 victory over the leaders which gave new hope to second-placed Stalybridge Celtic, 4-0 home winners over Colwyn Bay.

Going into today's games, Emley, at home to Frickley, were three points clear of Stalybridge, who were visiting Runcorn.

But the Cheshire side have a game in hand and a goal difference of plus 61 as opposed to Emley's plus 43.

Spartans supremo Charlton, whose side lost at Stalybridge on Tuesday, has seen both the Conference contenders at close quarters and said: "Emley are not at the top of the League for nothing.

"They are there on merit because they are a good footballing side and very difficult to beat.

"I think Emley are the best team in the League overall and, although we have done them no favours, I really they hope they go on to win the title."

Charlton added: "Stalybridge came here and bullied us.

"The title is still in Emley's hands, despite our victory, and I hope they do it - I would hate to see Stalybridge nick it!"

Emley manager Ronnie Glavin included Simon Jones, who passed a late fitness test on a back injury, although fellow defender Paul David (shoulder) missed out, with Ryan Crossley coming in.

Glavin also welcomed back top scorer Simeon Bambrook after a two-match ban.

And the strike star opened the scoring in the 35th-minute by lashing home his 29th goal of the season with a 25-yard left-foot free-kick, awarded when Paddy Little brought down Wael Nazha. But Bamborrok's sizzling strike was the exception on an afternoon when poor finishing, not helped by a bobbly surface at Croft Park, haunted Emley.

Danny Day's eighth-minute lob, executed after he saw goalkeeper Terry Burke off his line, went wide, while a great curling pass by Miles Thorpe released Gary Hatto down the left, and he fed Nazha, whose cross was headed clear.

Just before the break, Day's neat interchange with Nazha put him clear but the former Ossett Albion striker was denied by Burke.

Blyth levelled after 50 minutes when Steve Nicholson's pass to Nicky Wood was intercepted by Craig Perry, who streaked through and produced a cracking finish from the edge of the area.

Emley were rocking and Blyth set about them with gusto.

Perry sent shock waves through the visiting fans in a 380 crowd when he drove a shot at goalkeper Paul Cuss on 62 minutes.

Glavin's men fought back, with Day's back-heel picked up by Hatto, who squared to Bambrook, only for the striker to blast wide.

And Nazha missed a great chance on 71 minutes, when he screwed his shot wide.

Emley were punished when Perry notched a 79th-minute winner with his 10th goal of the campaign.

Neil Radigan fed substitute Gareth Williams downthe right and his cross picked out Perry who lost his marker and picked his spot.

Emley nearly snatched a late equaliser when substitute Mark Wilson pounced as a corner wasn't cleared, but Burke managed to palm the ball clear.

Result: Blyth Spartans 2 - 1 Emley

Blyth Spartans: Burke, Little, Matin, Dixon, Forster, Keegan, Radigan, Pepper, Hay (Williams, 72mins), Perry, Innes. Subs not used: Dunkerley, Gilmore,

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, (M Wilson, 82mins), Hatto, Crossley (Prendergast, 88mins), Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha (Tonks, 72mins), Wood.

Referee: Stephen Drew (Wallsend).

Attendance: 380.

Frickley Athletic v Emley (Sheffield Cup Semi-final)

11th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Title-chasing Emley have two chances of silverware this season after making it to the final of the Sheffield Senior Cup.

Last night's comfortable win at Westfield Lane - clinched by first- half goals from Ryan Crossley, Wael Nazha and Mark Wilson - was testament to the work of Ray Dennis and Nicky Bramald with the Welfare Ground Reserves, who made up the bulk of the side that sealed a final berth for the fourth succesive season and clinched revenge for last year's 3-0 defeat by Frickley in the big Hillsborough showdown.

Emley could have clinched promotion to the Conference by the time the final against Doncaster or Worksop takes place.

They produced a committed, professional performance against their UniBond League rivals who were, in truth, simply awful.

Goalkeeper Danny Taylor didn't have a shot to save, and manager Ronnie Glavin will be hoping for a similar type of game when the sides clash in a UniBond match at Belle Vue on Monday. Midfielder Ryan Robinson drove over after good approach play by Wilson and captain Rob Tonks after only four minutes.

Frickley, for whom Emley old boy Chris Hurst was dominant in the air, produced a physical response.

But Emley stood their ground, with Crossley charging down a shot from Steve Price while Richard Walker halted Ian Edge's run into the box.

Ben Burton was strong in the centre of midfield while Glavin will have been pleased to see injury- plagued striker Jamie Robshaw get through 62 minutes of action.

Former Densby United man Robshaw was unable to mark his return with a goal, although he had a great chance on the hour, when he broke through but scuffed his final shot with teammates better placed.

By that stage Emley had more than stamped their authority on the contest.

Crossley opened the scoring when he rose to head home Rory Prendergast's cross through goalkeeper Mark Wilkinson's legs on 31 minutes.

Nazha directed Paul Robinson's cross into the corner of the net four minutes later.

And Wilson wrapped up the win when he notched his seventh goal since returning to Emley after 43 minutes, when he drove home a low shot from Prendergast's left-wing corner.

Result: Frickley Athletic 0 - 3 Emley

Emley: Taylor, Tonks, Crossley, Robshaw (Day, 62mins), Walker, Burton, P Robinson, R Robinson, M Wilson, Nazha (Hatto, 79mins), Prendergast. Sub not used: Prasher

Emley v Altrincham

9th April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley's in-form striker proved he was Dan the Man as the village club took another step towards the big stage and left Altrincham in a Days.

With top scorer Simeon Bambrook suspended, Danny Day led the way to the UniBond League leaders' eighth straight victory.

A first-half double took Day's season's haul to 22 and paved the way to a win sealed by substitute Mark Wilson in the 77th minute.

Altrincham's Rod Thornley, brother of Town star Ben, had notched a 61st-minute goal for the Robins, but it was Danny's day as Emley went nine points clear of title rivals Stalybridge Celtic, who have two games in hand after their home clash with Blyth Spartans on Saturday was postponed.

Ronnie Glavin's Conference chasers have now gone 19 UniBond League games unbeaten, amassing an incredible 93 points from 38 games (they have six remaining). Day silenced the vocal travelling contingent in 686 crowd (Emley's second highest League gate at Wakefield) by forcing the ball past goalkeeper Stuart Coburn from close range in only the sixth minute.

But there was a scare soon after when a mix-up between centre-backs Nicky Wood and Paul David allowed Thornley through on goal.

Goalkeeper Paul Cuss came to the rescue.

Altrincham's good approach play was cancelled out by woeful finishing, Steve Finney slicing his shot wide on 12 minutes and Gary Scott firing well off target on 20 minutes.

But Emley were on song, and Steve Nicholson's probing 31st-minute cross fell to Day, whose shot on the turn from 12 yards out squeezed inside the diving Coburn's left-hand post. Midfield general Miles Thorpe showed great control in the centre of the pitch to bring the ball down and spray a great pass out to Gary Hatto on the left wing on 34 minutes but Andy Wilson, breaking into the box, drove high and wide.

