Emley v Hucknall

3rd May 2002  By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner 

Emley signed off this season's UniBond League Premier Division campaign with a reassuring display against lowly Hucknall Town.

And the 3-0 victory, their 22nd win from 44 matches was enough to guarantee them fifth spot in the division, behind promoted champions Burton, Vauxhall Motors, Lancaster and Worksop.

Former Town striker Phil Starbuck, current player/manager of Nottinghamshire-based Hucknall, did not name himself on the teamsheet, but instead saw a spirited opening from his side.

Lanky Gary Ricketts caused Emley a slight concern early on when he rose between Rob Tonks and Rudi Coleano but headed over the bar.

But Emley demonstrated patience throughout the team, playing the ball on the ground, and allowing Hucknall to do all the chasing without looking like breaking through the solid defensive line of Ryan Crossley, Paul David, Nicky Wood and Coleano.

Emley struck back on 32 minutes when Tonks raced clear down the right, knocked the ball back to Coleano who launched an inch-perfect deep cross into the area for Danny Day to steer it past goalkeeper Ryan Young.

And seven minutes later David launched a big up-and-under which fell kindly to Lincoln Adams. The former reserve team regular, who has been given a decent run in the first team by boss Ronnie Glavin both as a striker and in defence, lobbed keeper Young for the second.

Emley secretary Richard Poulain was called on to run the line in the second half following an injury to referee Wayne McIntosh and had a good view of his side scoring the third to kill off the visitors on 55 minutes.

Adams sent impressive Crossley tearing down the left. He took the ball to the goalline, before skilfully pulling it back for Day to nod home and bag a brace to take his season's goal tally to 24.

But Day, Miles Thorpe and Gary Hatto missed chances to make the scoreline more emphatic.

Result Emley 3 Hucknall 0

Emley: Walker, Nicholson, Crossley, Coleano (Hardy, 84mins), Hatto, David, Day (Ryan, 84mins), Thorpe (Smith, 78mins), Adams, Tonks, Wood.

Hucknall Town: Young, McLarnon, Hollingworth, Wright (Wood, 60mins), Hicks (Grant, 60mins), Griffiths, Prinidville, Cooke, Duerden (Burke, 60mins), Ricketts, Keegan.

Attendance: 192.

Emley v Gateshead 

1st May 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It may have been the penultimate game of the season and the chase for UniBond League honours already decided - but captain Paul David put in an inspirational performance to earn his side a draw and keep Emley in fifth place in the Premier Division.

Emley fought back from a two-goal deficit and a shock fifth minute opener when Paul Antony's wind-assisted shot beat the defensive line and goalkeeper Leigh Walker, on his reappearance at the club from relegated Conference side Stalybridge.

And Gateshead would have gone further ahead after three consecutive corners, but for crucial clearances from David.

Alex Lawson made it 2-0 on 56 minutes, rounding Walker and slotting home from an angle, before Danny Day's powerful header from Simeon Bambrook's corner reduced the deficit on 63 minutes when the game finally sprung to life before experienced Gary Hatto earned the equaliser from close range on 77 minutes.

Result Emley 2 Gateshead 2

Emley: Walker, Hardy, Crossley, Ryan (Adams, 58mins), Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Tonks, Coleano. Subs not used: Smith, Prasher.

Hyde v Emley

27th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Patched-up Emley stormed into a three-goal first-half lead against relegated Hyde - then nearly let three UniBond League points slip.

Industrious striker Lee Ryan netted twice, in the 22nd and 28th minutes, while centre-back Rudi Coleano got the third, heading home a Simeon Bambook corner on 35 minutes to reduce the roar of the Tigers to a whimper!

But Ronnie Glavin's side - including debutant goalkeeper Mick Clark, signed from Ossett Town and in for knee-injury victim Paul Cuss - went to pieces after the interval.

Lee Madin pulled a goal back with a cracking shot into the top corner on 48 minutes.

Then David Nolan reduced the deficit further on 56, with a header which just evaded the outstretched hand of Clark.

Hyde trio Dominic Crookes, Matthew Taylor and Steve Foster missed gilt-edged chances to equalise.

The three-point haul puts Emley fifth before tonight's meeting with Gateshead at Belle Vue, Wakefield (7.45).

Result Hyde 2 Emley 3

Hyde: Lyons, Madin, Taylor, Crookes, Ashwell, Band, Young (Joyce, 45mins), Foster, Evans (Brady, 82mins), Hawton, Nolan (Salmon, 76mins).

Emley: Clark, Nicholson, Crossley, Hardy, Hatto, Adams, Day, Ryan (Prasher, 82mins), Bambrook, Coleano, Manousios (Smith, 82mins). Sub not used: Thorpe.

Referee: Stephen Wilman (Sheffield).

Attendance: 333.

Emley v Doncaster (S&HSC Final at Hillsborough)

24th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Foremer Town striker Paul Barnes might have struggled to make his presence felt at the McAlpine.

But he did the trick for Doncaster as the Sheffield Senior Cup holders condemned Emley to more final misery at Hillsborough last night.

Ronnie Glavin's side routinely make the final of the county competition - this was their fifth successive appearance - but in recent years have struggled to win it (it's now four defeats on the trot).

Doncaster beat them 2-1 in last season's showpiece at Sheffield Wednesday's home.

And while last night's three-goal winning margin was slightly flattering, there's no doubt the Conference club deserved a triumph which came hours after their hopes of regaining the Football League status lost in 1998 were given a boost by the news that a two-up, two down system with Division III is likely to be introduced next season.

After an even first half, UniBond League Emley were hit by a Barnes blitz.

Just a minute after the restart, the 34-year-old, who managed only two goals during his 14-month stint with Town from January 1998, was in the right place at the right time, stooping to head home by Paul Cuss's right-hand post after Andy Watson, reportedly the subject of a £100,000 offer from Stockport, had curled a sweet shot against the inside of the other upright.

And with 55 minutes on the clock, the former Notts County, Stoke, York, Birmingham, Burnley and Bury man notched his second, glancing home into the same area of the Kop end net after Barry Miller headed a half-cleared Paul Green corner back into the danger zone.

That meant Doncaster were well in command by the time Barnes' frontline partner Robert Gill, a former Nottingham Forest trainee, notched the third in the 67th minute with a 20-yard shot which took a deflection and left Cuss stranded.

Emley, operating with skipper Steve Nicholson in midfield rather than at right-back, had started strongly, and Danny Day will have been disappointed at his failure to notch in the 14th minute.

The 19-goal top scorer had time and space after Gary Hatto squared Simeon Bambrook's deep cross from the right, but miscued with Doncaster goalkeeper Lee Butler stranded.

Bambrook had a 24th-minute free-kick effort blocked after being felled by Ricky Ravenhill, while it was a shame no teammate was present to take advantage of a teasing 36th-minute ball across the face of the goal from Rob Tonks, who worked hard on the right flank.

In the second half, Day was unlucky not to count when he stretched to connect with a cross by Bambrook, who then tested Butler with a low drive.

Results: Emley 0 Doncaster 3

MATCH FACTS

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Coleano, Hatto (Smith, 76mins), David, Day (Ryan, 62mins), Thorpe (Reynolds, 60mins), Bambrook, Tonks, Wood.

Doncaster: Butler, Price, Sandwith, Ravenhill, Miller, Futcher, Watson (Paterson, 68mins), Green (Owen, 79mins), Barnes, Gill, Whitman (Tierney, 79mins).

