MATCH DATE

REPORT

Emley v Frickley

26th December 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ronnie Glavin's side worked off their Christmas pud with a Boxing Day victory over neighbours Frickley.

Striker Jamie Robshaw, running the frontline with Danny Day, put his mid-table-placed side in front after just eight minutes before Michael Reynolds, notched only his second goal of the season to give Emley a two-goal lead at the break.

The game also marked the return of pacy winger Rory Prendergast who, after a brief spell at Ossett Town, has teamed up with Gary Morrow's South Elmsall outfit.

And the postman received a frosty reception from the home crowd but he did not help his cause with a host of theatrical displays which got more `impressive' as the second half wore on.

In fact groundsman Steve Dutton will not need to roll certain sections of the Belle Vue pitch which was well covered by Prendergast who rolled on the ground like a fish out of water!

Former Stalybridge striker Andy Evans had given Emley goalkeeper Leigh Walker some early handling practise with a shot from 20 yards on four minutes before Emley found their feet on the crisp surface.

Midfielder Andy Wilson picked out Robshaw and, with keeper Martin Kearney floundering to regain his feet, Robshaw coolly and precisely dinked it over the stranded player into the far corner of the net from a narrow angle.

But Frickley were not going to bow to pressure and exacted their own soon after when a flowing right wing move resulted in Prendergast heading it safely to Walker while Simon Collins was inches off connecting with Carl Fothergill's decisive cross on 21 minutes.

The match also saw the rare appearance of both Nicky Wood and Paul David, back together commanding the backline, after the partnership had been disrupted by injuries and suspensions.

But David linked with Ryan Crossley to set up an attack on the half hour with Gary Hatto and Robshaw each having a touch before Jon Wordsworth came across to block Crossley's shot.

Emley's foward line was persistently caught offside by a stubborn Frickley defence which was finally breached again when Hatto's cross was driven past the keeper by Reynolds on 44 minutes at the far post.

Then there was drama involving referee John Lawson who had to be replaced by linesman Alfred Greenwood at half time after suffering an Achilles injury, while club president Peter Maude appealed for a volunteer to run the line from which Clive Maun duly obliged.

Emley defended resolutely from Frickley's barrage of more than a dozen corners from which Simon Collins headed in a 62nd minute consolation from Prendergast's delivery.

Result Emley 2 Frickley 1

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley. A Wilosn, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe (Hutson, 55mins), Robshaw, Reynolds (Manousios, 70mins), Wood. Sub not used: M Wilson.

Frickley: Kearney, Simon Collins, Gowan (Duffty, 84mins), Hanby, Wordsworth (Wilkinson, 45mins), Jones, Myers, Ogley, Evans, Fothergill (Scott Collins, 84mins), Prendergast.

Referee: John Lawson (Pontefract) replaced at half time by Alfred Greenwood (Selby).

Attendance: 424.

* Emley host Droylsden on Saturday (3.00) at Belle Vue before travelling to Altrincham a week later on Saturday, January 5

Droylsden v Emley League Cup Group

18th December 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley surrendered their 100% UniBond League Cup record.

But despite the scoreline Emley, who had already clinched top spot in their group and fielded what was virtually a Reserve team, were far from outclassed by Droylsden who, with still one match to play, are still battling for a place in the President's or Chairman's Cup.

Aeon Lattie broke the deadlock on 13 minutes, when he latched onto Danny Warner's cross and drove his shot beyond goalkeeper Leigh Walker.

David Kerr added a second on 73 minutes before David Pace's side wrapped victory up in the last minute when bubbly Ryan Dennis, son of former Emley goalkeeper and current assistant Reserve team manager Ray, brought down Leon Hamilton.

Droyslden goalkeeper Paul Philips sprinted from the opposite end of a poor pitch to drive home the penalty.

Emley manager Ronnie Glavin said: "It was good for the younger lads to get experience and I think they have all done well in their first game at this level.

"Obviously the standard is a lot higher than the Northern Counties East League Reserve Division, but the lads gave a good account of themselves.

"A few of them were a bit naive in some situations but overall it was encouraging."

Centre-back Rudi Coleano, one of the few first teamers in action last night, is a doubt for Saturday's UniBond League trip to Lancaster after having six stitches in a head wound after a clash with Robert Pell.

Result Droylsden 3 Emley 0

Droylsden: Phillips, Trees, Bradshaw, Farley, Glendenning, Brunskill, Lattie, Kerr, Pell (Hamilton, 60mins), Wright, Warner (Richardson, 74mins). Sub not used: Hulley.

Emley: Walker, Dennis, Hardy, Adams, Coleano (Gates, 44mins), Hutson, Ryan, Robinson, Manousios, M Wilson, Smith (Prasher, 70mins). Sub not used: McLachlan.

* Emley will host Rotherham club Elmtree in the third round of the Sheffield Senior Cup. The tie will take place in March

Marine v Emley

15th December 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

As the pantomime season approaches Marine manager Roly Howard waved his magic Christmas wand over his second half substitutes who duly obliged by scoring twice to plunge Emley to their ninth UniBond League defeat of the season.

After a dour first half, when Jamie Robshaw was the only player from either ranks to force the goalkeeper Chris Clarke into a easy save, Emley supporters would have settled for a second half repeat because worse was to follow.

On 75 minutes captain Eddie Hussin's right wing corner was driven to the far post and teenager Will Dolan was allowed a yard of room to chest the ball down and power it into the back of the net.

The goal was justice for Marine who had taken the game by the scruff of the neck with a series of probing raids into Emley territory.

And 11 minutes later, the Mariners sealed it when Stuart Gelling sent Richie Townsend screaming down the right, even outpacing Ryan Crossley who is no slouch, before producing a great finish leaving keeper Leigh Walker no chance.

But the highlight of the first half was a farcical `pantomime dame-like' incident between referee Karl Evans and his assistant Colin Marshall.

Danny Day got involved in an off-the-ball tangle with Stuart Gelling and Marshall waved his flag to signal he had seen the incident.

But after consultation with the referee, Evans ironically booked Paul David in a bizarre case of mistaken identity.

All it needed was the crowd to respond with, "Oh no it isn't!"

After the first goal was conceded Ronnie Glavin's side produced their best football and five minutes from time Gary Hatto's cross just evaded Robshaw and Danny Day, while Nicky Wood was inches from connecting at the far post.

And soon after Robshaw linked with Day, but his header was steered over the bar.

This match was more important than last week's victory over League leaders Burton, with Emley slipping two places to 11th after the defeat.

Ronnie Glavin's side must start to take points off teams around them or they will be left out of the chasing pack.

Result Marine 2 Emley 0

Marine: Clarke, Gelling, Mullin, Bainbridge, Rimmer, Gautry, Morgan, Randles, Robinson (Townsend, 72mins), Hussin (Thompson, 76mins), Douglas (Dolan, 60mins).

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto (M Wilson, 87mins), David, Day, Thorpe, Tonks, Robshaw, Wood. Subs not used: Coleano, Norbury.

Referee: Karl Evans (Worsley).

Attendance: 223.

* Former Emley striker striker Glynn Hurst made his Chesterfield debut on Saturday having signed from Stockport in the deal that took Luke Beckett to Edgeley Park for £100,000.

Emley v Ashton Utd (League Cup Group)

8th December 2001

11th December 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Whether Emley's players drank their half-time tea or had it thrown at them, it certainly had the desired effect!

Ronnie Glavin's team came out after the break pumped up and eager and Ashton simply couldn't live with them.

This UniBond League Cup group stage game pitted former Emley boss Gerry Quinn against Glavin, whose side were lucky to go into the break just two goals down.

Gareth Morris and the UniBond First Division's fourth-top scorer Phil Denney, who now has 17 goals, hit the target as the Hurst Cross side carved out a two-goal first-half lead.

But second-half goals from Rudi Coleano, Micky Norbury and Andy Wilson spared their blushes and gave Emley an unassailable lead in their six-team section.

Emley complete their group games at Droylsden a week tonight (7.45) with the luxury of having already assured themselves a place in the quarter-finals.

The commitment of several key Emley players was severely suspect during the first half as Ashton, group leaders going into the game, hit form.

On 29 minutes, Denney surged down the right with Morris and Peter Carty inches from connecting with his cross.

A major defensive mix-up allowed Morris to power Ashton ahead on 35 minutes.

Paul David got the ball stuck between his feet, Ryan Crossley committed himself to the tackle but failed to connect and Morris steered home his shot inside the post.

Gary Hatto screwed a rare Emley effort over the bar from 20 yards before Ashton grabbed their second in the 35th minute when Lee Blackshaw's left-wing cross was forced over the line under goalkeeper Leigh Walker by Denney, who slid in from six yards.

Norbury, who replaced Mark Wilson at the break, had a 53rd-minute header cleared off the line by centre-back Darren Royle, son of former Manchester City boss Joe.