With pacy striker Mark Wilson on for Nicky Wood, who was struggling with a calf injury, Emley created an extra avenue for attack, even without Bambrook, who will complete his ban when Emley visit Frickley in the semi-finals of the Sheffield Senior Cup tomorrow.

But Emley were punished for a sluggish spell after the break when confident Thornley got behind Simon Jones and ahead of Cuss to head into the top corner.

Five minutes later, Thornley set off on a charge down the right wing, catching Jones flat-footed, but the club stalwart was not going to let him get away again and was fortunate to only be booked for a lunging tackle. Altrincham could have snatched a 69th-minute equaliser when Paul Edwards' header from Jason Gallagher's cross forced gravity-defying acrobatics from Cuss, who turned the dipping ball over.

But Emley's victory was ensured after 77 minutes, when Wael Nazha's through ball fell to just the right man.

Mark Wilson had given centre-back Terry Bowker at least two yards start, but tore past him, gathering the loose ball and burying his sixth goal since his return to the club at the start of the year.

Emley's next League game is at Blyth on Saturday.

Result: Emley 3 - 1 Altrincham

Emley : Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Tonks, Nazha, Wood (M Wilson, 45mins). Subs not used: Crossley, Prendergast.

Altrincham : Coburn, Farley (Schueber, 81), Scott, Bowker, Maddox, Haines, Gallagher, Craney, Finney (Murphy, 52), Thornley, Edwards. Sub not used: Landon.

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Preston).

Emley v Burscough

3rd April 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It wasn't pretty but it was certainly precious.

A Simeon Bambrook penalty and a Danny Day goal sealed Emley's seventh straight UniBond League win - and took them three points closer to the Conference.

Ronnie Glavin's leaders are now six points clear of Stalybridge Celtic, who have just one game in hand.

When Bruce Forsyth coined the phrase "Points win prizes", he wasn't referring to Emley's Conference charge.

But it applies perfectly to the current situation as Ronnie Glavin's heroes head into the last seven matches with the dream of promotion well within their grasp.

Last night's victory over the stubborn Lancashire outfit extended Emley's unbeaten run to 18 games (their last defeat was 4-2 at Stalybridge, who visit Belle Vue on Saturday, April 28).

Bambrook notched his 28th goal of the season in the 50th minute and Day his 20th in the 82nd, with Steve Leahy replying from the spot in the last minute.

Emley came close to a scoring start when Ryan Bowen sliced an attempted backpass.

Day raced in, but the ball was shepherded for a corner by Leahy.

Miles Thorpe's dipping shot was athletically saved by goalkeeper Matt Taylor soon after.

Then Rob Tonks threaded a ball through to Bambrook, who fed Day, surging into the area from the right.

But Day, who had only the goalkeeper to beat, drilled his shot wide of the near post.

Despite all their possession, Emley were struggling to use it effectively, and looked out of shape at times.

But the breakthrough came when Burscough youth team graduate Leahy handled on the edge of the area.

Bambrook signed off before his two-match ban with a confident finish.

Day doubled the lead from close range before Gary Hatto fouled substitute Andy Howard in the corner of the box, leaving Leahy to fire a consolation goal past Paul Cuss.

Result: Emley 2 - 1 Burscough

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson (Nazha, 84mins), Hatto, David, Day (M Wilson, 90mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, Tonks, Wood. Sub not used: Prendergast.

Burscough: Taylor, Molyneux, Bowen, Leahy, Nolan, McMullen, Molloy, Knowles, McEvilly, Wilde (Rudd, 81mins), Birch (Howard, 70mins). Sub not used: Hanson.

Referee: David Birkett (Gainsborough).

Attendance: 471.

Hyde United v Emley

31st March 2001By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley goalmaster Simeon Bambrook produced two devastating late strikes in the last five minutes to keep his side on top of the League for yet another week.

And it certainly proved a memorable late, late show.

John Grant had given Hyde a surprise lead just before the break with a shot on the turn from 10 yards which just had the legs to carry it into the corner past the outstretched dive of keeper Paul Cuss, before Emley hit back with a Bam brook brace on 85 and 90 minutes.

And the winner proved a real sickener to watching Stalybridge duo, manager Phil Wilson and his assistant Peter Ward, who buried their heads in their hands as the stoppage time strike sealed it.

It means that that whatever Stalybridge do at Spennymoor today, Emley will remain three points clear at the top - occupying the sole Conference promotion spot - with both sides having played 36 games.

Hyde's goal in front of a crowd of 623 was the jolt Emley seemed to need as they came out after the break a far more intensive unit.

Outstanding centre half, man-of-the-match Paul David, almost put his side in front on 11 minutes, powering a Gary Hatto right wing corner but his header cannoned off the cross bar and the ball just did not run true for Danny Day who continued to work tirelessly.

The Tigers of Hyde played neat, effective football but were let down in the final third of the pitch with poor deliveries and were up against the strength of the best defence in the league.

Day had the ball in the back of the net on 72 minutes but was adjudged to have fouled the keeper before Wael Nazha teed up Bambrook to level on 85 minutes, his low left foot shot finding the corner to leave Hyde rocking. And in true Bambrook style the crucial strike was venomously buried with his left foot to record Emley's 17th match undefeated.

Result: Hyde United 1 - 2  Emley

Hyde United: Bennett, Hall (Laurie 60 mins), Robertson, Beeston, Hutchinson, Band, Taylor, Hall, Yeo (Salmon 86 mins), Grant, Critchley. Sub not used: Richardson.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones (Crossley 45 mins), A Wilson (Tonks 75 mins), Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, M Wilson (Nazha 45 mins), Wood.

Referee: A Morbin (Sheffield).

Worksop Town v Emley

24th March 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Dynamite Danny Day bagged a brace to keep Emley's Conference charge intact.

But the gloss was taken off the impressive victory at Babbage Way with the 84th minute dismissal of 25-goal hitman Simeon Bambrook, back in the starting line-up after recovering from an achilles tendon injury.

Inconsistent referee Martin Short, of Grantham, awarded Worksop a free kick in the centre circle after a foul by Rob Tonks, and Bambrook received a straight red card for alleged foul and abusive language as he remonstrated with the official.

The dismissal could have repercussions on Emley's bid for promotion as the league's fifth highest top scorer will face a three-match ban, beginning in a fortnight.

And those games in the crucial end of season run-in could include: Altrincham (April 7 home), a still to be confirmed Sheffield Cup semi-final at Frickley on Tuesday April 10, and Blyth Spartans (Sat April 14 away). He would then be eligible for the last five matches of the campaign.

Title rivals Stalybridge Celtic continue to breathe down Emley's neck with a 2-0 win away at Bamber Bridge last night, due to a Tony Sullivan penalty on 54 minutes and Dominic Crookes netting on 74 minutes. They remain three points behind Emley with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

Day was gifted two cracks at his 30th minute opener when goalkeeper Jamie Holmshaw blocked the first shot and Day picked out the top corner with his second effort.

But on 60 minutes Worksop's Gavin Smith headed home an excellent corner by former England international Chris Waddle.