Referee: Nigel Bannister (Goole).

Bookings: Thorpe (Emley) 60mins.

Scorers: Doncaster: Barnes 46 and 55mins, Gill 67mins.

Attendance: 973.

Altrincham v Emley

22nd April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

For the second successive season, Emley completed the League double over Cheshire rivals Altrincham.

Patience paid off for Ronnie Glavin's outfit - ahead of tomorrow's Sheffield Cup final appearance against Doncaster (Hillsborough, 7.00) - when they soaked up first-half pressure, but they then presented The Robins with a bizarre opener on 54 minutes.

Emley goalkeeper Paul Cuss played the ball out to Nicky Wood, who sent him the return at 90mph!

It seemed to be going wide until Cuss had doubts and performed a poor Scorpion-kick, directing the ball into the back of his own net, much to the bemusement of watching Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville in the 452 crowd. Neville was supporting friend and United masseur Rod Thornley, brother of former Town man Ben.

But on 70 minutes, Steve Smith conjured up a sweet equaliser from nothing, when he unleashed a cracking 20-yard shot which screamed past the Altrincham defence and stunned keeper Stuart Coburn.

And the winner, one minute from time, was another Simeon Bambrook classic free kick when he let rip with a powerful left foot drive to leave Coburn no chance.

Result Altrincham 1 Emley 2

Altrincham: Coburn, Rowland, Ryan, Scott, Sertori, Daniel (Poland, 83mins), Hulme, Craney, Strange, Thornley, Murphy (Thompson, 77mins). Sub not used: Maddox.

Emley: Cuss, Robinson (Crossley, 26mins), Jones (Smith, 65mins), Adams, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Ryan, Wood. Sub not used: Nicholson.

Referee: Carl Evans (Worsley, Manchester).

Emley v Renishaw Juniors S&HSC Semi)

20th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Delighted central defender Nicky Wood bagged a brace to send Emley storming to their fifth consecutive Sheffield Senior Cup final appearance.

They will take on high-flying Nationwide Conference club Doncaster Rovers at Hillsborough on Wednesday (7.00) in a re-run of last year's final which ended in a 2-1 defeat for Ronnie Glavin's side.

Classy defender Wood scored his first goal of the season on three minutes when Michael Reynolds' cross was missed by Danny Day allowing Wood a free header from close range.

And the stocky but powerful defender doubled his tally for the season late in stoppage time at the end of the match with a neat sidefoot shot into the bottom corner.

His goal, and Emley's fourth, meant that Woody had gone one better than last season's goal tally of one - scored at home to Gateshead - and boy did he enjoy it as he leapt and skipped back into position for the restart!

Renishaw, from Division II of the Sheffield County Senior League, were put under the cosh by a strong Emley side fielded by boss Glavin with only Daniel Gibbons squandering a couple of half chances for the visitors.

Day made it 2-0 on 34 minutes, thanks to great determination and skill from Steve Smith who put in a tantalising cross from the goalline, after beating two defenders, for Day to simply nod it past goalkeeper Jonathan Griffiths.

But, in what is becoming a familiar trait, Emley failed to kill off the visitors.

Rob Tonks, Lee Ryan, Gary Hatto and Day squandered numerous chances while keeper Griffiths pulled off occasional great, if a bit unorthodox, saves.

Substitute Richard Riley, popular with the away support, made it 2-1 on 74 minutes appearing yards offside, but he kept going past the hesitating Emley defence and put the ball past keeper Paul Cuss.

Rudi Coleano believed he had performed heroics to clear it off the line but the goal was given.

It was just the spur they needed, and they rushed and hurried Emley with renewed enthusiasm.

Unfortunately, that occasionally bubbled over to become indiscipline and Darren Adams fell foul of that to be sent off for two bookables two minutes from time.

But just when you are edging back into the contest the last thing you need is for your keeper to become a clown - and when Griffiths decided to give the crowd an impression of Manchester United's Fabien Barthez, he was beaten to the ball by Tonks who squared it for Miles Thorpe to make it 3-1 on 84 minutes before Wood rounded it off in the closing seconds.

Result Emley 4 Renishaw 1

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Smith (Adams, 85mins), Coleano, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Ryan, Reynolds (Hardy, 65mins), Wood. Sub not used: Bambrook.

Renishaw: Griffiths, Clayton (Fletcher, 45mins), Bull, Matthews, Carr, Marshall, Thompson (Alberry, 45mins), B Gibbons, Adams, D Gibbons, Hartley (Riley, 64mins).

Colwyn Bay v Emley

17th April 2002 By  The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Lowly Colwyn Bay stunned Emley last night when they overturned the form book to pull off a shock 1-0 home victory.

Former Altrincham player Carl Furlong - signed just before the transfer deadline and making his debut - netted the only goal of the game in the 24th minute to condemn Ronnie Glavin's side their 13th UniBond League Premier Division defeat of the season.

Colin Caton's North Wales side - who had gone 11 games without a win before Saturday's 2-1 victory at home to Gainsborough - notched their second successive win but still remain in 21st place, 21pts behind seventh-placed Emley and just one position above the drop zone.

Result Colwyn Bay 1 Emley 0

Emley v Burscough

15th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Striker Simeon Bambrook bagged a superb hat trick to launch Emley back to sixth in the UniBond League Premier Division.

And his three-goal chalk was a stark reminder to supporters of the finishing talent that has been sadly lacking throughout the season as the Leeds-based fireman's campaign has been blighted by a niggling groin injury.

It was a job well done for Ronnie Glavin's side against the 17th-placed Lancashire outfit and Bambrook gave Emley the lead on 10 minutes from a counter attack after Michael Reynolds had sent him racing clear and he unleashed a characteristic left-foot drive past goalkeeper Matty Taylor inside the far post.

Striker Lee Ryan returned from his 14-day suspension while Nicky Wood and Steve Nicholson maintained their midfield roles with the absence of injured quartet Miles Thorpe, Rob Tonks, Andy Wilson and Danny Day.

Emley kept their football tidy and direct while Burscough were left to chase the game, their best chances coming after Bambrook's second strike but Cuss was hardly threatened.

It was 2-0 on 73 minutes when keeper Taylor came out of his area to challenge Bambrook who looked up, saw three defenders between him and the goal, and hoisted it over the lot of them into the back of the net.

And Bambrook wrapped it up in stoppage time when he was sent clear before showing a cool head and keen eye to become only Emley's second hat trick scorer this season after three were notched by Day against Hucknall back in November.

Result Emley 3 Burscough 0

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Robinson, Hatto (Prasher, 71mins), David, Coleano, Ryan (Adams, 86mins), Bambrook, Reynolds (Smith, 82mins), Wood.

Referee: Allan Rawcliffe (Manchester).

Attendance: 171.

Accrington Stanley v Emley

13th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Gallant Emley defied the odds to pull off a shock UniBond League victory at high-flying Accrington - despite having Nicky Wood sent off for foul and abusive language in the 57th minute.

With striker Micky Norbury unavailable and midfielder Andy Wilson out for the rest of the season with a knee problem, injuries to versatile Rob Tonks and 18-goal top scorer Danny Day forced further changes.

More than a few eyebrows were raised when centre-back Wood lined up in midfield alongside captain Steve Nicholson, with manager Ronnie Glavin selecting a back four of Ryan Crossley, Paul David, Rudi Coleano and Paul Robinson.

Lincoln Adams, who played at centre-back in last week's 2-0 win over Blyth, moved up to centre-forward, and his 13th-minute strike proved to be the winner against third-placed Stanley.