But Emley's improved application proved decisive and from another Hatto corner three minutes later, right-back Coleano chalked up his first goal for the club, keeping the ball down effectively to find the back of the net from 18 yards.

Robshaw forced goalkeeper David Pierce into a double-handed save on 60 minutes, before Rob Tonks carved out Norbury's goal from the right touchline, pulling the ball back for the former Hednesford man to head home his seventh of the season.

Walker was alert to save a Carty shot which took a deflection off Coleano before Wilson (A) fired home a cracking winner from 25 yards out.

Former Emley and Town man Mick Carmody played in midfield for Ashton, who had Dean Johnson, who remains signed on at West Riding County Amateur League club Marsden, in the middle of defence.

But Storthes Hall's Jamie Miller was absent as he recovers from a thigh strain.

Emley, who are ninth in the table, are in League action at Marine on Saturday.

Result Emley 3 Ashton 2

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Coleano, David, Robshaw, Thorpe (Robinson, 81mins), Tonks, M Wilson (Norbury, 45mins/Adams,88mins), Hatto.

Ashton: Pierce, Riordan, Robertshaw, Morris, Johnson, Royle, Calvert, Bennett, Carty (Hanlon, 81mins), Carmody (Guy, 81mins), Blackshaw. Sub not used: Quinn.

Referee: David Margetson.

Attendance: 174.

* Former Emley striker Wael Nazha has left UniBond Premier Division rivals Bradford Park Avenue to join First Division Ossett Town.

The Lebanese international played in Saturday's 0-0 UniBond First Division 0-0 draw with North Ferriby

Emley v Burton Albion

By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Cometh the hour, cometh the team and Ronnie Glavin's side did just that to condemn Nigel Clough's UniBond leaders to only their second League defeat of the season.

Glavin, whose team were 20 points behind Burton before the contest, had suggested that victory could be used as a springboard to climb up the Premier Division while defeat for Clough's side could cast doubts about the strength of their title challenge.

Substitute Jamie Robshaw, who had been on the field only 12 minutes, was the hero popping up to power home the winner two minutes from time and leave the Staffordshire club stunned as they made a quick departure on the team bus.

Burton had surrendered a two-goal lead during an intriguing first half with tremendous finishes from Miles Thorpe and Rob Tonks after boss Glavin has been forced to make a late team switch when Micky Reynolds broke down during the warm up with an ankle injury.

The visitors went ahead after just eight minutes when Aaron Webster coolly stroked home a penalty after the referee judged that Dale Anderson had been upended by Tonks.

Rudi Coleano forced the ball into the back of the net on 15 minutes but it was clearly handled before the former Garforth player was booked after clattering player manager Clough.

Anderson stretched Burton's lead in the 29th minute, latching on to a long punt by goakeeper Matt Duke before rounding Emley's Leigh Walker and slotting it into the empty net.

But two minutes later Ryan Crossley (sporting a new `go-faster' shaved haircut!) fired in a left wing cross which Terry Henshaw failed to deal with and Thorpe let rip with a powerful right foot strike which the keeper got a fingertip to but was beaten by the sheer power and accuracy.

Burton saw their lead disintegrate five minutes from half time when Paul David beat Anderson to the ball on the half-way line and launched a great pass for Danny Day to control and tee up Tonks for another cracking strike.

Former Dr Marten's side Burton, whose wage bill allegedly quadruples that of Emley's, could not be ruled out.

Good players don't suddenly become bad ones but Emley kept them in check with a patient, concentrated effort of determination.

Andy Wilson's shot after the restart was blocked by Wassall before the inspired Thorpe screwed it inches over from 25 yards.

Strangely, during such an enthralling match, there were no more than three saves from the keepers to admire.

But after Day was cautioned for a challenge, again on Clough, the Forest and Liverpool midfielder executed an inch-perfect training ground free kick only for Webster and Stride to get in other's way and the ball scuffed past the near post.

Result Emley 3 Burton 2

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Coleano (Wood, 52mins), David, Day (Robshaw, 76mins), Thorpe, Norbury, Tonks, Hatto. Sub not used: M Wilson.

Burton: Duke, Wall, Henshaw, Glasser, Wassall, Hoyle (Farrell, 88mins), Stride, Moore, Anderson, Clough, Webster. Sub not used: Kavanagh.

Referee: Andrew Denniff (Sheffield).

Attendance: 703.

Emley v Parramore Sports (S&HSC 2nd Rd)

4th December 2001

A Mark Wilson header six minutes from time spared Emley's blushes as they struggled to see off stubborn Parramores Sports.

The decider came as a great relief to the watching few - there were just 97 at the Welfare Ground - as Ronnie Glavin's side yet again made hard work of defeating lower-status opponents.

Steve Smith supplied the cross from which Wilson notched his fifth goal of the campaign.

Last night's tie also marked the return of striker Simeon Bambrook, who put in a solid 90 minutes as he bids to recover from a groin injury.

Last night's win was the third in succession for Emley, who take on UniBond League Premier Division leaders Burton at Wakefield on Saturday, then host Ashton in the UniBond League Cup on Monday.

Result Emley 1 Parramore Sports 0

Emley: Walker, Hardy, Coleano, Hutson, Hatto, David, Day (Manousios, 80mins), Robinson, Bambrook, M Wilson, Smith. Subs not used: Adams, A Wilson.

Parramore: Moorwood, Simpson, Cunningham (Whitehead, 45mins), Fowler, Kenyon, Hall, Plant (Draper, 80mins), Simonite, Page (Walker, 65mins), Eades, Rylett.

Referee: Steve Pickavance (Rotherham).

* Emley's unbeaten second string are top of the Northern Counties East League Reserve Division after a 2-1 home win over Liversedge on Saturday. Nick Manousios and Phil Smith, with a sizzling 40-yard strike, were the scorers.

Gretna v Emley (FA TRophy 2nd Rd)

1st December 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley stormed over the border producing their own Scottish invasion but found stubborn resistance against Gretna's plucky young warriors.

The second round Trophy tie had 0-0 written all over it until Danny Day popped in the 88th minute decider to send Emley rampaging into the third round and the chance of a money-spinning tie against a top Conference club.

It was a job well done by the UniBond League Premier Division side against the only Scottish club to play in an English league and the result delighted manager Ronnie Glavin, himself a former Scottish international.

"I thought it was a very difficult game, played in very difficult conditions," said the former Celtic and Partick player.

"There was a storm half way through which seemed to put several of our players off their stride and made the playing surface tricky.

"But pretty football was hard to create and there are just times when you've got got to roll up your sleeves and knuckle down - and we succeeded.

"Gretna's young lads worked extremely hard without creating too many chances but their work ethic was impressive and a lot of teams would have folded against that."

Emley showed no tiredness after the 150-mile trip to Jockland and Rob Tonks' neat one-two with Day after just six minutes should have opened the scoring but the fireman drilled his return ball into the side netting.

Gretna's goalkeeper, Scottish Under 21 international and former Queen of the South custodian David Mathieson, was in tremendous form denying Andy Wilson and Miles Thorpe inside the opening 15 minutes.

But Emley were dealt a cruel blow with the departure of centreback Nicky Wood who sustained a deep cut after an aerial clash of heads with Kane Young.

Both players were taken to hospital in Carlisle and Wood received 10 stiches to the gash over his eye.

And he remains doubtful for tomorrow night's Sheffield Senior Cup home clash against Parramore Sports at the Welfare Ground along with Michael Reynolds who limped off with an ankle injury just before half time.

On 41 minutes Tonks forced a great save from Mathieson who reacted well to turn the ball away with a solid two handed block and after the break keeper Leigh Walker denied Gretna's top marksman Mark Dobie diving at his feet as the striker steadied himself to shoot.

With Ryan Crossley and Rudi Coleano coolly stemming the rare threat from an exhuberant young side, Emley just lacked a clinical finish in front of goal.

But two minutes from time, Micky Norbury launched a tremendous pass from midfield out wide left to substitute Jamie Robshaw who delivered a tantalising ball from a tight angle across the face of goal for Day to stab home his 11th goal of the campaign.

Result Gretna 0 Emley 1

Gretna: Mathieson, Armstrong, Skelton, May, Coxall, Henney, Skinner, Young (Errington, 21mins), Dobie, Fillingham, Hewson. Subs not used: Mawson, Ganley.

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Tonks, Coleano, Day, Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds (Robshaw, 44mins), Wood (Hatto, 21mins). Sub not used: Robinson.

Referee: Muhammed Matadar (Blackburn).

Attendance: 102.

Emley v Lancaster City

24th November 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The only predictable about Emley at the moment is their unpredictability!

After losing at lowly Bamber Bridge seven days previously, Ronnie Glavin's mid-table UniBond League side hit back with a tremendous victory against title-chasing Lancaster at Belle Vue on Saturday.

It was a bitter blow for the visitors, especially since leaders Burton Albion demolished Gateshead 5-1.

While Lancaster, in second, lie 12 points behind the Midlanders, although they have four games in hand, Emley are 10th.

