Return to History and Archives Index

Report

Frickley ensure no festive cheer

Dec 27 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Festive cheer was dampened for Emley supporters after their side's recent scoring feat was halted.

In a tough-tackling and uncompromising encounter between these two close rivals, the traditional Boxing Day clash looked to be heading goalless until Lee Morris was on hand to stick out a boot and put Frickley ahead on 70 minutes.

Emley midfielder Rob Tonks was receiving treatment off the field as Scott Brough's corner was cleared by Scott Bairstow, only as far as Lee Pugh who drove the ball back across the six yard box for Morris to convert.

Emley, who have now lost the services of loan duo Robert Pell and Adam Muller, looked far less threatening than Frickley in the final third, and did not even commit goalkeeper Jon Hood into a save during a dour first half.

And Frickley made sure they went back down the road with the maximum points haul two minutes from time when substitute Michael Blythen, who had earlier replaced Morris to a rousing reception from the visiting fans, cooly slotted past Cuss who had committed himself.

Emley 0 - 2 Frickley

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Fearon, Wood, Bairstow, Tonks (Joice, 71mins), Day, Manousios (Kenworthy, 71mins), Wilson (Clarke, 82mins), Bowler.

Frickley Athletic: Hood, Richards, Fawcus, Lindley, Pugh, Marquis, Robinson, Richardson (Hatto, 78mins), Morris (Blythen, 86mins), Sheriffe (Jackson, 55mins), Brough.

Referee: A R Nicholson.

Attendance: 396.

Emley v Gateshead Chairman's Cup 1st Round

Clarke's extra-time winner

 Dec 22 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley made it to the second round of the UniBond League Chairman's Cup, but they needed extra time to beat Division I Gateshead 3-2.

In a tie which drew a crowd of just 120 to Belle Vue, Callum Selby gave the home side a dream start in the fifth minute by scoring for a second consecutive match.

But Scott Blanford levelled on 15 minutes and Michael Chiltern put the former Football League club ahead just before the break.

Emley skipper Steve Nicholson levelled from the penalty spot on 71 minutes.(contraversial?)

Then Scott Clarke, who later hobbled off injured, notched the winner and his first goal for Emley four minutes into the second period of extra time.

Emley 3 - 2 AET Gateshead

 Emley: Wilson, Nicholson, Selby, Wood, Fearon, Bairstow, Tonks, Day (Fowler, 98mins), Moore (Joice, 90mins), Manousios, Clarke (Murphy, 112mins).

Second-bottom Emley are back in Premier Division action when when they host Frickley on Boxing Day (12.30).

Stalybridge Celtic v Emley 

Celtic ace Denham denies Emley victory in cracking showdown at Stalybridge

Dec 15 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Matches between these two old foes are rarely dull, and this was no exception!

Man of the match was home striker Chris Denham, who had been re-signed from Radcliffe Borough two days previously.

He fired his side in front inside five minutes in front of 347 at Bower Fold when Wakefield and Emley failed to pick him up in the area and a shot was driven past Paul Cuss.

Phil Eastwood and Ross Clegg both went close before Emley at last found some rhythm to produce a cracking end-to-end match.

On the half hour Stalybridge doubled their lead when Ian Monk's cross was chested goalwards by Eastwood and after the ball rebounded off Cuss, Denham pounced to turn it over the line.

A mix-up with goalkeeper Ian Bowling had Celtic defender Lee Todd racing back to clear his own header off the line, while Steve Kenworthy's hooked shot from Adam Muller's cross dipped just over.

Robert Pell finally reduced the arrears just before the break, converting Callum Selby's corner.

And just after the restart Emley were level when Muller's cross was chested down by Pell and Selby stuck out a boot to level.

Stalybridge, with ex-Town player Ben Thornley on for the second half, were denied when Nathan Wharton's effort was blocked by Dean Fearon.

And at the other end Selby squandered a great chance to put Emley ahead.

Visiting fans didn't have long to wait to celebrate, however, because when Terry Bowker was judged to have handled in the area on 68 minutes, up stepped Pell to fire home the spot kick.

Cuss saved brilliantly from Clegg's 20-yard shot on 74 minutes and Keeling also went close.

But Denham was on fire and he completed his hat trick on 78 minutes with a quality angled drive.

Both sides were still on all-out attack with Clegg going close for Stalybridge before Emley substitute Nick Manousios produced a strong run past three defenders intothe box.

Bowling spilled his shot but no-one was near to net the rebound.

Emley remain one place off the foot of the UniBond League while Stalybridge are five places higher.

Stalybridge Celtic 3 - 3 Emley. 

Stalybridge: Bowling, Todd, Fitzgerald, Bowker, German, Wharton (Heald, 69mins), Keeling, Clegg, Denham, Eastwood, Monk (Thornley, 45mins). Sub not used: Mayers.