Frontline partner Simeon Bambrook provided the pass and the gangly Adams, who has been a regular in the Reserves this season, took advantage of hesitation in the home defence to beat Jonathan Smith and fire an angled shot past goalkeeper Jamie Speare for his first senior goal.

Accrington, unbeaten in their previous eight UniBond League outings, were curiously lacklustre and the finishing of hot-shots Paul Mullin, Simon Carden and Russell Payne was, fortunately for Glavin's side, diabolical.

Only Smith came close, but confident goalkeeper Paul Cuss spectacularly palmed his 70th-minute shot away.

Emley are back in action tonight when they take on Burscough at Belle Vue, Wakefield (7.45).

Result Accrington 0 Emley 1

Accrington: Speare, Cavanagh, Hart, Halford, Smith, Burns, Payne, Robinson (Proctor, 68mins), Williams (Flitcroft, 68mins), Mullin (Buggie, 55mins), Carden.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Robinson, Hatto, David, Coleano, Adams, Bambrook, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Smith, Prasher, Thorpe.

Referee: Jim Waring (Bolton).

Attendance: 511.

Emley v Blyth Spartans (Final Unibond League game at Welfare Ground)

10th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Both sides were reduced to 10 men and Blyth's management duo sent to the Welfare Ground stand as this UniBond League end-of-season contest turned feisty.

First to go was Emley striker Micky Norbury, on as half-time replacement for two-goal hero Danny Day.

He barely broke sweat before he was back in the changing rooms in the 57th minute after foul and abusive language.

Manchester referee Paul Kershaw evened numbers after 77 minutes when Blyth's Richard Forster sent Gary Hatto sprawling and received his second caution.

And 10 minutes later, Netherton-based linesman Paul Dean called the referee over after remarks made by Blyth boss John Charlton and his assistant, who were sent from the dug-out.

The dismissals overshadowed a respectable display by Ronnie Glavin's side after he had gambled by leaving out centre-back pairing Paul David and Nicky Wood.

Both are one booking off a suspension which would include the club's possible Sheffield Senior Cup final appearance on April 24.

Emley went ahead in the 24th minute when a thundering 30-yard drive by Simeon Bambrook beat goalkeeper Paul Gilmore only to crash off the bar for Day to head home.

Blyth levelled three minutes later with a scrappy effort in the six-yard box, David McMahon claiming a goal which appeared to have gone in off Day.

The striker responded in the 38th minute when he (Day) chalked up his 18th goal of the season, slotting home a shot from Bambrook's square pass.

A crowd of 124 saw a win which left Emley eighth.

Result Emley 2 Blyth 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, R Robinson, Hatto, P Robinson, Day (Norbury, 45mins), Thorpe (Reynolds, 45mins), Bambrook, Tonks (Hardy, 71mins), Adams

Emley v Whitby Town

8th April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emle must enjoy trips to the seaside!

They have just presented six gift-wrapped points to Whitby in consecutive matches, while Harry Dunn's side also picked up three points with a win against Marine on Saturday.

And the tally could just be enough to ensure Whitby's survival in the top flight of the UniBond League next season - and guarantee Emley another trip to the East Coast.

A second half brace by pacy striker, substitute Lee Ure, was enough to see off goal-shy Emley, and his goals were punctuated by the harsh 74th-minute dismissal of defender Rudi Coleano, in for the absent Ryan Crossley, for two supposedly bookable offences.

Emley fielded a stronger side than that which was trounced 4-1 at Whitby last week and they managed to restore a little fluidity through the side.

But worryingly, they seem unable to score goals and, more worryingly still, they don't look like doing so!

Rob Tonks scuffed a half chance straight at goalkeeper Phil Naisbett on 13 minutes while Danny Day and Micky Norbury could not make the ball run for them which provided easy clearing practise for the Whitby defence.

But the Emley back line did contain a vibrant Whitby side and with both sides producing slack final passes, it lead to a frustrating visual contest for the 216 supporters.

Former Scarborough player Alex Gildea forced a good save, low by the left post from keeper Paul Cuss, who then recovered quickly to block at Craig Skelton's feet on 52 minutes.

And 10 minutes later Skelton produced the best from Cuss when his floating shot was just dipping under the bar until the former Town reserve team keeper rose magnificently to tip it over.

Then, seconds after receiving treatment after a foul by Gary Hatto, substitute Ure raced clear of the pack, drew the keeper and slotted the opener inside the far post.

And his second, two minutes from time was a beauty, lobbing Cuss (who had wandered off his line) with a 30 yard shot to secure the double over Glavin's apathetic side.

Result Emley 0 Whitby 2

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Coleano, Tonks, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Robinson, Manousios, Higgins.

Whitby: Naisbett, Williams, Gildea, Graham, Dixon (Wilford, 45mins), Rand, Key, Veart, Wood (Ure, 61mins), Skelton, Dunning. Sub not used: Anderson.

Referee: Andrew Hogg (Sheffield).

Attendance: 216.

* In stark contrast to the first team, Emley Reserves, managed by Ray Dennis and Nicky Bramald, continue their remarkable unbeaten Northern Counties East League Reserve Division campaign at the Welfare Ground tonight (7.45).

The team require just one point from tonight's match against Farsley Celtic to secure the title.

Whitby Town v Emley

3rd April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Whitby, the town that gave refuge to Count Dracula, provided 90 minutes of pure UniBond League horror for Emley.

Ronnie Glavin's side, 14 places and 20 points ahead before the match, were destroyed within the first 24 minutes by a home team fighting for Premier Division survival.

Emley did have six experienced first teamers missing, but this was still a poor performance.

Just two minutes had gone when Ian Williams headed a through ball from midfield down the left wing.

Craig Skelton took possession, noticed goalkeeper Graham McLachlan off his line, and picked his spot.

Six minutes later, McLachlan, who also plays for Brackenhall and was making his UniBond debut after a number of appearances for Emley Reserves, was caught out as Alex Gildea eased through and slotted home.

Then, on 13 minutes, Gildea crossed for Whitby skipper Graham Robinson to loop home a header.

And worse was to follow when Richard Dunning unleashed a great angled strike into the top corner to make 4-0.

The only Emley positve arrived on 34 minutes when midfielder Miles Thorpe pulled a goal back when he headed home from a teasing corner by Alex Higgins.

The second half was forgettable, and the fact that Emley did not concede further goals was only down to poor finishing by Skelton, Craig Veart and Robinson.

Glavin's side never really troubled the home defence again and hardly looked like a team eager to claim top-five finish.

Whether it be tiredness or apathy, there can be no excuses for such a poor performance form a side who came within an ace of promotion to the Conference last season.

Glavin admitted: "It was an appalling displsy. Most of the players looked as if they'd left their heads on the team bus.

"There was one team that wanted to win and it wasn't us.

"Whitby got their goals early and it killed us off."

Emley, who don't have a match on Saturday, will aim to regain some pride on Monday when they host Whitby in a quick return match.

Result Whitby 4 Emley 1

Whitby: Nesbitt, I Williams, Rennison, Wilford, Graham, G Williams, Dunning, Veart, Robinson, Skelton (Ure, 80mins), Gildea. Subs not used: Key, Jewell.

Emley: McLachlan, Nicholson, Tonks, Robinson (Manousios, 80mins), Adams, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Higgins (Reynolds, 45mins), Wood. Sub not used: Hardy.

Attendance: 288.