A Danny Day penalty and a Micky Norbury strike gave Emley the points with Lancaster skipper Kenny Mayers notching a late consolation.

This was a solid, workmanlike performance, with each player doing his bit for the team effort.

Rob Tonks could have had a hat trick while right-back Rudi Coleano is settling in well after stepping up from Northern Counties East League club Garforth.

Lancaster, who have never beaten Emley at the Welfare Ground or Belle Vue, took the game to their hosts early on with Colin Potts going close from a well-worked free-kick after just two minutes.

Then the UniBond's 22-goal top scorer Andy Whittaker was inches over with a shot.

Emley were dangerous, however, and yet again, Michael Reynolds had the beating of his marker, this time Paul Haddow, who was left with his feet tied in knots.

When Reynolds surged into the box only to be upended by Farrell Kilbane in the 11th minute, Day drove home the resultant penalty with confidence.

Emley were inspired by impressive midfield triumverate Andy Wilson, Miles Thorpe and Tonks.

Thorpe tackled like his life depended on it and sent some accurate probing balls up to the frontline while Tonks got forward at every opportunity.

Goalkeeper Leigh Walker, in for back injury victim Paul Cuss, denied Lancaster on 47 minutes with a fingertip save on to the bar from Whittaker.

Then Lee Clitheroe screwed a firm drive strike across the face of goal.

But with an hour on the clock, substitute Jamie Robshaw pulled the ball back from the goalline for Norbury to drive home his sixth goal of the season.

Whittaker yelled in frustration as his 74th minute shot was cleared off the line by Coleano, who later blocked another effort from the strike ace at the post.

Only a timely tackle by Nicky Wood prevented Stewart Clitheroe surging through in the busy finish.

Mayers finally found the net when he shot just inside the right post through a crowd of players.

Result Emley 2 Lancaster 1

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Tonks, Coleano, Day (Robshaw, 59mins), Thorpe (M Wilson, 81mins), Norbury, Reynolds, Wood. Sub not used: Hatto.

Lancaster: Thornley, Haddow (Holliday, 74mins), Lyson, L Clitheroe, Kilbane, Mayers, Martin (S Clitheroe, 81mins), Butler, Whittaker, Brown, Potts (Rigby, 74mins).

Bamber Bridge v Emley

17th November 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The Bamber Bridge programme editor warned: "Anyone under the mistaken impression in believing this club is dead and buried had better think again."

And he was certainly proved right!

The cash-strapped second-bottom Lancashire club have been forced to off-load six players, including experienced goalkeeper Billy Stewart, to ease a financial crisis.

But they put their off-the-field worries on the back burner to score only their third UniBond League win of the season thanks to two goals in the final quarter of an hour.

Gary Hatto had put Emley in front from the penalty spot after 11 minutes but Dave Leaver levelled on 76 and Terry Bowker clinched the points on 85.

Ronnie Glavin's side went in front against the run of play after Michael Reynolds tumbled after a clumsy challenge by Bridge captain Andy Farley.

Hatto's spot kick had just enough power to beat Stewart's replacement Cyril Sharrock, who dived the right way.

Bridge duo Paul Ryan and Andy Moran both squandered chances when bearing down on Emley goalkeeper Leigh Walker, who was again deputising for Paul Cuss, who is out with a back injury.

Glavin's side looked stagnant, and, more worryingly, short of ideas.

However Micky Norbury showed ambition and had a solid game up front in his usual holding role, although nobody ran off him and chances were few and far between.

Emley relied on long punts upfield in an attempt to utilise the pace of Reynolds, but, even if he did have the beating of his marker for pace, he was often left with no other option but to go it alone and cut inside from the wing.

On 26 minutes Hatto played the ball back to Paul David who launched an accurate cross into Day. But his knock-down was driven well over by Andy Wilson.

At the other end, Walker did well to block Ian Dickinson's snap-shot in the 28th minute.

The home side deserved their equaliser even if it was a little fortunate.

The ball fell to Leaver on the edge of the box, and, with defenders stationary, his low shot went straight through teammate Pete Smith's legs to nestle in the bottom right corner, beating the unsighted Walker's despairing dive.

The winner came after David gave away a foul 22 yards out.

Steve Aspinall dinked a lovely chip and Bowker's looping header spun into the right-hand stanchion to condemn Glavin's 12th-placed team to their eighth defeat of the season.

Result Bamber Bridge 2 Emley 1

Bamber Bridge: Sharrock, Leaver, Pryer, Farley, Bowker, Aspinall, Smith, Cooper, Moran, Ryan (O'Neill, 67mins), Dickinson (Skeoch, 72mins). Sub not used: Hibbort.

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Coleano, Norbury, M Wilson, Reynolds (Robshaw, 61mins). Subs not used: Robinson, Wood.

Referee: Barry Simms (Liverpool).

Attendance: 240.

Hucknall Town v Emley

13th November 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Hat Trick hero Danny Day found his scoring form to power Emley up to 11th place in the UniBond League and add to Hucknall's problems.

The Nottinghamshire club, who sacked manager John Ramshaw last week and have been called before the FA to explain their poor disciplinary record, stayed third bottom of the Premier Division after their 10th defeat in 16 games this season.

Emley have themselves lost seven times in 17 outings, two more than in the whole of last season.

That meant last night's success, when Michael Reynolds notched the other goal, provided a welcome boost.

Emley's first four-goal League haul since Colwyn Bay were beaten at Belle Vue back in February was initiated by ex-Ayr man Reynolds, who hit his first goal since returning for a second spell at the club in the 15th minute.

Day struck twice in stoppage time at the end of the first half to give Emley a reassuring cushion, and completed the hat trick with his ninth goal of the season five minutes from time.

Emley stalwart Paul David was outstanding at the back.

It was his determination to meet the ball ahead of opponent Paul Miller that set up Reynolds for his goal.

The winger had the pace to beat Darrel Rankin and drilled a low, angled shot past goalkeeper David McCarthy.

Hucknall were rocking and only former Boston and Frickley player Leroy Chambers provided any genuine threat up front.

But home hopes were dashed when a well-executed Mark Wilson corner was headed home by Day, who stole in ahead of Micky Norbury.

Soon after, Norbury was the provider, using his strength to shield the ball from Mark Place before squaring it for Day to convert the easiest of chances.

Day's last strike, which Hucknall claimed involved a handball, was confidently converted from a Wilson through ball.

Result Hucknall 0 Emley 4

Hucknall: McCarthy, Rankin, Hollingworth, Wright, Place, Brown (Marston, 86mins), Mayman, Cooke, Chambers, Miller (Bignall, 34mins), Clarke. Subs not used: Vickers.

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley (Robinson, 86mins), A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Coleano, Norbury (Robshaw, 75mins), M Wilson, Reynolds (Tonks, 78mins).

Emley v Davy Sports (S&HSC 1st Round)

10th November 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley made an incredibly hard job of disposing of Davy FC from the Sheffield County Senior League.

The tie, played at the Welfare Ground, looked destined to go to extra time before Rob Tonks popped in the last-gasp winner to thwart Davy, who took a deserved first-half lead through Russ Hobson.

Jamie Robshaw forced an equaliser midway through the second half, but in general, Emley's finishing would have been hilarious, had it not been so sad for 94 in attendance.

Ronnie Glavin's UniBond League side created no fewer than 24 chances, but could not hit the target.

But credit to Davy, who play at a level equivalent to the West Riding County Amateur League First Division.

Goalkeeper Lee Fuller was outstanding, making numerous blocks at the feet of Micky Norbury, Robshaw and Mark Wilson.

Defender Rudi Coleano, in goal for the injured Paul Cuss, made an exceptional tip over the bar from a wind-assisted 20th-minute shot from the halfway line by Gareth Thomas.

On the half hour Michael Reynolds was scythed down in the box, but Gary Hatto's penalty was comfortably blocked by Fuller.

Result Emley 2 Davy Sports 1

Emley: Coleano, Tonks, Crossley, Robshaw, Hatto, Robinson, Reynolds, Thorpe, Norbury, M Wilson, Wood. Subs not used: Day, Bambrook, Martin.

Davy FC: Fuller, Hull, Burgin, Kippax, Coe, Shaw, D Hobson (Duffy, 61mins), Thomas, Elvin (Hogan, 80mins), R Hobson, Cox.

Referee: Alvin Dale (Doncaster).

Bishop Auckland v Emley

7th November 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley boss Ronnie Glavin could be facing a touchline ban if referee Paul Canadine decides to take action after Emley's 1-0 defeat at Bishop Auckland.

Emley went down to a 79th minute strike by Carl Chillingsworth - also the scorer of the only goal in the 1-0 reversal at Belle Vue in September.

But the strike was overshadowed by a stoppage-time bust-up at the end in which Paul David was sent-off and Glavin left the technical area to remonstrate with the referee on the pitch

They were angered by a challenge on Mark Wilson in the box after he had been put through by Miles Thorpe - home keeper David Campbell looked to take him clean out. David, who had earlier received a yellow card, led furious Emley protests which Glavin then joined.