Minutes earlier midfielder Miles Thorpe typified the determined spirit in the Emley camp producing a tenacious sliding tackle on Steve Johnson to set up another attack.

Day grabbed his 19th of the season when impressive Simon Jones - who later got away with a late challenge on Waddle - dealt Bambrook a winning pass down the left. He controlled it and lost his marker before driving a gift of a cross to the near post for Day to spectacularly convert.

Result: Worksop Town 1- 2 Emley

Worksop Town: Holmshaw, Bettney (Hindley 75 mins), Taberner (Mason 61 mins), Davis, Brookes, Johnson, G Smith, Waddle, Whitehead, Townsend, Muller. Sub not used: C Smith.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (M Wilson 78 mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha (Tonks 55 mins), Wood. Sub not used: Prendergast.

Referee: Martin Short (Grantham).

Attendance: 763.

19th March 2001

Emley v Hyde United

By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ronnie Glavin's UniBond League leaders silenced the roar of the Tigers of Hyde United - but it took them a long time.

It needed a 76th-minute goal from half-time substitute Simeon Bambrook, making his return after an Achilles tendon injury, to swing the game Emley's way and quash the hopes of inconsistent Hyde, who had cancelled out Gary Hatto's 29th-minute penalty with an equaliser from Matty Taylor a minute before the break at Belle Vue.

Danny Day put gloss on Emley's win with a third goal in the 87th minute.

While Emley were struggling to enforce their superiority over Hyde, title rivals Stalybridge Celtic were picking up three points with a 2-1 home win over Marine.

That means Emley remain six points clear of Stalybridge, who still have two games in hand and have a goal difference of plus 48 as opposed to Emley's plus 39.

Stalybridge play one of their games in hand tomorrow, when they visit Colwyn Bay.

Emley were unusually at sixes and sevens during a first half in which they were tormented by the excellent movement of Hyde's three frontmen Simon Yeo, John Grant and Neil Critchley.

Mike McKenzie's visitors were dangerous on the break and John Grant's threaded sixth-minute through ball should have been converted by Yeo, but the 30-goal striker miscued and left Emley goalkeeper Paul Cuss with an easy gather.

Six minutes later, Paul Robertson's penalty-area pass split Emley's defence. Grant was quick to run onto it, but Cuss stood his ground and blocked.

Emley rallied, but with little drive from midfield, full-back Simon Jones was left to push forward.

His cross was dummied by Day for the incoming Wael Nazha, but he scuffed his shot into goalkeeper Graham Bennett's arms.

Cuss stopped Yeo's 20th-minute effort at full stretch before Emley were gifted a penalty.

Hyde captain Steve Rimmer was ruled to have brought down Nazha just inside the area, and then shoved him to the ground as referee Andrew Page pointed to the spot.

Hyde duo Neil Hall and Critchley were cautioned for protesting before Gary Hatto drove home the spot kick.

Ian Hutchinson joined his teammates in the book for continuing the protest.

Hyde hit back, however, when Grant picked out Taylor, who took advantage of Emley's indecision to drive home.

Emley began to find the form which has taken them to the top as the second half progressed.

Day fluffed two gifted chances by taking the ball too close to the goalkeeper, and Bambrook hit a post before putting Emley in front with his 25th goal of the campaign after good work by Nicky Wood and Miles Thorpe.

Substitute Mark Wilson fuelled Emley's midfield bursting through on 87 minutes and taking it out wide right before executing a perfect cross for Day to head home his 17th of the campaign.

Result: Emley 3 - 1 Hyde United

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Prendergast, 89mins), Thorpe, Tonks (M Wilson, 72), Nazha (Bambrook, 45), Wood.

Hyde: Bennett, Hutchinson (Laurie, 50), Robertson, Beeston, Rimmer, Band, Taylor, Hall, Yeo, Grant (Hall, 89), Critchley (Richardson, 83).

Referee: Andrew Page (Ilkeston).

Attendance: 379.

14th March 2001 Report

Burscough v Emley

Danny Day recorded his 16th goal of the season - and what an important strike it could turn out to be.

The popular Emley frontman pounced seven minutes from time to clinch victory on his club's first-ever visit to Burscough.

And with UniBond League title rivals Stalybridge Celtic held 1-1 at Worksop Town, Ronnie Glavin's side are now six points clear.

Stalybridge, whose misery was compounded by the dismissal of Tony Sullivan last night, have two games in hand and a superior goal difference.

But for the moment at least, Emley have the psychological advantage in the race for a Conference berth.

The key to their latest victory was matching the workrate of a confident home side and showing real determination.

Despite the hustle and bustle, there was little goalmouth activity, with Emley keeper Paul Cuss and counterpart Matt Taylor hardly forced to make saves of note.

As manager Glavin had predicted, Burscough used their sloping Victoria Park pitch to good effect, bombarding balls into the far corner, where the surface took another dip.

But Emley's defence held firm with another steadfast show.

The meanest foursome in the League - Simon Jones, Paul David, Nicky Wood and Steve Nicholson - chalked up their 18th clean sheet of the season.

Wood also popped up in attack, with his free header after just three minutes parried by Taylor, whose teammate Billy Knowles cleared Andy Wilson's follow-up shot.

Lee McEvilly proved a dangerous attacking option for the hosts, and Emley also had to track the free movements of playmaker John Lawless.

But Wood was alert to the danger, and in the 15th minute, strode acros the area to block Lawless's overhead kick.

On another day, Emley's Lebanese international Wael Nazha could have had a hat trick, but poor finishing proved his downfall.

The hosts relied on up-and-under balls to attack down the slope, but they had not counted on the aerial supremacy of David, who was outstanding at the back, stamping his authority on the contest, seldom missing a header, and providing accurate distribution to a midfield which was strangely sloppy and overrun at times.

Emley had an escape just before the break, when McEvilly's run across the face of goal set up Lawless, who was only denied by the quick reactions of Cuss, who tipped the snap-shot over the bar.

Gary Hatto displayed clever variations to his crosses and set pieces, and on 55 minutes, his flag kick from the left was volleyed back across the face of goal by Nazha.

Day was more accurate, however.

Rob Tonks, in for Achilles tendon injury victim Simeon Bambrook, picked out the man in form and he surged down the right, leaving home skipper Andy McMullen on his backside before lashing the winner past Taylor.

As Liverpool referee Gary Foulkes somehow found six minutes of stoppage time, there were sighs of relief from the Emley bench when Nicholson in a rare slip, gifted the ball back to Michael Clandon, only for Cuss to turn his dipping shot over the bar.

Emley meet Hyde United at Wakefield on Saturday while Stalybridge are at home to Marine.

Result: Burscough 0 - 1 Emley

Burscough: Taylor, Hannon, Clandon, Bowen, Farrell, McMullen, Lawless, Knowles, Rudd (Nolan, 89mins), McEvilly, Birch (Molyneaux, 84mins). Sub not used: Howard.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Tonks, Nazha, Wood. Subs not used: Crossley, M Wilson, Prendergast.

Referee: Gary Foulkes (Liverpool).

Attendance: 212.