Frickley Athletic v Emley

1st April 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Leading marksman Danny Day struck for the 16th time this season to salvage a UniBond League derby point for Emley.

Ronnie Glavin's side have lost just once in 13 League games, but four of the last five have been drawn, and their inability to collect all three points is undermining hopes of a top-five finish.

The seventh-placed Belle Vue side at least have an early chance of sharpening up their act, since they visit Whitby tomorrow (7.45).

New arrival Alex Higgins could play his second game.

Although he took time to settle, the England Under 18 cap, signed from Sheffield Wednesday, did enough to suggest he could be a promising addition to the squad.

There was also a squad recall for popular defender Simon Jones, as cover for Gary Hatto, while Ryan Robinson kept his midfield berth in place of knee injury victim Andy Wilson.

Much-travelled Leroy Chambers tested the Emley defence but was eventually smothered by Nicky Wood, Paul David and Ryan Crossley.

Meanwhile Glavin's frontline duo Day and Simeon Bambrook squandered the best of the first-half chances.

A dour game finally came to life in the 49th minute.

Frickley substitute Pete Myers had only been on the pitch for two minutes when he put the home side ahead with his first touch.

Former Emley winger Rory Prendergast got past Steve Nicholson, and his cross left the defence trailing for Myers to slot past goalkeeper Paul Cuss.

Frickley had themselves to blame for the 71st minute equaliser, failing to cover when Higgins released Bambrook down the left.

He squared the ball for Day to power a shot past goalkeeper Mark Wilkinson.

Emley's appeal for a penalty when Miles Thorpe went down in the box after an apparent shove late on were waved away.

Result Frickley 1 Emley 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Robinson, Tonks, David, Day, Thorpe, Bambrook, Higgins (Reynolds, 72mins), Wood. Subs not used: Jones, Coleano.          

Attendance: 302

Emley v Worksop Town

29th March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Striker Simeon Bambrook proved deadly from the spot to earn Emley a draw at Belle Vue last night.

Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Gavin Smith had given Paul Mitchell's Tigers the lead on 70 minutes but they were soon tamed three minutes later when Brian Linnighan handled in the area to present Bambrook with a golden chance to level.

It was Bambrook's second successful penalty conversion against Worksop at Belle Vue after scoring from the spot in last season's 5-3 thriller.

It was also the second penalty in consecutive matches for Ronnie Glavin's side which has earned them four points and seen them move up two places to seventh, albeit briefly before today's full Premier Division schedule.

The point also enough for Worksop to leapfrog Lancaster into second place - their highest position of the season.

Although last night's match didn't fall into the thriller category for 465 fans, it was certainly frenetic with both sides having chances to take all three points.

Micky Norbury's header struck a post from a tremendous ball from skipper Steve Nicholson after only 90 seconds while, after a brief game of head tennis involving Norbury and Paul David, Nicky Wood's final header was cleared off the line by Ryan Davis who had an inventive and inspirational match for Worksop.

With centre-back David making another outstanding aerial contribution in defence he went close at the other end from Gary Hatto's free kick on 24 minutes but it was turned away for a corner.

But after soaking up early Emley pressure, Worksop looked dangerous, Linden Whitehead stealing in at the post on the half hour but poking his shot wide, while the Emley defence became edgy.

Defender Wood provided heroics to keep it goalless at the break when he turned the ball past the far post from Whitehead's shot but stretched a hamstring doing so and could be doubtful for Monday's match at Frickley (3.00).

After substitutions midway through the second half, Emley fielded their strongest attacking line of the season with Michael Reynolds, Bambrook, Day and Norbury all present on the pitch. But between them they couldn't carve out a winner with Rob Tonks going desperately close from Miles Thorpe's through ball before slicing it over the bar after beating three defenders, two minutes from time.

Result Emley 1 Worksop 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Robinson (Tonks, 68mins), Hatto (Day, 68mins) David, Bambrook, Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds, Wood (Coleano, 45mins)

Lancaster City v Emley

26th March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

It's taken a long time coming, but Emley notched up their first UniBond League double of the season with a close victory against high-flying Lancaster last night.

A Gary Hatto penalty on 60 minutes separated the sides after 25-goal hot-shot Andy Whittaker had seen his first-half stoppage time spot kick saved excellently low to the right post by Paul Cuss after Nicky Wood was judged to have brought down the League's leading striker.

Tony Hesketh's outfit were determined to avenge their 2-1 defeat at Belle Vue in November, but they had not banked on the admirably spirited display by Ronnie Glavin's side who still remain focused on closing the gap on the leading pack.

After weathering 20 minutes of pressure Emley hit back on 28 minutes when Simeon Bambrook's right wing cross was left by Danny Day for livewire Michael Reynolds on the overlap but he scuffed the shot, bumbling the ball into relieved goalkeeper Mark Thornley.

Earlier, Cuss had denied skilful striker Brian Welch when he saved a 20-yard free kick from which Whittaker pushed the rebound over and Wood blocked a previous volley by Welch inside the six yard box.

Impressive work was shown by captain Steve Nicholson and Reynolds while midfielder Miles Thorpe unsettled the home side and Wood, Paul David and Ryan Crossley remained mean at the back especially when Farrell Kilbane, who is strong in the air, pushed forward in the final 10 minutes to record their seventh clean sheet of the season.

Dolly Blues skipper Kenny Mayers was lucky to stay on the field on 62 minutes after clearly stamping on Reynolds in front of the away dug-out but referee Keith Lawton deemed it only a bookable offence.

And Lancaster, who looked very susceptible at the back, should have been made to pay on 85 minutes when Bambrook sliced a golden chance past the post with the goal at his mercy, while Norbury fluffed two chances in the final 10 minutes, both trundling weakly into the keeper after good ground-work.

"It was a tale of two penalties really," said satisfied boss Glavin afterwards. "Cussy makes a great save just before the break while Hatto tucked away a great strike.

"After initially taking the sting out of them I thought we defended reasonably well. They had a lot of possession without really getting behind us and they couldn't cope with the pace of Reynolds."

Result Lancaster 0 Emley 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Robinson, Hatto, David, Day (Norbury, 73mins), Thorpe, Bambrook, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Ryan, Coleano.

Emley v Marine (at Welfare Ground)      First Unibond League game at Emley since May 2000

23rd March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley returned to their former village home, but the Welfare Ground did not provide happy hunting.

The game was switched from Belle Vue because rugby league landlords Wakefield hosted Salford in a televised Super League clash on Saturday.

And while the Wildcats picked up a win, Emley could only take a point, although there was no shortage of goals for the 247 who turned out (83 down on the average over in Wakefield).

Home efforts by Andy Wilson, Michael Reynolds and Danny Day were cancelled out by Richie Townsend (2) and Steve Rimmer.

Ronnie Glavin's side could and should have had the match sewn up, but opportunities went begging while the Liverpool team were gift-wrapped all their goals.

The first came in the 12th minute when Emley skipper Steve Nicholson launched a backpass to goalkeeper Paul Cuss, who asked Rotherham referee Michael Bell if he could pick it up.

After appearing to receive the go-ahead, the referee promptly awarded a free-kick from which Townsend cracked the rebound into the top corner.

Despite all their possession, Emley had to wait 20 minutes before Wilson, who had earlier hit the post from 25 yards, netted with a diving header from Gary Hatto's cross.

In the 42nd minute, Day lobbed over after Miles Thorpe's sliced effort fell perfectly into his path.

Nicholson had his heart in his mouth early in the second half when his clearance squirmed fortunately past his own post.