In truth, Emley should have had the match sewn up at half time after shots from Wilson and Danny Day had cannoned off the woodwork within the opening 10 minutes.

Day should also have put his side ahead on 69 minutes but unleashed his right foot drive onto the base of the right post after Emley's best move of the match.

Emley had lost goalkeeper Paul Cuss early on. He made a poor clearance straight to the feet of Andrew Shaw, who picked out Bishop's eight-goal leading scorer Chillingsworth on the overlap on 16 minutes.

Cuss came out to block and make amends, but the former Town Reserve keeper took a heavy crack near the kidneys from Chillingsworth's effort.

After a long period of stoppage time, Glavin opted to throw on substitute Rudi Coleano straight between the sticks and he didn't disappoint.

Result Bishop Auckland 1 Emley 0

Bishop Auckland: Campbell, Middleton, Lee, Rowe (Brunskill, 68mins), Salmon, Foster, Bell, Salvin, Shaw, Chillingsworth, Bromley. Subs not used: Lydon, Byrne.

Emley: Cuss (Coleano, 21mins), Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson (Ryan, 84mins), Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Tonks, M Wilson, Wood. Subs not used: Reynolds.

Attendance: 192.

Referee: Paul Canadine.

Doncaster Rovers v Emley (FA Cup 4th Qual)

28th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley just can't seem to to shrug off that `nearly-men' tag.

Deep into stoppage time, former Doncaster striker Micky Norbury stuck out his toe to Gary Hatto's cross.

Goalkeeper Barry Richardson was committed, but the ball rolled agonisingly against the base of the post.

Had Norbury converted that late, late chance, then Emley would be playing host to Rovers in a replay and still in with a shout of hosting Scunthorpe in the first round proper of the FA Cup.

But in a match watched by a bumper 2,730, time ran out as Doncaster picked up the £20,000 prize pot for fourth qualifying round victory and a derby showdown against the men from Glanford Park.

Ronnie Glavin's Cup battlers were seeking a seventh Conference scalp and a fourth appearance in the first round.

But they got off to a terrible start, conceding two goals within 16 minutes.

After 11, goalkeeper Paul Cuss came to gather while Rudi Coleano and Hatto attempted to clear.

Rovers' Simon Marples was caught in the middle, the referee pointed to the spot and former Halifax striker Jamie Paterson tucked the penalty away coolly.

Five minutes later Justin Jackson doubled Rovers' tally when magnificent Cuss, who undoubtably had his best game for Emley, blocked his first attempt only for delighted Jackson to find the ball back at his feet when the defence failed to clear and take advantage with a classy strike inside the post.

Emley were rocking, but the ship was steadied on 23 minutes when Richardson, Lincoln's goalkeeper when Emley beat the Imps in the second round in 1997-98, hauled down industrious midfielder Miles Thorpe and Hatto netted the penalty.

Glavin's part-timers never allowed their full-time opponents time on the ball, and unnerved Rovers were forced into a string of mistakes.

Cuss produced a fine save on 39 minutes, diving at full stretch to parry a Neil Campbell curler before recovering to block Francis Tierney's follow-up from point-blank range.

Tempers flared before the break in this cut and thrust cup-tie, with Paul Carden booked for scything down dangerman Michael Reynolds.

Rovers regained their two-goal advantage on 65 minutes, when Paterson whipped in a right-wing free-kick which deflected off Coleano past Cuss.

That prompted Glavin to throw on three substitutes, including Danny Day, who slotted home Reynolds' cross on 83 minutes to force a tense finale.

Result Doncaster 3 Emley 2

Doncaster Rov: Richardson, Marples, Barrick, Carden, Hawkins, Squires, Tierney (Caudwell, 75mins), Owen, Campbell (Barnes, 66), Jackson, Paterson (Penney, 87). Subs not used: Warrington, Whitman,

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson (Day, 66), Crossley, A Wilson (Tonks, 66), Hatto, Coleano, Prendergast (M Wilson, 66), Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Robshaw, Jones.

Referee: C J Sutton (Lincoln).

Emley v Ossett Albion (League Cup)

22nd October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

If there's a benefit to be had from the lengthy group format of this competition, it is that managers get the chance to experiment with systems and blood new players.

Emley's Ronnie Glavin did just that to great effect last night, when no less than six - Simon Jones, Paul Hutson, Rob Tonks, Ryan Robinson, Nick Manousios and Danny Walsh - made their first starts of the season.

Experience was provided at the back by the return of Jones, who having left the club this summer, slotted into his left-back role alongside Paul David as if the pair had never been apart.

Tonks, who has been training to become a fireman, was another back in the frame, showing his fitness and enthusiasm by running at full tilt until the final whistle.

And supporters got a glimpse of potential stars of the future in the shape of Manousios, a Reserve striker, Walsh, who is on trial from Lincoln, and 16-year-old Danny Conley, who showed pace and awareness during a 17-minute stint.

Emley maintained their 100% record in their fifth cup-tie this season, three of them in this competition, but were made to work for the win.

Ossett went ahead on 31 minutes, when Lee Bradley was brought down in the penalty area and Rob Dunderdale made no mistake from the spot kick.

But Robinson converted from a corner to level seconds before the break.

The intriguing contest on the night was that between former Emley player Darron Morris, now aiming to help Albion escape the foot of UniBond Division I, and wily wing-back Gary Hatto.

On 50 minutes newcomer Walsh let rip with a swerving shot from 25 yards which was dipping under the bar until Albion goalkeeper Danny Carney athletically turnd it over.

But five minutes later Jamie Robshaw powered the Belle Vue side ahead against their neighbours from an exquisite cross from Tonks.

But make no mistake, had Albion's finishing been stronger they could have caused an upset.

However despite great service from Morris, Danny Toronczak was denied by two good blocks from Paul Cuss while Bradley seemed to have run out of energy when he shot tamely at the goalkeeper in stoppage time.

Result Emley 2 Ossett Albion 1

Emley: Cuss, Coleano, Jones, Hutson, Hatto, David, Tonks, Robinson (Conley, 73mins), Robshaw (M Wilson, 79mins), Manousios (Sandland, 75mins), Walsh.

Ossett Albion: Carney, Dodd, Barnes, Dodsworth (Cost, 79mins), Dunnerdale, Siddall, Morris, Bradley, Watts (Holmes, 73mins), Toronczak, Williamson (Moores, 65mins).

Referee: Paul Grange (Oldham).

Attendance: 239.

Emley v Barrow

20th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley returned to winning ways with a solid workmanlike display against Kenny Lowe's Cumbrian outfit.

First-half goals by Mark Wilson and a controversial penalty by Micky Norbury cancelled out Scott Maxfield's opener and hoisted the Wakefield-based side to 12th place in the UniBond League Premier Division table, although they are already 12 points behind leaders Burton, who have a game in hand.

Maxfield put Barrow ahead on 19 minutes directly from a free-kick awarded after a foul by Rory Prendergast.

The former Doncaster player whipped in his curling strike and it found its way through a crowd of players before bulging the back of the net.

But just two minutes later Emley were back on level terms.

Norbury broke down the left before dispatching an accurate cross into the path of flying midfielder Wilson (M) at the far post.

He powered the ball home, leaving goalkeeper Simon Bishop helpless.

There was panic in the Emley area on 39 minutes when first goalkeeper Paul Cuss was forced to make a great one-handed save from a Nicky Peverell header before he showed great reactions to recover and deny Grant Holt's follow-up.

Emley's second, which came in the 41st minute, incensed the watching Barrow contingent.

Maxfield was judged to have upended Michael Reynolds in the area despite the linesman appearing to signal a foul had been commited the other way.

After consulting his assistant, Morley whistler Philip Bramley pointed to the spot, and Norbury made no mistake with Emley's first spot kick of the season.

Barrow boss Lowe said: "It was a very disappointing decision from the referee because it simply wasn't a penalty.

"The linesman had given a free-kick our way and the referee overruled him.

"I just hope we get the same treatment when Emley come up to our place."

Lowe added: "Overall I thought it was a good game, which could easily have ended up 6-6.

Result Emley 2 Barrow 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Prendergast, David, Coleano, Thorpe, Norbury, M Wilson, Reynolds. Subs not used: Hatto, Day, Robshaw.

Barrow: Bishop, Rogers (Jones, 65mins), Maxfield, Hall, Hume, Anthony, Doherty (Bullimore, 45mins), Gaughan, Peverell, Warren, Holt. Sub not used: Hill.

Bradford PA v Emley

17th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ouch! A defeat by derby rivals is never easy to stomach - and even less palatable when a former player nets two goals, including a winner in the final seconds.

Dean Calcutt was the man who plunged Emley into the bottom half of the UniBond League Premier Division after Danny Day had opened the scoring for Ronnie Glavin's side on 72 minutes.