12th March 2001 Report

Emley v The Wetherby  (Sheffield Cup QF)

A second string Emley side comfortably swept Sheffield pub side The Wetherby aside.  Emley were 4-0 up at half time and eased off to score another two in the second, with the Sheffield side getting a consolation goal.  Mark Wilson got a hat-trick (though one may have been an own-goal!).  Nazha, Bradshaw and Burton got the others.

Meanwhile Stalybridge lost two vital points at Emley's struggling neighbours Frickley.  This leaves Emley 4 points ahead but Stalybridge have two games in hand.

Result: Emley 6 - 1 The Wetherby

Emley v Bishop Auckland

7th March 2001 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Runaway UniBond League leaders Emley swept aside their County Durham opponents with the eagerness and appetite of a side about to embark on a new campaign - not one with 32 matches already under their belts.

Ronnie Glavin's awesome side wrapped up their victory during a superb first 45 minutes - and all this against an in-form side placed third in the Premier Division and poised to pounce on any slip-ups by Emley or title rivals Stalybridge Celtic.

The only thing to take the gloss off Emley's win was that Stalybridge themselves carved out another victory (Nigel Evans' 78th-minute goal saw off Hucknall Town in Cheshire) so Emley remain five points clear having played three games more.

Goals by Wael Nazha, Danny Day and Andy Wilson put the Belle Vue club into an unassailable lead with Steven Bell's second-half strike merely a consolation for Bishops.

Despite the goals, credit for Emley's 23rd League victory lay largely with defensive stalwart Nicky Wood, who was a colossus.

It was the former Town Reserve player's great pass to Steve Nicholson which set up Nazha to drill a low shot past goalkeeper Steven Jones for his 14th goal of the campaign after just six minutes.

Wood then produced a great tackle to deny Andrew Shaw on the edge of the area, then prevented 16-goal striker Danny Mellanby from getting in a shot in on 14 minutes.

Wood's tenacious approach inspired the whole team.

And when Lebanese star Nazha teed up Day on 32 minutes, the no-nonsense striker noticed Jones just off his line and netted his 15th goal of the season with a calculated chip which left the goalkeeper clutching thin air.

Three minutes later it was 3-0 when Gary Hatto's corner from the right was powered home with a downward header from midfielder Wilson.

From then on Emley were in charge of their own destiny, with every team member maintaining a high workrate, chasing balls down and battling for the cause.

Bishops' response finally came on 73 minutes, when Bell unleashed a cracking 25-yard drive which left goalkeeper Paul Cuss with no chance after a desperate clearance fell right to him.

But it was too little, too late to pose any threat to Emley, who return to their former Welfare Ground home for Saturday's Sheffield Senior Cup third-round showdown with The Wetherby.

Result: Emley 3 - 1 Bishop Auckland

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson (M Wilson 80 mins), Hatto, David, Day (Bambrook 63 mins), Thorpe, Tonks, Nazha, Wood. Sub not used: Crossley.

Bishop Auckland: Jones, Hutt, Lee, Gallagher (Brunskill 33 mins), Salmon, Nelson, Bell, Bayles (Downey 88 mins), Shaw (Foster 45 mins), Mellanby, Smith.

Referee: Andrew Denniff (Sheffield).

Attendance: 304.

Barrow v Emley  (Unibond Chairmans Cup)

5th March 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

With the pressure for league points set aside on Saturday Emley slumped to defeat against a keen Barrow outfit.

Kenny Lowe's inconsistent side have now played the top two teams in the UniBond League in consecutive games after drawing 0-0 with Stalybridge last week - and have faired pretty well.

The Cumbrian side will now fancy their chances of lifting some silverware in the Chairman's Cup - for sides that finished third after the UniBond League Cup group stages - with Chorley, Worksop Town, or Harrogate Town/Runcorn making their way into the semi-finals.

Mark Wilson's 13th minute opener was cancelled out by Graham Anthony in the first half before Nicky Peverell and Grant Holt bagged one each within two minutes to effectively put the tie beyond the visitors. Barrow's Dave Roberts tucked away a penalty before Danny Day reduced the deficit to 4-2.

New-look Emley, built around the majority of Reserve team players, got off to a great start at Holker Street when striker Lincoln Adams fed Rory Prendergast down the left and the pacy winger - who was later taken to hospital with damaged ankle ligaments - sent tigerish midfielder Wilson clean through and he showed a cool head to slot it low past goalkeeper Simon Bishop.

Ben Burton used his strength in midfield to feed Prendergast on 18 minutes and his through ball picked out Adams but his shot was blocked by Anthony and captain Rob Tonks screwed the rebound wide.

But, to the delight of the partisan Barrow crowd - more eager to demand the booking of Emley players then supporting their own side's efforts - they grabbed a soft equaliser on 35 minutes when Anthony got space just outside the area and his shot squirmed under keeper Danny Taylor.

Wilson was booked two minutes before the break, winning the 50-50 ball with a firm challenge and the recipient, Scott Maxfield, should have received an Oscar nomination for his theatricals.

Charlie Bradshaw went close to converting a Tonks cross, rising well above Mark Hume, but could not keep his header down.

Barrow effectively sealed their semi-final passage in two minutes when Peverell converted Wayne Bullimore's free kick at the far post, rising above right-back Richard Walker on 51 minutes.

And Halifax Town loan player Grant Holt was allowed space with his back to goal to send his overhead kick past Taylor.

On 76 minutes Emley's Ryan Robinson flicked the ball into the path of Holt whose first touch took him away from goal in the area before being upended by Taylor who was cautioned before substitute Darren Roberts converted the spot kick.

With first team strike duo Danny Day and Wael Nazha on for Adams and Bradshaw, the pair linked well on 85 minutes, Nazha flicking it on for Day to bang it into the net and reduce the deficit.

Referee Wright Shaw allowed 10 minutes of stoppage time when Prendergast had to be carried off on a stretcher after going down under the challenge of Roberts and the Pontefract-based postman was later released from hospital.

Result: Barrow 4 - 2 Emley

Barrow :- Bishop, Rogers, Maxfield, Warren, Hume, Anthony, Housham (Jones 26 mins), Holt, Peverell (Roberts 58 mins), Bullimore, Doherty. Sub not used: Hill.

Emley: - Taylor, Burton (Smith 50 mns), Crossley, Robinson (R), Bradshaw (Day 72 mins), Walker, Tonks, Adams (Nazha 72 mins), Robinson, Wilson, Prendergast.

Referee - Wright Shaw (Blackburn).

Attendance - 752.

Emley v Colwyn Bay

26th February 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

That's more like it!

UniBond League leaders Emley returned to winning ways with a solid show against struggling Colwyn Bay - and seemed to play well within their limits.

A considered home display brought an emphatic double over the Welsh side, beaten 4-0 a month earlier, and also a hat trick for Lebanese international Wael Nazha, with Rob Tonks netting the other Emley goal.

Colwyn Bay included former Emley favourite Deiniol Graham, and although he was their best player, the one-time Manchester United man was stifled by defenders Simon Jones, Paul David and Nicky Wood.

Grafter Danny Day nearly fired Emley in front after three minutes when he latched on to Steve Nicholson's through ball, only for his final effort to lack power.