But teammate Nicky Wood was not as lucky when he slipped up on 55 minutes, being caught in possession by Mick Douglas, who freed Townsend to race clear and net his second.

After the introduction of Simeon Bambrook in the 56th minute, Emley showed renewed vigour and when he chased down an apparant lost cause, Reynolds drove home low for the leveller.

Bambrook again played a key role when Emley went in front for the first time in the match in the 66th minute.

After beating three men in the penalty box, he was forced out wide, but allowed the alert Day to steal it off his toes and notch his 15th goal of the season.

Marine weren't finished, however, and Rimmer levelled on 73 minutes despite a valiant clearance effort by Day.

"It was a poor all round team performance," admitted disgruntled manager Ronnie Glavin, whose ninth-placed side visit Lancaster tomorrow.

"The game was a bit flat and a bit low key.

"They got a couple of breaks then made life tough for us."

Result Emley 3 Marine 3

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto (Tonks, 74mins), David, Day, Thorpe, Ryan (Bambrook, 56mins), Reynolds, Wood. Sub not used: Coleano

Barrow v Emley

16th March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

To take advantage of an old cliche, this was certainly a game of two halves!

Emley, who could go sixth with a victory over Whitby Town at Belle Vue tonight (7.45), took the lead on 23 minutes through Lee Ryan and it was just reward for a bright start from Ronnie Glavin's side at a hostile Holker Street.

Gary Hatto cut in from the left to supply Danny Day on the edge of the area, his flick on split the Barrow defence causing confusion between defenders Simon Shaw and Lee Warren which allowed Ryan to notch his third goal of the season for the senior side.

But, yet again, Emley were found wanting in the second half against 10-men after Barrow's Shaw was dismissed on 43 minutes for two bookable offences.

The extra-man advantage was not noticeable, indeed The Bluebirds fought their way back into the contest with such enthusiasm that they appeared to be playing with 12-men.

And when pedantic referee David Redhead followed his assistant's instructions to award Barrow a penalty on 65 minutes, impressive Wayne Bullimore duly converted.

In a poor game where the agitation from the players rubbed off onto the crowd, Emley's best chances came from set pieces, Nicky Wood heading straight at goalkeeper Simon Bishop from a Hatto corner on 20 minutes, while a tremendous interception from centre-back Wood on 37 minutes from Carl Waters prevented the striker having a clear run on goal.

Substitute Gareth Jones took advantage of sloppy Emley passing to steal a march on goal on 77 minutes but his shot was blocked by Ryan Crossley and the rebound struck wide by Graham Anthony.

Disappointed Glavin said: "I thought we should have taken three points and it was one of the softest penalties I have ever seen.

"We had plenty of opportunities to get another goal in the first half.

"But we gave the ball away far too cheaply in the second and did not work hard enough off the ball."

Result Barrow 1 Emley 1

Barrow: Bishop, Shaw, Maxfield, Warren, Hall, Anthony, Housham, Gaughan, Waters (Jones, 54mins), Bullimore, Holt. Subs not used: Hill, Gill.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Thorpe, Ryan, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Coleano, Robinson.

Referee: D Redhead (St Helens).

Attendance: 936.

Burton Albion v Emley

12th March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley president Peter Maude presented Burton with the UniBond League Club of the Month Award for February and Albion ensured that the celebrations continued as they maintained their impres- sive unbeaten home record.

Alan Bailey had put Nigel Clough's outfit ahead after only six minutes before Danny Day notched his 14th goal of the season, with the equaliser three minutes after the break.

But 10 minutes later the unfortunate Ryan Crossley handed Burton the victory on a plate.

The Brewers began on a roll and hit Ronnie Glavin's side with a series of early sucker punches to leave Emley punch drunk.

Captain Darren Stride dinked the ball over the bar from close range on three minutes before Aaron Webster played a tremendous ball through to Bailey who set off on a charge from the halfway line, stumbled but regained his composure, to drill it past Paul Cuss.

Burton broke as a unit creating plenty of options in attack but when Emley finally found their feet to contain Albion, they were not potent enough up front.

But just after the break Emley did find their goal touch.

Miles Thorpe sent a probing ball into the box for Micky Norbury on 48 minutes, his knock down was saved well by Matt Duke but only as far as Day who hooked the ball over his head to level from close range.

During an evenly-matched second period Emley pressed the self-destruct button on 58 minutes when Paul Talbot fed Steve Evans down the right, he got round Gary Hatto and his shot across the six yard box was stabbed home by Crossley inside the left post to leave Cuss perplexed.

Result Burton 2 Emley 1

Burton Albion: Duke, Hoyle, Webster, Glasser, Blount, Bailey (Moore, 54mins), Stride, Talbot (Anderson, 70mins), Evans, Clough, Henshaw. Sub not used: Kavanagh.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Ryan, 78mins), Thorpe, Norbury, Tonks (Reynolds, 72mins), Wood. Sub not used: Coleano.

Referee: S D Pickavance (Rotherham).

Attendance: 1,533.

Emley v Elm Tree (S&HSC 3rd Round)

5th March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Matches like these often provide Emley with a no win situation!

Against a team from a minor league, Emley are the hot favourites waiting to be shot down.

Victory is expected, but not guaranteed, and lowly teams are always capable of being a potential banana skin.

But goals in either half from Rudi Coleano and Lee Ryan ensured Emley's safe semi-final passage at the Welfare Ground and, as their superior fitness told late on in the tie, the result should have been far more emphatic.

Sheffield-based Elm Tree, who were only formed 20 years ago, are currently five points clear at the top of Division II in the County Senior League.

And Emley assistant boss Jimmy Martin said: "We had heard reports that they were a kicking team, but instead they were a strong, fair, yet competitive side and at times gave us something to think about.

"We knew if we went a goal down then it would be a tough contest, the wind proved to be a great leveller, and we realised that for them it was their cup final.

"But I thought we did a good professional job. While they hurried and chased everything down we played the ball around well and I thought we were very comfortable winners at the end."

Reserve team hot shot Nick Manousios came close with a 23rd minute downward header forcing goalkeeper Dale Beech to scramble it round a post and a minute later resilient Elm Tree had the ball in the back of the net through Gary Towers but he was clearly offside when Tony McKernon played the ball forward.

On 40 minutes Danny Marsland forced former Brackenhall United and reserve team regular keeper Graham McLachlan to turn the ball acrobatically over the bar from a 20 yard dipping drive, before Rob Tonks' corner fell out to Gary Hatto who supplied a telling cross for Coleano to nod in from close range on 42 minutes.

The blend of experienced first team regulars with enthusiastic reserves proved a successful combination and Emley doubled their tally on 73 minutes when Steve Nicholson sent Lee Ryan racing clear and he showed a cool head and clinical finish to round the keeper before sidefooting it home.

Danny Day missed four good chances to make the scoreline more emphatic but will be looking to join Micky Norbury at the top of the goalscoring charts in Saturday's trip to Colwyn Bay.

Result Emley 2 Elm Tree 0

Emley: McLachlan, Nicholson, Adams, Wilson (Wood, 82mins), Hatto, Coleano, Tonks, Robinson, Manousios (Day, 45mins), Ryan (Thorpe, 88mins), Hardy.

Elm Tree: Beech, Skates, Evans, Crownshaw, Sude (Cartwright, 76mins), Hannard, Towers (Watt, 83mins), Connor, McKernon (Price, 68mins), Clayton, Marsland.