It was Emley's sixth defeat of the season, one more than they totalled for the whole of the 2000-01 campaign.

For those who enjoy their football played from the back to basics textbook - mainly in the air and with little movement on the ground - this was an ideal game.

Unfortunately for the majority of both sets of fans in a 391 crowd, they didn't!

Fluid football was rare because of the robust nature of the derby clash.

Bradford started each half strongly but Emley weathered the storm.

Day, meanwhile, went close with a header on 44 minutes.

He was off target on that occasion, but made no mistake when Miles Thorpe won the ball in midfield and sprayed a great pass to Gary Hatto, who whipped in a dangerous cross for the striker (Day) to convert at the far post.

Park Avenue weren't to be denied, however.

Two goals in eight minutes by Calcutt, who was sold to Bradford in a £2,000 deal, stole the show.

The winner came when former Leigh goalkeeper Craig Dootson launched a huge punt upfield.

With centre-back Paul David returning from a foray up front, Steve Nicholson and Ryan Crossley failed to cope with the bounce and goalkeeper Paul Cuss fumbled his catch, allowing Calcutt to nip in and fire into an empty net.

At least there was one positive as hard-working midfielder Mark Wilson lasted 90 minutes after making his comeback from cracked ribs.

Result Bradford 2 Emley 1

Bradford PA: Dootson, Quinn (James, 79mins), O'Brien, Lindley, Stansfield, Thompson, Hancock, Benn (Richards, 79mins), Hayward, Nazha, Calcutt. Sub not used: Pfannenstiel.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Prendergast, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Robshaw, M Wilson, Reynolds (Bambrook, 68mins). Subs not used: Coleano, R Robinson.

Referee: Allan Rawcliffe (Manchester).

Attendance: 391.

* Emley's FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash at Doncaster Rovers could be switched from its original Saturday October 27 date because of a clash with a race meeting in the town.

The full-time Conference club want the match to be played on the Friday evening, but Emley, whose players are part-time, would prefer the Sunday.

The FA are due to make a decision in the next couple of days.

From The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley have been plunged into a mouth-watering Yorkshire derby at Doncaster Rovers - with the plum prize a place in the first round of the FA Cup.

Ronnie Glavin's renowned Cup fighters will do battle in the fourth and final qualifying round at the former Football League club's Belle Vue ground on Saturday, October 27.

As well as a £20,000 pay-out from the FA prize fund, the clubs will be chasing a prestigious place in the draw for the first round proper alongside the likes of Town and their fellow former Cup winners Blackpool, Cardiff, Bury and Notts County.

It's a major assignment for Glavin's UniBond League side, who lost 2-1 to Doncaster in last season's Sheffield Senior Cup final.

But Emley, who earned their place in today's draw with a 1-0 home win over Accrington on Saturday (report Page 17), will still fancy their chances of claiming a seventh Conference scalp and making the first round of the Cup for the fourth time in their history.

"It is a tough, tough draw, said experienced boss Glavin.

"Obviously I would have liked to have avoided a big club at this stage, but of all the Conference sides, we probably know more about Doncaster than any other.

"They are a big team and are flying high (Rovers are sixth in the Conference) but there are two plus points - they are getting good crowds and there's no doubt that it will be a great local derby."

The tie marks a return to one of his former clubs for Emley hero Micky Norbury, who netted against Accrington on Saturday and in the previous round, when Bamber Bridge were beaten 1-0.

The Doncaster player best known to Huddersfield football fans will by former Town striker Paul Barnes.

Manager Steve Wignall's squad also includes ex-Halifax midfielder Jamie Paterson, and goalkeeper Barry Richardson, who was in the Lincoln side beaten on penalties by Emley in the McAlpine clash which earned a memorable third-round trip to West Ham in 1997-98.

Emley's other first-round appearances came in 1991-92 (against Bolton) and 1998-99 (Rotherham).

Emley v Accrington Stanley (FA Cup 3rd Qual Round)

13th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Hail Emley's FA Cup hero Micky Norbury!

The much-travelled striker scored the only goal in the 1-0 second qualifying round over Bamber Bridge at Belle Vue.

And the ex-Cambridge and Preston man popped up again on Saturday, when his 61st-minute winner against Accrington put Ronnie Glavin's side within a match of the first round proper, and earned the club a £10,000 pay-out on top of the £7,500 already collected for that victory over Bamber Bridge.

Emley have a proud record in the famous competition, having reached the first round three times previously and hit the headlines with their march to a third-round showdown at West Ham in the 1997-98 season.

Now they are scenting another Cup run, having cleared a tricky hurdle against a side who beat them 3-0 in a UniBond League Premier Division clash last month.

"They tore us apart in the previous match and came and played the same system on Saturday," said Glavin.

"We had wised up to their threat, we knew what we had to do, and we stifled them well.

"I thought we made enough chances to have won the game more convincingly than the scoreline suggests, and we weathered their late storm well."

Emley made their intentions clear from the start, creating two good chances in the first three minutes, only for midfielder Andy Wilson to put them both wide.

But then Norbury got tangled up in an off-the-ball incident with Jonathan Smith which led to cautions for both and dragged the majority of both sets of players into a skirmish.

Jay Flannery took advantage of Steve Nicholson's slip on the edge of the box on 16 minutes, surging into the area to pick out Russell Payne, but he sliced his shot across the face of goal.

A defensive mix-up three minutes later allowed David Robinson to link with Mark Brennan, but he was denied by a last ditch tackle by Nicholson.

Emley hit back on 31 minutes when Danny Day, under the close attention of Peter Cavanagh and Flannery, lobbed just too high.

With pace down the wings through Micky Reynolds and Rory Prendergast, Emley counter-attacked with good effect.

But Accrington were still dangerous, and came close twice in a minute on the hour.

First Simon Carden failed to connect with Brennan's pass across the six-yard box.

Then goalkeeper Paul Cuss made his only real save of the match to parry Brennan's effort before James' shot was blocked at the near post by Ryan Crossley.

Glavin's outfit gathered themselves, and Norbury began as well as finished the move which brought his fourth goal of the season.

Taking possession in midfield, Norbury picked out Day, who in turn fed Prendergast on the left wing.

Norbury had continued his surge into the area and tucked away a half-volley when Paul Howarth completely mistimed his effort to head clear.

Wilson threw himself in the way of Carden's strike on 76 minutes before an innocuous cross from Steve Flitcroft was fumbled by Cuss under the bar (he later claimed it bounced off his head!).

Former Town Reserve teammate Crossley came to the rescue, hoofing the ball away from the danger zone.

Emley have a League game at Bradford Park Avenue on Wednesday.

Result Emley 1 Accrington 0

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Prendergast, David, Day, Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds (Bambrook, 81mins), Wood (Coleano, 32mins). Subs not uesd: Hatto, M Wilson, Edge.

Accrington: Speare, Cavanagh, Howarth, Smith, Flannery, Flitcroft, Payne, Robinson, James, Brennan (Mullin, 69mins), Carden. Subs not used: Burns, Hollis, Bowden, Coleman.

Referee: John Brandon (Doncaster).

Emley v Ossett Town (League Cup)

8th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley enjoyed a midweek Cup workout, clearly stamping their UniBond League Premier Division credentials over their First Division visitors.

The tie, part of a round-robin set of five, was effectively won after seven minutes, by which time Micky Norbury and Danny Day had given Ronnie Glavin's side a two-goal cushion.

All Emley had to do was keep composed and maintain their concentration, which they did commendably, refusing to rise to the physical approach of Gary Brook's team, which included former Emley striker Scott Jackson.

Day got his second on 76 minutes before Rory Prendergast claimed the fourth when his left-wing shot was fumbled by goalkeeper Lee Bracey, who attempted to gather, but allowed the ball to run straight through.

The match was also notable for the continued progress after a rib injury of captain Steve Nicholson, who lasted the full 90 minutes, while Michael Reynolds started his first match for Emley since his transfer from Leigh in September.

Nicky Wood returned to command the centre of defence after a bout of illness, but experienced Paul David is still recovering from flu.

Reserve team player Lee Ryan - who has bagged seven goals in three games for the second team - replaced Norbury at half-time and looked promising.

Good joint tackling by Gary Hatto and Rudi Coleano denied Jackson on 24 minutes during rare Ossett pressure.

But Emley demonstrated neat, controlled football, without too much exertion, to frustrate their visitors and, but for some disappointing finishing, the winning margin could have been greater.

Result Emley 4 Ossett Town 0

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Coleano, A Wilson (Crossley, 75mins), Hatto, Prendergast, Day, Thorpe, Norbury (Ryan, 45mins), Reynolds (Edge, 79mins), Wood.

Ossett Town: Bracey, Parker, A Gray, R Gray, Stabb, Hand, Smithard (Amos, 77mins), Shaw (Cateroche, 82mins), Jackson (White, 72mins), Beaumont, Sykes.