Five minutes later Andy Wilson's pass was worked through to Gary Hatto, whose cross was turned away for a corner.

Hatto also delivered the flag kick, which was neatly brought down on the edge of the area by Paul David, who brought a good save from Richie Roberts with a strong drive.

Nazha finally broke the deadlock on 21 minutes.

Hatto's throw-in fell to Miles Thorpe, and his pull-back found Nazha, who fired home sweetly.

While Emley were missing 24-goal top scorer Simeon Bambrook with an Achilles tendon problem, his replacement Tonks provided and outlet from midfield.

He also got on the scoresheet after 43 minutes, netting with an accurate shot after Nazha flicked on Nicholson's throw.

Colwyn Bay reduced the deficit on 54 minutes, when Micky Lennon took advantage of a David slip to steer his shot past Paul Cuss.

But on 68 minutes, Nazha restored the two-goal cushion, when he beat the offside trap and drilled in an angled drive.

Nazha wrapped up the win, and chalked up his first hat trick in English football, in the final minute.

David, making his way back after pushing forward for a corner, picked up the ball in midfield and his short pass to Thorpe was threaded through to Nazha, whose low drive brought a 13th goal of the campaign.

Emley remain six points clear of Stalybridge, who beat Altrincham 1-0. The second-placed side have four games in hand.

Result: Emley 4 - 1 Colwyn Bay

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Prendergast 87 mins), Thorpe, Tonks, Nazha, Wood. Subs not used: Crossley, M Wilson.

Colwyn Bay: R Roberts, Gelling, Evans, O Roberts (Williams 67 mins), Jones, Price, Limbert, McIlvogue, Graham, Lennon, Lawton. Subs not used: Kendrick, G Roberts

Referee: Richard Hewitt (Scarborough).

Attendance: 416.

Bamber Bridge v Emley

19th February 2001 Report

Oh dear! Just when Emley needed to reassert their authority at the top of the UniBond League, they had to settle for a second successive draw.

Two points from six mean leaders Emley are seven clear of Stalybridge Celtic, who did not play on Saturday and now have five games in hand.

Even so, Emley still extended their unbeaten Premier Division run to 11 games and have not been defeated since losing at Stalybridge on November 25.

But at this stage, with games in hand mounting up for the Cheshire club, it is crucial Emley get back to maximum-point hauls as soon as possible.

It would have been a blank return on Saturday had it not been for a cracking Danny Day strike on 86 minutes which cancelled out the 63rd-minute Paul Crompton goal which had made it look as if the Lancashire club, now 16th in the table, were going to deal Emley's Conference ambitions a cruel blow.

Tony Greenwood's team made their intentions clear from the start when Crompton's third-minute cross from the goalline was received by Steve Aspinall, who dictated play through the centre.

His shot, however, was deflected over the bar.

The Irongate side swept forward soon after when Nigel Greenwood picked out Crompton, who was causing all sorts of problems down the left, but his pull back, aimed for top scorer Andy Whittaker, was neatly dealt with by Ryan Crossley, who was deputising for the suspended Paul David.

In fact Emley were fortunate Crompton's final deliveries were not more accurate as he made continued progress down the left channel.

Town old boy Crossley then released Day down the left and the striker watched in despair as his angled 25-yard strike was fingertipped onto the bar by goalkeeper Billy Stewart, who was in inspirational form and rightly received the man-of-the-match award.

Emley midfield general Miles Thorpe was booked on 13 minutes for a foul on former Southport player Andy Farley, and from then on he was under the close attentions of referee John Hay, which stifled his, and Emley's game.

Day drove the ball into the back of the net on 20 minutes only for the effort to be disallowed for offside, then Andy Wilson latched on to a Wael Nazha pass but was denied as Stewart got a hand to a low strike which was heading inside the left-hand post.

Emley's 24-goal leading scorer Simeon Bambrook let rip with a fierce drive on 29 minutes but Stewart proved, yet again, more than a match for the shot.

And just before the break Whittaker's close range snap-shot was superbly turned away by Stewart's opposite number Paul Cuss, who saw it late because of the troublesome low sun.

Bamber Bridge finally broke the deadlock when a mix-up between Steve Nicholson and Wilson allowed Lee Pryers to surge down the left untracked.

His cross was flicked on by Greenwood for Crompton to slot home.

As Emley stuttered, Paul Ryan's long-range dipper was carefully watched over the bar by Cuss.

Wilson went close on 70 minutes, surging into the area, but his shot was blocked, while Bambrook's strike four minutes later was spectacularly turned away by Stewart.

Day's equaliser, however, was a cracker.

In typical no-nonsense-style, the striker found room on the left side of area and drove the ball sweetly into the top right-hand corner, for once leaving Stewart in no-man's land.

It was his 13th goal of the campaign.

Emley could easily have lost this contest when possession was gifted back to Bamber Bridge in the dying seconds, but substitute Simon Carey was denied by Cuss.

Emley aim to return to winning ways against against Colwyn Bay at Belle Vue on Saturday.

Result: Bamber Bridge 1 - 1 Emley

Bamber Bridge: Stewart, Farley (McCann, 45mins), Pryers, Robinson, Woodward, Aspinall, Ryan, Cooper, Greenwood (Carey, 77mins), Whittaker (Tasdemir, 89mins), Crompton.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones, A Wilson, Hatto, Crossley (Prendergast, 80mins), Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha, Wood. Subs not used: Robinson, Tonks.

Referee: John Hay (Blackpool).

Attendance: 428.

Emley v Leek Town

Feb12th 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ronnie Glavin's UniBond League leaders came up against a stubborn Leek outfit fighting for Premier Division survival and they proved tough to break down.

No fewer than 46 points separated the two sides going into the contest but Emley could not make the numerical advantage count.

In the pre-match build-up Glavin anticipated a tough encounter against the third-from-bottom placed side - and he was not wrong.

A win would have maintained the pressure on title rivals Stalybridge Celtic, whose match at Blyth Spartans was postponed because of a frozen pitch.

But despite opening up a nine-point lead at the top - Stalybridge now have five games in hand and if they win up then they will surely be deserved champions.

A second minute strike by Leek Town's Scott Williams rattled Emley.

Bradley Sandeman's free kick from the left was floated into the area, headed down at the far post and Williams drove in the knock-down and his first goal for The Blues as the Emley defence were found seriously wanting.

But despite dominating the match, creating up to 20 goal attempts, Emley had to wait until the 60th minute when Lebanese international Wael Nazha produced an excellent finish past in-form goalkeeper Scott Bentley.

The rapidly deteriorating pitch proved a great leveller and stifled Emley's fluid passing game.

Miles Thorpe saw his fourth minute chance deflected wide of Sandeman before top scorer Simeon Bambrook let rip from outside the area to produce a fine block by Bentley.

Danny Day - who yet again never gave up the cause - was denied by Bentley when his high ball was dropping under the bar but the keeper clawed it over.

On 16 minutes a tremendous ball by Simon Jones down the left picked out Day, but as the former Ossett Albion striker took an extra touch to control the ball his final strike came off Bentley for a corner.