Referee: Alvin Dale (Balby, Doncaster)

Attendance: 167.

Emley v Vauxhall Motors

2nd March 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

There may have been an element of luck, but Micky Norbury won't be complaining about his 14th goal of the season.

Norbury's strike on 23 minutes floated over goalkeeper Chris Holmes, dipping under the bar at the last second, to hand Ronnie Glavin's side the lead in this important top-six clash.

Both teams were level on points going into the contest but hot-shot Terry Fearns rescued a point for Alvin McDonald's Wirral-based side in the 59th minute when he rode three challenges before cutting into the six yard box and firing his angled drive past keeper Paul Cuss.

The draw slipped Emley back into seventh place in the UniBond League Premier Division but they are part of a quartet with 49 points.

But this was definitely a case of two points dropped.

Victory would have seen Emley rise to fourth, so to extend their unbeaten home run to 10 was small solace.

Danny Day should have hit the target just before the equaliser after running onto a well-weighted through ball by Norbury, but he shot wide.

And six minutes later the Motormen were relieved when substitute Michael Reynolds appeared to be upended by Spellman in the box, but referee Karl Evans awarded a free kick yards outside the area.

Former Wigan Athletic striker Fearns could have had a second on 72 minutes after great work by substitute Peter Cuminsky but blazed it over, while right at the death Day fluffed a great chance to steal a last gasp winner for Emley in their second consecutive match, after Reynolds' cross was struck by Norbury, the ball ricocheted out to Day but he put it over the bar.

Result Emley 1 Vauxhall 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Tonks (Wilson, 68mins), Hatto (Reynolds, 62mins), Coleano, Day, Thorpe, Norbury, Bambrook, Wood. Sub not used: Ryan.

Vauxhall Motors: Holmes, Spellman, Thompson (McDermott, 83mins), Brazier, Haddrell, Lynch, Lawton, Aspinall, Fearns, Young, Wright (Cuminsky, 70mins). Sub not used: Nesbitt.

Referee: Karl Evans (Manchester).

Attendance: 231.

Gainsborough Trinity v Emley

25th February 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Inspired substitution or just good luck, call it what you will, but Emley were due for a bit of better fortune this season.

So when 19-year-old on-loan signing Andy Lee popped up with a last-gasp strike it was just reward for a superb display by Ronnie Glavin's men who completed their first League double after a 2-1 win over Trinity in the first home match of the season, and notched up their sixth consecutive League win.

Lee, from Bradford City, had only been on the field two minutes when captain Steve Nicholson hooked a deep ball in from the right which fell kindly to the skilful winger on the far side.

He drove it goalward through a melee of players, including former Emley midfielder Chris Hurst now plying his trade at Northolme and, with poacher Danny Day on hand to make sure the ball crossed the line, Gainsborough had no chance of a reply.

Straight from the kick off referee Carl Boyeson signalled it was over.

The win hoists Emley up to sixth place in the UniBond League Premier Division, level on 48 points with Vauxhall Motors, who Emley host in a key test at Belle Vue on Saturday.

Conditions were mild and dry in north Lincolnshire and despite earlier rain forcing a pitch inspection in the afternoon, the match was never in doubt.

Last season's leading striker Simeon Bambrook - making a rare appearance this season as he waits for a groin operation - opened the scoring on 40 minutes, Gary Hatto showing nifty footwork to feed the ball through to the Leeds-based fireman, who set the match alight with a clinical execution past former Stalybridge Celtic goalkeeper Gary Ingham.

But Liam Watson's Gainsborough side hit back within a minute when Phil Brown seized his chance to power an accurate shot past keeper Paul Cuss.

Bambrook, who completed 90 minutes in a lively encounter, gave a glimpse of what supporters have been missing for most of the season with a flurry of ideas, runs off the ball, strong hold-up play and neat touches.

He should have been rewarded earlier when he picked himself up from a crunching tackle by Joby Gowshall to cannon the 25-yard shot off the crossbar.

Former Trinity player Micky Norbury enjoyed a bruising tussle with Gowshall and Andy Stanhope, but as tempers threatened to boil over after the 60th minute booking of Nicky Wood, Norbury was instantly substituted by Glavin, more for his protection, than his performance.

The 13-goal striker had gone close on 15 minutes curling a shot around Ingham which struck the bottom of the post while centreback and captain Neil Allison nearly gifted Emley an earlier winner when he fluffed an attempted clearance, slicing it behind him onto the left post.

Result Gainsborough 1 Emley 2

Gainsborough: Ingham, La Rocca (Pettit, 85mins), Hall, Hurst, Allison, Gowshall, D Brown, Kearns (Reed, 58mins), P Brown, Williams, Stanhope. Sub not used: Archer.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Tonks, Hatto (Lee, 88mins), Coleano, Day, Thorpe, Norbury (Ryan, 66mins), Bambrook, Wood. Sub not used: Reynolds.

Referee: Carl Boyeson (Hull).

Attendance: 278.

Emley v Runcorn

23rd February 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Micky Norbury slammed home his 13th goal of the season to go joint top of the Emley scoring chart with Danny Day.

More importantly, his 49th-minute strike was enough to cement Emley's ninth consecutive home UniBond League win and lift Ronnie Glavin's side to eighth ahead of tonight's trip to Gainsborough, where kick-off is 7.45.

Emley were without centrebacks Nicky Wood and Paul David because of suspensions, but former Town Reserves player Ryan Crossley produced a commanding performance alongside Rudi Coleano.

And with terrier-like Andy Wilson producing a barnstorming midfield display, hard-working Emley never allowed 10th-placed Runcorn to settle.

Norbury's strike was the only highlight of a dour game where atttractive football was hampered by a strong, swirling wind.

Visiting goalkeeper Tony McMillan did well to block Rob Tonks' shot, but became stranded, leaving Norbury free to drive home.

Day had come close to scoring in the second minute, when Coleano hit a good ball out wide to Steve Nicholson, whose cross from the right wing was well placed.

But Day set the pattern for the day when he misjudged the windy conditions and headed over the bar.

Runcorn's best spell followed Emley's goal.

Victory for Liam Watson's side would have taken them above Emley, and they came close to an equaliser on 58 minutes.

Kevin Leadbetter picked out former Stalybridge striker Matthew McNeil, who snatched at his shot and put the ball wide of the far post.

On 63 minutes, Runcorn opted for route one, goalkeeper McMillan launching a long ball for Gary Lunt to chase.

Emley goalkeper Paul Cuss read the danger and came out to block.

The Belle Vue side were left to thank Cuss once again when he blocked McNeil's shot on the turn late on.

Gainsborough dropped to 13th after going down 1-0 at struggling Bamber Bridge on Saturday.

Result Emley 1 Runcorn 0

MATCH FACTS

Emley:Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson (Bambrook, 78mins), Hatto, Coleano, Day (Ryan, 65mins), Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds (Lee, 82mins), Tonks.

Runcorn: McMillan, Carragher, Ness, Baines, Tomlinson, McNally, Lunt (Cowley, 71mins), Morley, McNeil, Gamble, Leadbetter.

Attendance: 227.

Emley v Bradford PA

9th February 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Micky Norbury notched his 12th goal of the season to earn Emley victory in this typical cut-and-thrust derby.

It was an eighth home Premier Division victory in a row for Ronnie Glavin's side, who have the chance to climb from seventh to fifth by stretching the sequence at the expense of Gateshead tonight (7.45).