Referee: Rod Cook (Sheffield).

Attendance: 223.

Worksop Town v Emley

5th October 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

When a Worksop Town wag told card-happy referee David Birkett to: "Stop it ref, you're spoiling a rubbish game!" it was difficult to disagree.

But in the end it was a good point stolen from a match in which Emley produced few clear cut chances.

Paul Mitchell's side could have notched a bagful but were denied by the excellent form of goalkeeper Paul Cuss who denied Andy Gray on eight minutes before captain Linden Whitehead linked with Andy Todd on the left but Whitehead drove his cross over the angle.

Tireless worker Andy Wilson had a shot blocked on 24 minutes and Danny Day earned a corner from his follow-up from which Paul David, stealing late into the area, headed well wide.

On 61 minutes, Emley had Cuss to thank again when The Tigers roared through the centre through Ryan Davis, who fed Todd only to see Cuss pull off a fine save from Cropper's right foot strike.

And on 79 minutes, former Town reserves' Ryan Crossley and Cuss combined brilliantly to deny Worksop the three points when first Cuss came out to block the shot before Crossley cleared Cropper's second attempt off the line.

That `chances for' tally was piling up for Worksop but on 81 minutes, Ronnie Glavin's side could have stolen it when Steve Nicholson's deep right wing cross picked out substitute Mick Norbury in the box but he could only angle his free header towards the corner flag.

And five minutes from time Gary Hatto's free kick got tangled up in Norbury's feet before the ball squirmed out to Rory Prendergast who could only drill his shot off a defender.

Result Worksop 0 Emley 0

Worksop Town: Holmshaw, Kotylo, Davis, Bradshaw, Diggle, C Smith, G Smith, Gray (Townsend, 83mins), Whitehead, Todd, Cropper. Subs not used: Eshelby, Williams.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Norbury, 77mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, M Wilson (Robshaw, 65mins), Prendergast. Sub not used: Coleano.

Referee: David Birkett (Gainsborough).

Attendance: 475.

Droylsden v Emley

2nd October 2001By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Any more performances like this and it is going to be a long, hard season for loyal Emley supporters!

Five goals may have been scored but it certainly wasn't a thriller despite Mick Norbury getting on the scoresheet for the second successive match and midfield general Miles Thorpe heading a late consolation.

Droylsden, superbly nicknamed The Bloods, play at the Butchers Arms Ground - named after a neighbouring pub - and the way they took the game to Emley could have almost made your heart bleed!

Ronnie Glavin's outfit - who comfortably did the double over the Manchester side last season - were a shadow of their former selves, despite getting off to a dream start.

Thorpe knocked a great ball into the box on two minutes which was seized on by Danny Day, his shot was blocked by goalkeeper and captain Paul Phillips but the ball squirmed out wide to Norbury who buried it.

But 60 seconds later, Droylsden levelled when a long ball from midfield was seized on by Nigel Evans who was handed a second chance after Paul Cuss had blocked his first shot and he duly buried the equaliser.

Club captain Steve Nicholson made his first appearance of the season as he recovers from cracked ribs, while centre-back Nicky Wood (ankle) was sorely missed.

The first half was played at a frenetic pace and the quality of football was poor, particularly from the visitors, with no-one prepared to calm it down in midfield from which possession was persistently thrown away.

In fact Emley struggled to get out of their own half for extended spells in both halves.

On 51 minutes Wes Kinney played a square ball into the path of Evans who had bags of time to tee up his shot only to be denied by an excellent save from the flying Cuss, who turned it around the post.

But the warning bells rang louder on 65 minutes when Mick Moore's shot would have tested the keeper had it not struck his own player Kinney.

Norbury forced a tremendous save from Gary Hatto's left wing cross on 69 minutes but from the ensuing corner Droylsden broke away and Evans scythed past Ryan Crossley to produce a great finish.

Six minutes later and Keystone Cop-like defending allowed Moore to bury the winner before Hatto's corner on 82 minutes was headed in by Thorpe.

Result Droylsden 3 Emley 2

Droylsden: Phillips, Esdaille, Bradshaw, Glendenning, Farley, Lattie, Moore (Richardson, 83mins), O'Brien, Evans, Kinney, Warner. Subs not used: Pell, Mills.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson (Edge, 78mins), Crossley, A Wilson (Reynolds, 82mins), Hatto, David, Day (Robshaw, 78mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, Coleano.

Emley v Bamber Bridge (FA Cup 2nd Qual Round)

29th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley are on the march in the FA Cup once again after Micky Norbury notched his first goal for the club.

The close-season recruit's 71st-minute header proved the difference in this clash, earning Emley a £7,500 win bonus and leaving them two matches away from a berth in the first round proper.

Overnight rain made conditions at Belle Vue slippery, and Jamie Skeoch's searching seventh-minute run came to nothing as both Emley defender Nicky Wood and Bamber Bridge striker Andy Moran lost their footing as the ball came across.

Bamber Bridge's Pete Smith supplied some good service from the right, but it wasn't until the second half that this tie, watched by 307, finally burst into life.

Emley's Gary Hatto supplied a deep cross to prolific striker Simeon Bambrook on 47 minutes but it just ran too far and goalkeeper Billy Stewart claimed possession.

Former Hednesford man Norbury had the ball in the back of the net twice before his header finally counted, with efforts on 51 and 62 minutes ruled out for offside and an infringment respectively.

But the visitors should have netted after 58 minutes, when industrious Moran exposed the Emley defence with his right-wing cross, only for the unmarked Dave Leaver to screw the ball hard and wide past Paul Cuss's goal.

On on 63 minutes, Karl Robinson tore forward, skipping around Paul David and the backtracking Ryan Crossley, only for his strike to cannon off the bar and back into Cuss's arms.

Emley enjoyed better spells of possession in the last quarter-hour but failed to find the second goal.

Danny Day's 86th-minute angled shot screamed over while Bambrook fed Norbury, who was poaching in the six-yard area but poked the ball wide.

"We made heavy weather of it but it was never going to be easy because it was such a big game for both teams," said Emley manager Ronnie Glavin.

"We have to be thankful for the result, but I thought we deserved to win."

Emley's UniBond League Premier Division match at Droylsden on Tuesday goes ahead after Lancashire side lost 3-2 to Bradford Park Avenue in the Cup on Saturday.

Result Emley 1 Bamber Bridge 0

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Robshaw (Thorpe, 69mins), Norbury (M Wilson, 90mins), Bambrook, Wood (Reynolds, 59mins). Subs not used: Coleano, Hutson.

Hyde Utd v Emley (League Cup)

24th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It wasn't pretty, but it was a job well done as Ronnie Glavin's side notched up their first Cup win of the season with goals from Simeon Bambrook and Andy Wilson.

Lowly Hyde United - stranded at the foot of the table with a single point gained in the 1-1 draw at home to Gainsborough earlier this month - were always playing second fiddle to Emley.

Despite much discussion at the close season chairman's meeting regarding how the UniBond League Cup should be formatted this year, it was ultimately agreed to try the current League Cup group stage for one more season because officials felt that last season was not a good trial with poor weather leading to many postponements.

Emley also face Ossett Town, Ossett Albion and Ashton United at home along with Droylsden away to complete the six match group stage.

Glavin's outfit were without Miles Thorpe (groin) and Mark Wilson (ribs) for the second successive match while Nicky Wood was rested and Danny Day and Gary Hatto made late appearances from the bench.

But flying winger Rory Prendergast made his return after serving a 28-day suspension.

Bambrook fired Emley ahead on 13 minutes when his free kick was guided past the stationary wall and inside the left post but three minutes later Chris McCready levelled for the Tigers when goalkeeper Paul Cuss failed to make a clean punch to Jason Dormer's left wing cross and McCready was on hand to turn it over the line through a throng of players.

Lethal finisher Simon Yeo was finding space - two yards is all this potent striker needs - but fortunately failed to hit the target on 29 and 50 minutes.

Ryan Crossley once again marshalled the defence supremely and Emley took the lead on 61 minutes after Prendergast had been upended on the left wing.

The postman picked himself up to launch in the free kick and Wilson (A) from Meltham, clinched the winner firing his downwards header through a crowded area which found its way past keeper Richard Acton.

Result Hyde 1 Emley 2

Hyde United: Acton, Foster, Taylor, Hawtin, McCready, Band (Salmon, 83mins), Young, Dormer, Yeo, Foster (Richards, 85mins), Doherty. Sub not used: Ashwell.

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Crossley (Hatto, 64mins), Wilson (Day, 73mins), Prendergast, Coleano, Hutson, Robshaw, Norbury, Bambrook (Reynolds, 70mins) , Walker.

Attendance: 221.

Referee: Stephen Gary Cooke (Mexborough).

Emley v Colwyn Bay 

22nd September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Only goal difference separated these two sides at the start of this mid-table UniBond League Premier Division clash.

But out on the Belle Vue pitch there was only one team in it.