Gary Hatto whipped in the cross which was met cleanly by Andy Wilson but he headed over.

On 20 minutes Hatto's danger was realised by former Crewe, Macclesfield, Runcorn and Northwich midfielder Colin Rose who scythed through the former Frickley stalwart on the left touchline but referee Wayne McIntosh did nothing.

Aidan Callan fluffed Leek's best chances to extend their lead, dragging two shots wide of the target before Nicky Wood came across on 36 minutes producing a great sliding tackle to deny the former Stoke City player.

It was all hands to the pumps as Emley fought to keep possession on the sticky surface which resembled a mud bath through the centre.

Day and Bambrook dropped deeper to help the cause which left Nazha alone up front but he proved an ineffective outlet frequently losing possession.

Emley continued to roll up their sleeves during the second period Bambrook hitting the crossbar and Paul David went agonisingly close on 53 minutes but headed over Hatto's corner.

Bambrook found a patch of grass on the left to tee up a strike on 58 minutes but his angled drive went just wide before Nazha cracked the equaliser from Day's through ball on 60 minutes.

Emley never gave up but were left frustrated as they could not force the ball home for a deserved winner.

Result: Emley 1 Leek Town 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones (Prendergast 74 mins), A Wilson (M Wilson 79 mins), Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha, Wood. Sub not used: Tonks.

Leek Town: Bentley, Sandeman, McDermott, Beeby, Hawtin, Rose, Williams, Doherty, Polland (Whittaker 74 mins), MacPherson, Callan. Subs not used: Wyatt, Beech.

Referee: Wayne McIntosh (Lincoln).

Attendance: 378.

Emley v  Leek Town

Emley failed to take the opportunity to move 11 points clear of Stalybridge as lowly Leek battled out a draw at Belle Vue.  The heavy recent rain which postponed Stalybridge's game at Blyth also soaked Belle Vue, and the pitch was only just playable at best.  This levelled the sides and by the end the pitch was a glue-pot.

Leek caught Emley cold straight from the kick-off, Williams scoring in the first minute after Emley failed to clear a free-kick.  Emley came back and an equaliser looked inevitable, but Bambrook, Nazha and Day were unable to convert clear chances.  Leek eventually got a grip of the game and Emley ran out of ideas as their passing game was frustrated by the conditions.

The second half was pretty much the same, Emley pushing hard, but failing to create many chances.  Bentley in the Leek goal pulled of some fine saves from Nazha in particular.

In the 65th minute Emley finally broke through.  Leek looked in vain for a linesman's flag as Nazha was put through to finish clinically at the near post.  Soon after as Emley pushed for the winner, Leek got some consolation when the referee turned down a very obvious penalty after a foul on Prendergast.  

Result: Emley 1 - 1 Leek Town

Emley:   Cuss, Nicholson, Jones(Prendergast), Wood, David, Thorpe, A. Wilson (M.Wilson), Day, Bambrook, Nazha, Hatto.

6th February 2001

Result: Hucknall Town 0 - 2 Emley

Report to follow

Emley v Yeovil Town  (FA Trophy 4th Rd)

5th February 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Magnificent Emley's FA Trophy run may be over but it will be a long time before Nationwide Conference leaders Yeovil forget about their brush with the determined UniBond League team.

Emley have Conference ambitions of their own - and on this showing they certainly have nothing to fear if they win promotion.

While goals by Danny Day and Simeon Bambrook, from the penalty spot, weren't enough to see off a Yeovil side reduced to 10 men by the 61st-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Tony Pennock, there was consolation for Emley in a 1,754 attendance - the club's highest for a competitive game at Belle Vue and the biggest of the round.

Ronnie Glavin's side suffered the worst possible start when Steve Nicholson conceded a third-minute own goal, Nick Crittenden's right-wing cross looping off the defender's head and over former Town goalkeeper Paul Cuss.

And there was a further scare in the 11th minute when Simon Betts teed up top scorer Warren Patmore, whose shot struck the underside of the bar.

Emley soon roared into life however.

Gary Hatto supplied ammunition down the left while Bambrook and Day got among the visiting defenders and clearly rattled them.

After 18 minutes, Andy Wilson supplied Bambrook, who surged past Yeovil captain Terry Skiverton but shot over.

But for all their possession, Emley failed to take their chances, and were handed a lesson in finishing after 23 minutes when Barrington Belgrave played the ball back to Glen Poole, who netted with a spectacular 25-yard blast.

But Emley responded within a minute.

Once again Hatto linked with Bambrook, and the striker found the resilient Day, who left Pennock grasping at thin air.

Soon after a poor clearance by Pennock fell at the feet of Bambrook, only for the striker to shoot wide.

Then Nicholson's free-kick was met by Day in the packed area, but he could not get enough power on his header.

Yeovil restored the two-goal advantage after 36 minutes, when Hatto scrambled a clearance, but only as far as Betts, who fired it back with interest from 30 yards out.

But determined Emley refused to throw in the towel, and in the second half, quite simply dominated the tie.

Wael Nazha missed a golden chance after 49 minutes, blazing over from just six yards, while Day's turn and shot on 53 minutes beat Pennock but was remarkably turned away by Skiverton.

Emley finally made the breakthrough after 61 minutes.

Andy Wilson sent the spirited Day surging into the area, and was promptly upended by Pennock, who was sent off.

Substitute goalkeeper Chris Weale's first task was to pick the ball from the back of the net as Bambrook held his nerve to register his 23rd goal of the season.

Having been reduced to 10 men, the West Country team had their backs to the wall as Emley ploughed forward.

But they were unable to find a way through and Yeovil, having been denied after 73 minutes when the excellent Paul David stood his ground against Chelsea old boy Crittenden, finally sealed victory in the 88th minute.

Possession was carelessly given away from a throw-in and Crittenden broke down the right, squaring the ball for Ben Smith, who netted from close range.

Second-placed Stalybridge are five points behind Emley with three games in hand after beating Accrington 4-0 in the UniBond League on Saturday.

Emley are in Premier Division action at Hucknall tomorrow.

Result: Emley 2 - 4 Yeovil Town

Emley v Yeovil Town FA Trophy 4th Round

From the Yorkshire Post

Emley miss their chance to punish Conference favourites

David Stratford

Emley went out of the FA Umbro Trophy, but the UniBond Premier League
leaders could have at least earned themselves a replay had they only taken
their chances against Conference pacesetters Yeovil.
Yeovil took a third-minute lead when David Piper's cross was headed into his
own net by Emley captain Steve Nicholson, with Paul Cuss left helpless.
Barrington Belgrave nearly doubled Yeovil's advantage when his header from
Simon Betts's free-kick struck the bar and appeared to bounce over the line,
but referee Graham Salisbury waved play on.
However, Emley's reprieve was shortlived as winger Glen Poole struck a
sweet, left-footed shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner on 28 minutes.

Rather than deflate Emley, they immediately pulled a goal back with Garry
Hatto's cross being headed in by Darren Day.