At Belle Vue on Saturday, individual battles threatened to disrupt a contest which sprang to life after Norbury netted in the 28th minute.

His strike partner Lee Ryan was challenged by Wayne Benn on the edge of the area, the ball spun out and Norbury let rip with a cracking left-foot drive which left Avenue goalkeeper Rob Montgomery grasping thin air.

Miles Thorpe and Andy Wilson marshalled the midfield and while Glavin's side played the better football, an Avenue team including Emley old boys Mick Thompson and Dean Calcutt were only too happy to mix it.

On 52 minutes Mark Hancock's deep cross from the right was met by Jason Maxwell, whose header spun off the bar.

Calcutt played an integral part in the Avenue resurgence which followed.

His telling cross set up Lee Potter on 62 minutes. As the ball came across Rudi Coleano - replacing Paul David, who was starting a five-match ban - slipped, and Potter's side-foot chance from close range was blocked by Paul Cuss.

On 76 minutes another surging left-wing run by Calcutt caused Emley problems but defensive stalwart Nicky Wood was fortunate when his sliced clearance spun to safety.

Result Emley 1 Bradford 0

Emley Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Tonks, Coleano, Ryan (Day, 65mins), Thorpe, Norbury, Reynolds, Wood. Subs not used: Bambrook, Hatto.

Bradford PA: Montgomery, Haywood, James, Richards, Wharton (Bagshaw, 60mins), Thompson, Hancock (Quinn, 70mins), Benn, Potter, Maxwell (Lindley 85mins), Calcutt.

Attendance: 386.

Emley v Droylsden

2nd February 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley convincingly gained revenge for two previous defeats by Droylsden this season.

The Greater Manchester side had won 3-2 in the UniBond Premier Division and 2-0 in the League Cup at their Butchers Arms base.

But at Belle Vue on Saturday, Ronnie Glavin's side set about redressing the balance.

Leading marksmen Danny Day and Micky Norbury each netted twice to take their tallies to 13 and 11 respectively as Emley remained seventh.

The eager home side burst out of their blocks, and in the 13th minute, skipper Steve Nicholson took a quick free-kick and Lee Ryan forced goalkeeper Paul Phillips into an excellent save.

While Droyslden's forays into opposition territory were rare, Emley's football was crisp, fluent and incisive - and they got their reward.

Showboating Day left both Neil Hall and Phillips on their backsides before stroking the ball cool-as-you-like into the far corner in the 43rd minute.

He (Day) then added a second from close range three minutes after the break.

Droyslden reduced the arrears when Robert Pell netted from a tremendous inswinging corner by Danny Warner.

But the two-goal cushion was restored when Norbury headed home powerfully on 61 minutes.

A miscued kick by goalkeeper Paul Cuss moments later put Paul David under pressure.

He was robbed by Scott Willis, but the Droylsden man shot into the side netting.

Droylsden pulled another goal back in the 67th minute, Warner unleashing a cracking drive past the outstretched Cuss after being fed from midfield by Harvey Cunningham.

But Emley's victory was sealed two minutes later when Norbury netted after good work by pacy winger Michael Reynolds.

Result Emley 4 Droylsden 0

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Tonks (Hatto, 70mins), David, Day (Thorpe, 70mins), Ryan (Bambrook, 74mins), Norbury, Reynolds, Wood.

Droyslden: Phillips, Trees, Bradshaw, Farley, Lattie (Richardson, 58mins), Hall, Warner, Cunningham, Pell, Willis (Hamilton, 71mins), Evans (Glendenning, 89mins).

Attendance: 254.

Accrington Stanley v Emley (League Cup) 1/4 final

26th January 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Just as fans were debating which end the penalty shoot-out would take place at, Accrington's Russell Payne headed the goal which condemned Emley to UniBond League Cup quarter-final elimination.

Payne's first goal of the season proved a knockout blow for Ronnie Glavin's outfit, who dominated the second half of normal time and would have been celebrating a first appearance in the semi-finals had it not been for the goalkeeping heroics of Jamie Speare.

To add to their misery, Emley had Paul David, their top performer, sent off for a second bookable offence just after the winner three minutes into the second period of extra time.

David is already facing a three-match ban for his dismissal at Bishop Auckland and will now have to serve a further suspension.

Guiseley old boy Lutel James and Paul Mullin proved a tricky double act for Accrington, and Emley were thankful for outstanding work by David and Ryan Crossley.

And on 24 minutes, goalkeeper Paul Cuss came to the rescue after James jinked through, tackling the striker just outside his penalty area before racing into the corner to challenge Mullin after Dave Robinson opened up the defence with a ball over the top.

On 42 minutes Danny Day picked out Lee Ryan, whose shot was blocked by Paul Burns, then Rob Tonks shot over from a tight angle.

Just before the break Cuss dived full stretch to deny James one-handed before recovering to block Mullin's follow-up.

On 54 minutes, Micky Norbury created a yard of space to strike Gary Hatto's cross firmly but Speare turned it athletically over the bar.

Day should have broken the deadlock after a Burns miskick on 57 minutes, but he poked the ball wide.

Result Accrington 1 Emley 0

Accrington: Speare, Cavanagh, Hart, Burns, Halford, Flitcroft, Payne, Robinson, James, Mullin, Williams (Brennan, 59mins). Subs not used: Strange, Howarth.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto (Bambrook, 99mins), David, Day (Reynolds, 99mins), Ryan, Norbury, Tonks, Wood (Coleano, 103mins).

Attendance: 596.

Emley v Bamber Bridge

19th January 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley ditched their FA Trophy blues with a ruthless demolition job on clueless UniBond League strugglers Bamber Bridge.

Manager Ronnie Glavin responded to his side's 4-1 cup replay defeat by Leigh by pointing out: "The acid test is whether we can pick ourselves up and build from this."

And at Belle Vue on Saturday, his seventh-placed team responded in style.

Two goals apiece by striker Micky Norbury and left-back Gary Hatto and a debut strike from forward Lee Ryan gave Emley an unassailable lead by the 54th minute.

Not since the memorable 5-3 home win over Worksop in October 2000 have Emley gone nap in the League.

And Emley's 11th win in 23 League games could easily have been by a much bigger margin.

The third-bottom Lancashire side, who have now lost 15 times in 27 League outings, could have no argument about the result as they let Emley run at them at will.

Norbury showed a keen eye on 11 minutes, when he latched onto Michael Reynolds' cross to drive the ball past goalkeeper Cyril Sharrock.

Six minutes later, captain Steve Nicholson's deep cross just evaded the onrushing Danny Day but fell at the feet of Hatto, who drove home from close range.

Lee Prior provided Bamber Bridge's best outlet on the left, but when his 29th-minute cross found Leon O'Neill, Emley goalkeeper Paul Cuss palmed away the danger.

Things turned from bad to worse for the visitors when Jamie Skeoch clearly handled in the 36th minute and Hatto clinically dispatched the spot kick.

Two minutes later, former Ossett Albion and Eccleshill striker Ryan, who has stepped up from Emley's second string, curled home a beauty.

Eager Norbury rounded off the rout with a low drive from 12 yards out.

Result Emley 5 Bamber Bridge 0

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto, David (Hutson, 67mins), Day (Bambrook, 67mins), Ryan, Norbury, Reynolds (Robshaw, 78mins), Wood.

Attendance: 243.

Emley v Leigh RMI (FA Trophy 3rd Rd replay)

14th January 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Just as the fat lady was clearing her throat in expectation of a trip to the Kent seaside resort of Margate, she choked!