Ronnie Glavin's Emley dictated from start to finish and a first-half goal by Simeon Bambrook and another from Danny Day in the second period settled it.

The win pushed Emley up to ninth in the division on 17 points, 10 behind Nigel Clough's early leaders Burton.

The success was also a welcome boost before tonight's UniBond League Cup group match at Hyde (7.45).

Former Emley favourite Deniol Graham - in his second spell at Colwyn Bay after moving back from Cwmbran - was well contained by impressive defender Nicky Wood.

Meanwhile striker Jamie Robshaw consistently broke through the Bay defence and should really have added to Emley's goal tally.

There was also a welcome return for former Town Reserve defender Ryan Crossley, who slotted into the left-back role and had an outstanding game, adding genuine pace to the side.

After Lebanese international Wael Nazha's four-figure sale to Premier Division rivals Bradford Park Avenue, Robshaw and Day lead the line with stand-in skipper Micky Norbury and Bambrook poaching just behind.

Emley went ahead after 22 minutes.

Midfielder Andy Wilson intercepted a Bay clearance and nipped it out wide to Gary Hatto.

Bambrook controlled the cross first time before swerving a trademark left-foot strike into the top corner for his fourth goal of the campaign.

Bay rallied briefly just before the break and Marc Limbert crossed for Graham, whose snapshot was just wide on 42 minutes.

Two minutes later James McIlvogue fed Limbert, but goalkeeper Paul Cuss comfortably gathered.

Emley came close on 59 minutes, when Ian Edge fed Robshaw, who shrugged off Paul Jones before surging into the area.

He picked out Day, approaching with pace at the far post, but last season's second-top scorer sliced it over the bar.

Three minutes later, Robshaw should have hit the target.

He had done the hard work, powering past Glen Graham, but then drove his shot over the bar.

Only an outstanding save from Cuss on 64 minutes prevented Graham equalising.

And Emley took advantage of the let-off by extending their lead three minutes later.

The goal followed great interplay between right winger Edge and Robshaw, and Day's strike with the outside of his right foot beat goalkeeper Paul Smith all ends up.

Colin Caton's outfit could have sneaked a consolation when substitute Craig Lawton sent in a deep inswinging ball to the far post.

But Glen Roberts headed the gifted chance over the bar from close range allowing Emley to clinch a first clean sheet of the campaign.

Result Emley 2 Colwyn Bay 0

Emley: Cuss, Edge (Reynolds, 84mins), Crossley, A Wilson, Hatto, Coleano, Day, Robshaw, Norbury, Bambrook, Wood. Subs not used: Manousios, Walker.

Colwyn Bay: Smith, Hogg, Cross (Lawton, 68mins), P Jones, G Graham, J Jones, Limbert, Sheuber (G Roberts, 82mins), D Graham, McIlvogue, Williams (O Roberts, 82mins).

Attendance: 241.

Emley v Accrington Stanley

17th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The way Emley's topsy-turvy season is going, you could be forgiven for expecting a cracking contest last night after Saturday's bleak 1-1 draw at Vauxhall Motors.

And it was - but for all the wrong reasons.

Ronnie Glavin's side were taught a footballing lesson right on their doorstep - and were powerless to stop it.

And it turned out to be the Lutel James show as the skilful striker ripped Emley apart with his ball control and passing, bringing others into the attack as well as adding a magnificent brace.

Simon Carden grabbed Stanley's third - but they could have doubled their tally with the amount of chances created!

As assistant manager Jimmy Martin commented: "We were as poor as we have been all season and we just lacked a bit of craft.

"Every ball seemed to go to their centre half (Jonathan Smith) who won everything in the air and they played us at our own game, sitting back and catching us on the break."

He added: "James was outstanding and to be fair, they are a quality side, the best we've played yet, but we also made them look particularly good tonight.

"We are just waiting to be able to pick from a fully fit and healthy squad, so it's a frustrating time at the moment."

Both teams cancelled each other out during the opening exchanges - until James burst on the scene in the 17th minute. Carden played him through the centre of the defence and James showed a cool head and clinical finish to beat goalkeeper Paul Cuss inside the left post.

Simeon Bambrook let fly with a left foot ripper which was pulled wide before full-backs Ian Edge and Rudi Coleano switched as Emley searched for new inspiration.

It never arrived.

Carden rode Paul David's challenge on 41 minutes and got round the back of Wood leaving Cuss to produce a confident save round the post.

And moments later Jamie Robshaw's snapshot was easily gathered by keeper Jamie Speare.

Such was Stanley's finesse that Emley were forced into the long ball game but to no reward with Peter Cavanagh and Smith outstanding at the back.

Emley's frontline worked too far apart with no-one breaking through the centre compared to the precision and decision shown by James and Carden.

Emley's aerial balls were dealt with while Stanley played the ball to feet with devastating effect.

James bagged his brace on 52 minutes, nutmegging David to drive his shot past Cuss unchallenged and despite a late Emley resurgence John Coleman's side wrapped it up convincingly when Carden broke upfield and produced a great finish.

Result Emley 0 Accrington 3

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Coleano, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Robshaw, Bambrook, M Wilson (Thorpe 45 mins), Wood (Nazha 52 mins). Sub not used: Norbury.

Accrington Stanley: Speare, Cavanagh, Howarth, R Williams (G Williams 40 mins), Smith, Baxter, Payne, Flannery, James, Carden, Flitcroft (Burns 86 mins). Sub not used: Hollis.

Attendance: 311.

Referee: George Simpson.

Vauxhall Motors v Emley

15th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

IAN EDGE lifted the spirits of Emley supporters with a cracking 25 yard equaliser - the only high point in this boring draw.

Emley boss Ronnie Glavin could field only two substitutes while, on another occasion Nicky Wood (sickness) would have been allowed to sit out the match but the key defender battled on to do a professional job.

Motors manager Alvin McDonald was without prolific striker Nicky Young, in plaster with a suspected fractured ankle, and Peter Cumiskey but Terry Fearns (ankle ligaments) and Jon Stanhope recovered to take their starting places.

There could be further bad news for Glavin when striker Danny Day (back) had to be substituted and could be doubtful for tonight's visit of Accrington Stanley to Belle Vue (7.45).

A minute's silence was held in memory of the American tragedy and players sported black armbands.

A tricky crossfield wind did not bode well for a good footballing contest yet Emley had an early chance in the fourth minute when Paul David's headed clearance was picked up by Mick Norbury who fed Mark Wilson and goalkeeper Chris Holmes made an excellent save.

From Gary Hatto's corner Day's shot was blocked by Neil Rigby as Motors defended in numbers. Carl Nesbitt gave Paul Cuss some early handling practice with a low shot before effective right winger Robbie Lawton supplied Stanhope but the striker's glancing header screamed past the far post.

But, deep into first half stoppage time, the Motormen took the lead when Nesbitt's corner was headed goalwards by defender Kevin Thompson, and Fearns poked it home.

Thompson then denied Norbury's shot on 58 minutes before Stanhope broke clear only to be denied by a brilliant Wood tackle.

Emley had a great chance to level on 64 minutes when Day picked out Norbury but the former Hednesford striker took a touch too many and his shot squirmed off Phil Brazier out to Edge who sliced his shot wide of the near post.

Cuss proved he's pretty handy with his feet when he tackled Fearns on 67 minutes after he had sneaked round the back of the Emley defence.

And Emley's equaliser on 79 minutes was worth the wait.

Former Frickley stalwart Edge, glanced up to see a packed penalty area but let rip from 25 yards, the ball striking the inside of the far post before nestling into the opposite corner.

The result puts Glavin's side in 10th place on 14 points, two points better off than tonight's visitors Accrington who occupy 12th position.

Vauxhall 1 Emley 1

Vauxhall Motors: Holmes, Rigby, Thompson, Brazier, Haddrell, Lynch, Nesbitt, Lawton, Fearns, Stanhope, Wright (McDermott 82 mins). Subs not used: Vicary, Cullen.

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Coleano, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Thorpe 85 mins), Norbury (Bambrook 68 mins), Nazha, M Wilson, Wood.

Attendance: 274.

Emley v Altrincham

10th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Tenacious Emley fired the Robins of Altrincham out of the sky with an improved display of concentration and commitment.

Ronnie Glavin's men were rocked by a dubious Rod Thornley penalty on 18 minutes, but Gary Hatto equalised also from the spot on 30 minutes before inspired Andy Wilson netted the 32nd minute winner.

But after the 65th minute dismissal of left back Chris Adams, re-signed by the Robins from Ashton, the extra-man advantage was in no way reassuring for long-suffering home supporters.

Last season, Emley lost only 11 League and cup matches - five of those against sides which had been reduced to 10-men or less (Stalybridge, twice!, Bradford Park Avenue, Yeovil and Doncaster).

But Emley were in no mood to let this one slip.

Gary Hatto kept former Town and Ashton midfielder Jeremy Illingworth in close proximity while the defence stood firm against skilful Manchester United masseur Rod Thornley and strike partner Ian Craney.