Leading scorer Simeon Bambrook could have equalised after Yeovil goalkeeper
Tony Pennock presented the ball to him, but Bambrook screwed his 25-yard
shot wide.
Ten minutes from half-time, Betts emphasised the importance of the miss when
his strike squeezed inside Cuss's right-hand post from 20 yards out.
Wael Nazha should have scored after great play from Nicholson down Emley's
right found the forward in space, but he blasted his shot from 10 yards well
over.

Emley did reduce the deficit again, in the 64th minute, when Day rounded
Pennock and was brought down. The referee showed a red card to Pennock and
Bambrook converted the penalty past substitute goalkeeper Chris Weale.
Against ten men, Emley had hopes of a replay, but Ben Smith put the game
beyond doubt when he tapped in from five yards after fine approach work by
Nick Crittenden.

Result: Emley 2 - 4 Yeovil Town

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Jones (Prendergast), A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day,
Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha (M Wilson), Wood.

Yeovil Town: Pennock, Piper, Betts, Skiverton, White, Way, Belgrave
(O'Brien), Smith, Patmore, Crittenden, Poole (Weale).

THE crowd of 1,754 was a new ground record for Emley at Belle Vue and was
the biggest of the day in the Trophy.

Colwyn Bay v Emley

29th January 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Cool, calm and clinical.

Emley's display against lowly Colwyn Bay ran true to form as they produced another confident display to devastate the north Wales outfit.

Goals by Rory Prendergast, Wael Nazha, a Paul Jones own goal and Mark Wilson, created the four-nil scoreline for the second successive week.

And it could have been more emphatic.

Emley's prolific scoring rate is equally matched by the efforts of the defence who have now chalked up 16 clean sheets from 27 league outings.

Former Emley striker Deiniol Graham made a surprise return to Bay after his loan spell with League of Wales side Bangor City came to an end in time for him to take his place in the starting line-up.

And the former Manchester United and Welsh Under 21 cap wasted no time menacing his old teammates when he displayed a neat turn and shot from 25 yards which just went past the post.

But despite the heavy pitch, which cut up very badly during the game, Emley were quick to take control of the contest.

Paul David saw his header cleared off the line by Bay's Marc Limbert on five minutes while Simeon Bambrook showed good poise and control, moving down the right while being shepherded by two defenders towards the goalline, to get in a shot which was blocked by Bay skipper Graham Roberts.

It was Roberts who handed possession back to Emley when under pressure from Nazha on 18 minutes, but the incoming Bambrook was just out of range when firing over the bar. He got closer three minutes later when he screwed a shot just wide of a post from a cutting through ball by Miles Thorpe.

But they didn't have to wait much longer for a strike.

A Gary Hatto free kick was driven in from the left and Prendergast created a couple of yards of room before unleashing a shot into the top right corner from 20 yards.

In a rare break by the Seagulls, initiated by Limbert on the half hour, Alun Evans raced clear and noticed Craig Lawton's run on the overlap, but he failed to double his goal tally for the season by screwing his shot across the face of goal.

Emley made their vast superiority count on 36 minutes when Lebanese international Wael Nazha netted the ninth of his Emley career, and it was a cracker.

Steve Nicholson took a right-wing throw in after Mark Price was hassled into putting the ball into touch, and Nazha cut inside and had all the time in the world to drill his shot into the top left corner.

If this had been a boxing contest then Bay manager Bryn Jones would have been wise to throw the towel in there and then as Emley picked up steam after the break.

There was fluid movement throughout the side, assisted by awful passing by Colwyn Bay, which was a credit to midfielders Andy Wilson and Miles Thorpe who kept turning the screw.

Graham hardly got a sniff with Nicky Wood paying him close attention.

Danny Day could have made it three straight after the break but spooned a chance over the bar on 48 minutes, and Bambrook pulled his shot wide after beating the offside but stand-in goalkeeper Danny Embleton - in for suspended Ritchie Roberts - did well to narrow the angle.

Bay didn't do themselves any favours on 60 minutes when defender Paul Jones made it three, strangely blasting the ball past his own keeper from Hatto's cross.

Emley's dominance showed by the fact that it wasn't until the 78th minute that keeper Paul Cuss had his first save to make, spectacularly turning Craig Lawton's 30-yard drive round the far post.

Substitute Mark Wilson was soon in the thick of things receiving a caution after only four minutes on the field for a late challenge on Colin Caton.

And on 88 minutes Jonathan Cross beat his teammates into the shower when he was shown red, being the last man back when he wrestled Wilson to the ground.

And who should be on hand in stoppage time to convert an Andy Wilson cross - namesake Mark Wilson, who got in front of his marker to turn it over the line.

Result: Colwyn Bay 0 - 4 Emley

Colwyn Bay: Embleton, Roberts (G), Jones (P), Roberts (D), Caton, Price (McIlvogue 61 mins), Limbert, Cross, Graham, Evans, Lawton. Subs not used: Lennon, Jones (B).

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Prendergast (Tonks 83 mins), Wilson (A), Hatto, David, Day (Wilson M 75 mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, Nazha, Wood. Sub not used: Walker.

Referee: N D Swarbrick (Preston).

Attendance: 364.

Match stewards are needed by Emley to work at Belle Vue. Anyone interested should contact secretary Richard Poulain on 0411-620726.

Hospitality Stand Under Threat

By Doug Thompson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOP Wakefield Trinity official Steve Ferres today tried to reassure worried Emley chiefs by insisting the rugby league club are confident of preserving the hospitality stand at Belle Vue.

The £1m three-tier construction, which contains facilities crucial to promotion-chasing Emley's hopes of satsifying Conference criteria, could be demolished because cash-strapped Trinity failed to meet a repayment deadline.

That would leave UniBond League leaders Emley, who moved to Wakefield at the start of this season because there was no chance their own Welfare Ground would meet Conference needs, facing a race against time to create alternative facilities by the start of April.

However Ferres, the former Huddersfield Giants rugby league coach who is now Trinity's football director, said club chairman Ted Richardson was in regular contact with SGB Rovacabin, who built the stand and should have received a £350,000 payment on January 8.

''It is the case that the repayment has not yet been made, but it isn't the case that Rovacabin are threatening to come in and pull the stand down next week,'' said Ferres, who must operate within the confines of a Creditors' Voluntary Agreement at Wakefield.

''Both parties are very keen to come to an arrangement which will enable the hospitality stand to remain in use, and while we have drawn up contingency plans, as any busines would, we are confident it won't come to that.

''We clearly want to retain our hospitality facilities, because they form an important income stream, and they are a key part of Rugby League's Framing the Future document to which all Super League clubs must adhere.''

Ferres also said Wakefield were fully behind Emley's bid to rise up the football ladder (they must win the UniBond title to be in contention for a Conference place).

''We are thrilled at the success Emley are having this season, and we fully support their ambitions.

''We want to create a sporting complex at Belle Vue which will take both Wakefield Trinity and Emley as far as they want, and are able to go.''

Emley v Whitby Town

22nd January 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley v Whitby Town 

Like a good wine maturing with age, Ronnie Glavin's Emley team seem to be getting better as the season enters its second crucial stage.

The UniBond League leaders - who have occupied the top spot for most of the season - are there to be shot at.