And so did Emley in their bid to make the last 32 of the FA Trophy competition.

There could be no arguments about the final scoreline and the result just might have postponed Leigh manager Steve Waywell's execution as Hilton Park officials were due to hold an emergency meeting about the future of the Lancashire side's boss whose team languish fourth from bottom of the Nationwide Conference.

The stark reality of this Trophy replay was that not until substitute Simeon Bambrook's shot hit the back of the net on 76 minutes did Leigh goalkeeper Mark Westhead have to make an effort to save.

And by then Emley's Trophy dream was in tatters after goals from former Manchester United reserve team player Michael Twiss, Dino Maamria and Tony Black had killed the game off.

Emley boss Ronnie Glavin said: "It was an appalling performance. We showed no fight, no passion and no commitment to upset them.

"After conceding the first goal, which should have been food and drink to us, we showed no resilience to take the contest to them.

"There were many mistakes and we showed a lack of organisation in crucial areas of the pitch."

He added: "It was as bad a performance as I have seen from us, we looked heavy legged and on the night they were head and shoulders above us because we let them be.

"The acid test is now whether we can pick ourselves up and build from this."

Groundsman Steve Dutton had produced a superb pitch, with light rain making the surface zip, and it should only have bolstered Emley's passing game.

Instead Leigh used the conditions well and Nicky Wood made a timely interception on 10 minutes to deny Black a clear run on goal.

Had Micky Norbury managed to get a touch on Robshaw's screwed ball across the face of goal then self-doubts could have been set in the minds of the visiting Conference strugglers.

But on 19 minutes a throw in from Gerry Harrison picked out Ged Kielty in midfield who in turn fed Maamria and Twiss stole in to turn the ball under the body of goalkeeper Paul Cuss from close range.

Had Emley managed to produce any crosses of note, then they would have been wasted with the frontline playing far too deep. And Emley do not play the long ball game, but last night they often reverted to long punts upfield in search of Norbury who was lost.

On 38 minutes, consistently infuriating referee Dave Foster, awarded Leigh a penalty after a melodramatic shriek, dive and double twist from Tunisian Under 21 international Maamria after a shove by Wood.

But Cuss made a tremendous save from the same player, diving to his right to turn the ball away from a sweetly struck low drive.

Between them Black and Monk made Leigh tick and a mazy run by Black after the break, which took him to the goalline before he pulled the ball back back for Twiss to shoot wide, should have brought better reward for his nifty footwork.

The general sloppiness of Emley's play was exploited for Leigh's second when Maamria was free to side-foot it into an empty net on 56 minutes and on 70 minutes Black led a three-against-two break but decided to go it alone, adding a third as he drove the ball under Cuss.

But, when Hatto delivered Emley's first commendable cross of the night, it fell kindly to Bambrook in space to unleash a cracking finish after he had only been on the pitch two minutes.

Seconds later and he had another attempt but struck it straight at the keeper.

And soon after centrebacks Paul David and Nicky Wood had a late throw of the dice, David teeing up Wood whose curling shot from 25 yards just screwed away from the target.

But Leigh's fourth, from former Bolton and Stockport player Marcus Hallows, was sweet as he took a quick glance up before floating a long range beauty over the top of Cuss to leave a bitter taste in Emley's mouths.

Result Emley 1 Leigh RMI 4

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Crossley, Wilson, Hatto, David, Day, Bagshaw (Hutson, 57mins), Norbury (Bambrook, 76mins), Robshaw (Ryan, 60mins), Wood. Subs not used: Coleano, Robinson.

Leigh RMI: Westhead, Harrison, German, Durkin, Swan, Kielty, Monk, Ridings, Maamria (Hallows, 71mins), Black, Twiss. Subs not used: Heald, Connolly, Udall, Spooner.

Referee: Dave Foster (Newcastle).

Attendance: 376.

Leigh RMI v Emley (FA Trophy 3rd Round)

12th January 2002 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A last gasp equaliser by Conference strugglers Leigh RMI stunned Emley who thought they had sealed their passage into the fourth round.

But Ronnie Glavin's disappointed Trophy travellers have a chance to gain quick revenge in tonight's replay at Belle Vue, Wakefield (7.45).

Emley went down to a goal from Leigh's stalwart striker Tony Black on 15 minutes before Andy Wilson and Gary Hatto replied for the UniBond League outfit.

In fact Hatto's fabulous strike on 71 minutes looked to have sealed an Emley victory until substitute Michael Twiss popped up with the disheartening equaliser three minutes into stoppage time.

Glavin said: "We were a bit disappointed not to have come away with a win.

"But we've got to be reasonably pleased with the result because at the start of the game we would have been happy with a draw.

"But with the number of chances we had it was disappointing that we did not really tuck them away."

He added: "But we have not finished the job yet. We are only at the half way stage and have it all to do again tonight."

For the uninitiated it was difficult to tell which team was in the higher division, but scheming striker Dino Maamria proved an early handful until he was made aware of the physical presence of centreback Paul David.

Much to the amusement of the disappointingly low crowd, referee Dennis Foster had to stop the match briefly inside five minutes while a Leigh official ran on with a spade to remove dog dirt from just outside the centre circle.

In fact the spade was presented to defender Neil Durkin who duly obliged to remove the offending mess!

But when the game resumed Emley - who began with four at the back before reverting to their accustomed three with greater effect - conceded a poor goal when Paul Cuss produced a fine one handed save from Maamria, but Black wasn't picked up and slotted it inside the far post ahead of Steve Nicholson on 15 minutes.

A quick break by Emley forced goalkeeper Mark Westhead into action, saving at his near post from Jamie Robshaw's attempt while on the half hour Micky Norbury was picked out on the edge of the box from a throw in, his shot was blocked and Robshaw again was inches wide with the follow up.

But three minutes later Emley were level when Hatto whipped in a tremendous cross and Wilson (A) executed the perfect header and leave Westhead clutching at thin air.

Michael Reynolds, making a return to his former club, failed to sparkle, showing indecision on the edge of the box when well placed to go it alone.

Wilson shrugged off the shirt pulling from Iain Swan to break through on 61 minutes but guided his shot onto the bottom of the far post with Norbury inches off connecting with the rebound.

And five minutes later Nicky Wood was the most relieved man on the pitch when he was caught playing Leigh onside but Black inexplicably poked the ball wide with only the keeper to beat.

Leigh's defence disintegrated on 71 minutes with Norbury's shot blocked by the keeper and Robshaw could not handle the follow up, the ball spun out wide left to Hatto  who cut inside and put his side ahead with a shot from an angle inside the far post.

Neil Fisher and Ged Kielty both squandered chances to haul Leigh back into the match but in the end, Emley's failure to keep possession in the dying minutes cost them dear when Dave Ridings knocked the ball into the box and Ian Monk's knockdown across the area allowed the unmarked Twiss to steal the equaliser.

Result Leigh RMI 2 Emley 2

MATCH FACTS

Leigh RMI: Westhead, Harrison, German (Spooner, 45mins), Durkin (Fisher, 72mins), Swan, Kielty, Monk, Ridings, Maamria (Twiss, 77mins), Black, Thompson. Subs not used: Heald, Hallows.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Robinson, Wilson, Hatto, David, Day (Bagshaw, 89mins), Reynolds (Robinson, 89mins), Norbury, Robshaw (Bambrook, 72mins), Wood. Subs not used: Coleano, Ryan.

Referee: Dennis Foster (Newcastle).

Attendance: 301.