Boss Glavin, who guided his side to the double over Altrincham last season, said: "It was a good performance tonight and a big result for us.

"The game was a bit open early on and they had a couple of goalmouth chances and looked quite bright and alert.

"But we also made problems for them at the other end. Both the penalties were a little bit soft but I thought when we got our noses in front we stifled their threat and caused them more problems."

Goalkeeper Paul Cuss once again showed good handling, making an early claim from a Kevin Hulme cross on 17 minutes while Danny Day let go a golden chance when he allowed Wael Nazha's cross to run on to Mark Wilson, who had surged further upfield.

From that attack, Altrincham broke upfield, Thornley skipped into the box and evaded two challenges before colliding with former Garforth Town defender Rudi Coleano.

Thornley, younger brother of former Town winger Ben, dusted himself down to tuck the spot kick inside the right post.

Emley could have buckled after the early departure of key midfielder Miles Thorpe (groin) on 14 minutes but replacement Paul Hutson, back with the club after a season in District League football with Meltham, was thrown in at the deep end and did a commendable job.

Pressure was also on Andy Wilson to tie it together and he did so effectively.

Nicky Wood produced a solid block tackle to stop Thornley in his tracks before Day found space in front of Mark Maddox but headed over on 26 minutes. Emley rode their luck when Adams' cross struck the underside of the bar and the right post before being cleared upfield.

On 28 minutes Hatto's cross was judged handball by guilty party Maddox and Hatto coolly levelled from the spot.

The vocal Altrincham contingent barely had time to catch their breath when Andy Wilson buried a left wing cross past keeper Stuart Coburn on 32 minutes which proved decisive.

And the result moved Emley up into ninth place on 13 points, four points behind UniBond League leaders Burton Albion who have a game in hand.

Day beat vehement appeals for offside on 52 minutes with a clean break from the edge of the centre circle but his end product did not test Coburn who gathered comfortably.

Widely-travelled Adams was cautioned a minute later for scything down Andy Wilson in front of the home dugout and 10 minutes later had to walk for a second bookable offence for a similar foul on Day.

But moments earlier Adams had played a great ball to Craney whose attempt at a deft lob into the top right corner was foiled by a fully stretched Cuss who palmed it over.

Skipper Paul David was typically commanding at the back and, as Altrincham pressed, so disappeared their early fluidity, replaced instead by brawn and bustle which was contained by Emley, still ravished by injuries.

Thornley had a chance to steal something in stoppage time - pedantic referee Russell Booth ensuring Emley's wall was back the full 10-yards for the first time in the match - but shot straight at Cuss.

Result: Emley 2 Altrincham 1

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Coleano, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe (Hutson 14 mins), Nazha (Bambrook 71 mins), M Wilson, Wood. Sub not used: Prasher.

Altrincham: Coburn, Illingworth (Swannick 57 mins), Adams, Maddox, Sertori, Hawes, Hulme, Craney (Furlong 67 mins), Gallagher, Thonley, Murphy (Poland 73 mins).

Referee: Russell Booth.

Attendance: 388.

Burscough v Emley

8th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A Solitary first half strike from Mark Wilson was never going be enough to seal Emley's fourth win of the season.

And so it proved when Ryan Bowen was upended in a defensive sandwich involving Nicky Wood and Paul David with Lee McEvilly driving home the 83rd minute penalty.

And the result leaves Ronnie Glavin's outfit languishing in 13th place, eight positions below Altrincham who travel to Belle Vue tonight (7.45).

Bernard Taylor's outfit picked up a 1-0 win over League newcomers Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday courtesy of a 68th minute strike by Rod Thornley, the Manchester United masseur and brother of former Town player Ben, currently with Aberdeen.

Lancashire outfit Burscough, played the strong wind to good effect during the opening exchanges and, as the ball held up from goalkeeper Paul Cuss's goal kicks, strikers McEvilly and Lee Furlong were quick to attack.

Marvin Molyneaux launched a deep up and under on four minutes and McEvilly put it just wide.

And moments later impres- sive midfielder, creative John Lawless, played in Ged Hennigan from the right touchline and released McEvilly who jinked through the Emley defence but was off target again.

Against the run of play Danny Day forced a great save from Matt Taylor on 17 minutes after good work from Andy Wilson and Wael Nazha.

Crafty McEvilly struck a wind-backed snapshot on 25 minutes but impressive Cuss stood solid and there was no way through the former Town reserve team keeper for Furlong soon after when Cuss denied him at the near post.

The football was certainly not for the purest but when Wilson and Wilson linked up on 39 minutes, Mark Wilson tucked away his third of the campaign.

Mark Wilson, with the bit between his teeth, forced Taylor into a spectacular double-handed save after the restart but from then on it was his opposite number Cuss who played heroics to keep his side ahead.

Burscough, buoyed by the efforts of their front two, forced two outstanding saves from Cuss in the space of four minutes including a point blank shot from Furlong and a Bowen header which he spectacularly tipped over the bar.

Result Burscough 1 Emley 1

Burscough: M Taylor, Hannon, Molloy, Molyneux, Leahy (Bennett 53 mins), Hennigan, Lawless, Knowles, McEvilly, Furlong, Bowen. Subs not used: P Taylor, Stanton.

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Coleano, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Nazha Bambrook (87 mins), M Wilson, Wood. Subs not used: Prasher, Hutson.

Attendance: 223.

Referee: J Taylor (Blackburn).

Blyth Spartans v Emley

4th September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley finally produced the type of performance that had teams on the rack during last season's scintillating UniBond League campaign.

A double salvo by industrious Mark Wilson, backed up by a cheeky Ian Edge solo effort - Glen Robson replied for Spartans just before the break - sealed Ronnie Glavin's third win from six outings.

It took Wilson (M) just 75 seconds to open Emley's account, finishing the best move of the season so far when impressive Miles Thorpe fed Wael Nazha wide on the left and his cross was buried back across goalkeeper Paul Gilmore by the pacy midfielder.

In truth, on-song Emley should have made it a rout against John Charlton's outfit who were third to Emley's 15th position going into the clash.

Every player played their part particularly industrious mid- fielders Andy Wilson and Thorpe who took pressure off the defence with dogged determination through the centre.

Left back Rudi Coleano, making his first UniBond League start, matured into the role while goalkeeper Paul Cuss demonstrated astuteness at the back.

Wilson's second on 15 minutes was created with a surging run from namesake Andy who fed Gary Hatto to send `Willy' racing clear before showing a cool head and another quality finish.

Danny Day and Wael Nazha both squandered chances to put the game beyond Spartans and it fell to impressive Ian Edge to net the third on 28 minutes, outwitting John Hutton and letting Gilmore leap over him and the ball before regaining his feet and driving his second bite of the goal-scoring cherry into the back of the net.

Brace scorer Wilson then appeared to be disgracefully punched in the ribs by indisciplined Graham Pepper but the incident went unseen by both referee Gary Kellett and his assistants.

The midfielder needed prolonged treatment before continuing.

Robson pulled one back on 44 minutes when his surging run in the box went unmarked and he was left to tuck his shot inside the left post.

On 58 minutes Neil Radigan thought he had given his side a lifeline when he dragged the ball inside the area and released a cracking effort which skewed past Cuss but Edge made an heroic clearance off the line.

And two minutes later Cuss denied the resurgent Spartans when Gary Innes broke through and Cuss made a `David Seaman-like' block at his feet.

Result Blyth 1 Emley 3

Blyth Spartans: Gilmore, Morton, Pepper, Innes, Forster, Hutton, Radigan, Pepper, Robson, Skelton, Dixon (Perry 57 mins). Subs not used: Little, Keegan.

Emley: Cuss, Edge, Coleano, A Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Nazha, M Wilson (Robshaw 78 mins), Wood. Subs not used: Crossley, Hutson.

Attendance: 519.

Referee: Gary Kellett (Bradford).

Emley v Bishop Auckland

1st September 2001 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Former Whitby strike ace Carl Chillingsworth condemned Emley to a rare home defeat in a UniBond League match which had promised so much.

Chillingsworth's 44th-minute strike, his fourth in four games, gave Bishops the lead when it looked like being a goalless half.

And the North-Easterners were in no mood to relinquish it.

The goal came when Emley skipper Paul David's clearance fell to Andrew Shaw on the left wing. With goalkeeper Paul Cuss out of position, the cross gave Chillingsworth a simple finish.

It was the only blemish in an otherwise astute display by David, Emley's longest-serving player.

But it was enough to allow Bishops, one place but 16 points behind runners-up Emley last season, to go 10th and leave Ronnie Glavin's men 15th after their third defeat in five outings this season.

New signing Michael Reynolds - back at Emley after leaving for Ayr in a £60,000 deal in 1998 - made a 61st-minute entrance from the bench.

But 17 minutes later he was back in the changing rooms suffering blurred v