But at Belle Vue on Saturday, it didn't take long for Whitby Town to run up the white flag.

Goals by Danny Day, Miles Thorpe (2) and Steve Nicholson produced the win for the confident Conference-chasers.

And, in truth, Whitby were never really in it.

It was a surprisingly poor display from the visitors as manager Harry Dunn usually produces strong and physically competitive sides.

But the result was emphatic and with second-placed Stalybridge's game at Worksop hit by the big freeze, Emley went eight points clear.

Stalybridge do have four games in hand on Emley - but they also have a growing backlog of fixtures.

With Simon Jones and Ryan Crossley both suspended on Saturday, Gary Hatto slotted into the left-back role and started the move which led to Day's 11th-minute opener.

The experienced former Frickley man picked out Simeon Bambrook and his cross was confidently converted as Day recorded his 10th goal of the season.

David Logan, Whitby's assistant manager and captain, struck a free-kick just over the bar before centre-back Ben Dixon was carried off on a stretcher with a foot injury in the 20th minute.

Rory Prendergast, who had shone in Emley's midweek UniBond League Cup win at Farsley Celtic, had the beating of defender Matthew Pitts down the left flank every time, although his crossing sometimes let him down (he was also booked after 37 minutes for a retaliatory late challenge on Pitts).

On 26 minutes Bambrook, playing in his orthodox role just behind the front two, rode the challenge of substitute Kevin Graham and laid the ball off for Andy Wilson, who struck his first-time shot at goalkeeper David Campbell.

And when Whitby produced one of their rare attacks, Anthony Marsh breaking through the centre to provide Mark Eccles with a sight of goal, impressive Nicky Wood was cool under pressure and produced a timely interception.

Just before the break, Whitby were denied any chance of a comeback when keeper Paul Cuss produced a top-class reaction save to tip over a strike from leading scorer Lee Ludlow.

Whitby's attempts to rally after half time but were quickly wiped out with a cracking 25-yard strike by Miles Thorpe in the 51st minute.

The midfield workhorse accepted the ball and, with limited options up front, he decided to go it alone, drawing his right foot back to release an accurate strike which beat keeper Campbell into his top left-hand corner.

Nine minutes later, Thorpe bagged a second when he headed in Nicholson's deep corner was headed at the far post - his fourth goal of the campaign.

Keeper Cuss produced a great block to deny Whitby's Mark Eccles who was clean through on 65 minutes while, at the other end, Wael Nazha delayed too long for a shot after popular midfielder Mark Wilson - who re-signed for Emley in the build-up to the game - and Bambrook were involved in a neat build-up.

It was Nicholson - who scored the winner at Whitby in October - who wrapped things up when he pounced on a loose ball in the 89th minute, after a series of shots were blocked.

Result: Emley 4 - 0  Whitby Town

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Prendergast, Wilson (A), Hatto, David, Day (Wilson M 62 mins), Thorpe, Bambrook (Tonks 81 mins), Nazha, Wood. Sub not used: Robinson (P).

Whitby Town: Campbell, Pitts, Logan, Rennison, Dixon (Graham 23 mins), Taylor, Marsh, McCauley (Skelton 68 mins), Robinson, Ludlow, Eccles. Sub not used: Williams.

Referee: David Margetson (Cleckheaton).

Attendance: 517.

Emley's FA Trophy fourth round opponents, Nationwide Conference leaders Yeovil Town, slumped to their third defeat of the season when they were beaten 1-0 at Huish Park by third-placed Southport. Yeovil remain four points clear at the top and have two games in hand on second-placed Rushden and Diamonds and Southport

Emley v Whitby Town

Emley moved 8 points clear in the Unibond Premier Division with a clinical display against Whitby.  Sporting their new away kit of white shirts and blue shorts Emley dominated the game from the 12th minute when Danny Day placed a header expertly over the Whitby 'keeper from a Hatto cross.  Bambrook could have extended the lead with two jinking runs before half time, but he placed his shot just wide and then straight at the 'keeper.  

Just before the break Whitby's first chance prompted a fine save from Cuss who turned the centre-forward's header over the bar.  Whitby started the second half brightly, but Cuss again was able to deal with anything they threw at him.  Around the hour mark Miles Thorpe put the game beyond Whitby.  First he fired a speculative shot from 25 yards.  The 'keeper appeared to have tipped it over, but he didn't get enough on it and it sneaked under the bar.  Then Thorpe met a far post corner from Hatto to thunder a header into the net.

Mark Wilson made a welcome return to replace the tiring Day and he added new energy to the game, combining well with Nazha, Bambrook and Prendergast to make several more chances for Emley.  However it was not until the last minute that the fourth came.  Nazha and Mark Wilson both had effort blocked before Nicholson turned the ball in at the second attempt.

Result: Emley 4 - 0 Whitby Town

Team:  Cuss, Nicholson, Hatto, Wood, David, Thorpe, A.Wilson, Day (M. Wilson), Bambrook (Tonks), Nazha, Prendergast.

Farsley Celtic v Emley  (Unibond League Cup).

17th January 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Like it or loathe it, the UniBond League Cup provides a chance for First Division teams to pit themselves against more 'illustrious' opponents while offering supporters of Premier Division sides a chance to see often 'hidden' talent outwith the regular first-team squad.

The regionalised five-team group format of the competition has been highly criticised by some managers - particularly Tony Hesketh of holders Lancaster City - because it adds even more games to an already overcrowded fixture list.

And with the problem of postponements, winners of some groups have been decided way before all the fixtures are completed, leaving a string of 'meaningless' matches to be played out.

And if you thought football was simple, try to follow this!

In this competition, eight group winners with the best records will contest the quarter-finals.

The ninth group winner plus the seven group runners-up with the best records go in the quarter-finals of the President's Cup.

And the remaining two group runners-up plus the six third-placed clubs with the best records will contest the Chairman's Cup.

All in all, it's calculators at the ready.

After last night's hard-earned victory at Throstle Nest against First Division Farsley Celtic, Emley have risen from fourth to second on six points - level with leaders Harrogate Town and one clear of Bradford Park Avenue, who have a game in hand.

But they are still not guaranteed a passage into any of the three sets of quarter-finals, since everything could end up hinging on goal difference.

Manager Ronnie Glavin fielded a mainly Reserve side, although at some stage of the season the majority have been involved with the first-team squad.

The visitors went behind after 10 minutes, when Andy Shields got the better of midfield tussle with Emley's Paul Ashwell.

He laid the ball off for Robbie Whelans to give Wesley Freeman an easy tap-in after he had rounded debutant goalkeeper Edward Taylor.

But Emley fought back, with Ryan Crossley and Rory Prendergast linking superbly down the left, for the latter to supply some tremendous ammunition for Steve Smith and Guy Sandeland.

The scores were levelled by a 31st-minute own goal, defender Damian Henderson turning the ball over the line from Smith's left-wing corner.

Then captain-for-the-night Rob Tonks notched a 67th-minute winner when he poked the ball home after a scramble.

Premier Division leaders Emley are back in League action against Whitby at Wakefield on Saturday

Result: Farsley Celtic 1 - 2