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Sleby, Bowler, Wood, Fearon, Tonks, Day, Pell, Kenworthy (Manousios, 45mins), Muller. Subs not used: Clarke, Fowler

Hayward's cruel winner ends Emley resurgence

Dec 8 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Emley's recent UniBond League resurgence was brought to an abrupt halt after a smash and grab raid by their West Yorkshire neighbours.

Andy Hayward, several times an Emley transfer target during Ronnie Glavin's time in charge, bagged a 54th-minute winner for Bradford Park Avenue.

As has been a recurring theme for the second-bottom team, they made most of the running yet got no reward.

But it wasn't for a lack of trying!

Danny Day and Adam Fowler worked tirelessly, providing one of the strongest midfield displays for months, while Callum Selby and Adam Muller supplied the flair down the wings.

And up front, stocky loan striker Robert Pell provided a useful foil for the slighter Steven Kenworthy.

On 11 minutes Pell got a lucky rebound off former Emley defender Ryan Crossley and sent ex-Town player Kenworthy racing clear, but he was judged offside when he would have had a clear run at goal.

And from keeper Paul Cuss's long kick moments later, they should have taken the lead when Pell's knockdown played in Muller whose flick on for Kenworthy was smothered by James Alderson.

Pell had the ball in the back of the net on 19 minutes, but his effort was ruled out for offside, while Fowler went close with a 20-yard screamer which was just over.

Bradford's only early threat came from corners but centre-back Nicky Wood, making his first start since his return to Emley from Avenue, proved too strong.

Trevor Storton's side gave Emley a warning on 35 minutes when Craig Smith's cross crept through to Gavin Smith at the far post, but he scuffed his shot.

And soon after, Muller was robbed in the area and Bradford took their chance to surge downfield, but Jason Maxwell drove his shot straight at Cuss.

Maxwell's long-standing strike partner Hayward stung Emley after the break, however, when Wayne Benn's deep free-kick was knocked down by Maxwell, and the ball was uncharacteristically spilled by Cuss allowing Hayward the easiest of tap-ins.

Joint-manager Paul David said: "It was a tight game and I think we at least deserved a draw. We wanted to win but ultimately we did not want to lose due to the closeness of the teams around us.

"It's setback but we won't panic. More resilience is needed because we've been edged out of yet another close game."

Emley 0 - 1 Bradford Park Avenue. 

The match was watched by 319.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby (Bowler, 69mins), Fowler, Wood, Bairstow, Tonks (Fearon, 75mins), Day, Pell, Kenworthy (Clarke, 84mins), Muller.

Kenworthy double lifts Emley off the bottom

Dec 1 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Former Town striker Stephen Kenworthy struck twice in the first half to help haul improving Wakefield and Emley off the foot of the UniBond League.Ashton, bossed by former Emley chief Gerry Quinn, were quick out of the blocks with striker Phil Denney a real handful.

They took the lead on seven minutes when Emley's Danny Day and goalkeeper Paul Cuss got into a tangle, allowing Paul Garvey to sneak in and slot into an empty net.

Denney and Phil Cooney both went close, but the Belle Vue side weathered the early storm, then turned the game on its head.

Weak defending by the home side allowed Emley, jointly managed by Paul David and Ray Dennis, who were both around when Quinn was in charge, to net three in 10 minutes.

At times this season, Emley have played by far the better football than their opponents but failed to get the proper reward.

This time they did!

Callum Selby's teasing cross was headed home by an unmarked Kenworthy on 35 minutes, and two minutes later Day was quickest to react to a desperate Ashton clearance to drive the ball low and firm past goalkeeper Danny Trueman.

Just before the break Kenworthy made it 3-1 from close range.

Ex-Town and Emley player Steve Smith reduced the deficit on 63 minutes when he was left unguarded to fire past Cuss.

Emley then survived a couple of near misses by substitute Peter Carty and held out to chalk up a second win in three and leave Burscough, held 0-0 at home to Gainsborough, bottom of the Premier Division pile.

Ashton Utd 2 - 3 Emley.

Ashton: Trueman,Thackeray, White, Allison, Adams, Royle, Cooney (Carty 76mins), Denney, Garvey, Dormer, Smith. Subs not used: Dyson, Aspinall.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Fowler, Fearon, Bairstow, Tonks, Day, Pell, Kenworthy (Wood, 81mins), Muller. Subs not used: Monousios, Moore.

Referee: J Higgins.

Attendance: 166.

* Emley require a PA announcer for matchdays at Belle Vue. Contact Ian Charlesworth on 07880-790701.

Spennymoor v Emley

 Emley grab a point but big lead is lost

Nov 24 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Would you Adam and Eve it!

Goal-shy Emley bagged four goals, and still only received a point for their hard-working endeavours in the North East.

The last time Emley scored four goals in a League contest was in February 2002 at home to Droylsden - and they were cruising to victory against Spennymoor until a 10-minute moment of madness.

Loan man Adam Muller had given Emley a dream start on 11 minutes before Spennymoor levelled from the spot through Jon Cullen on 21 minutes after the referee spotted a shove by Dean Fearon on Steve Preen.

In truth, Spennymoor never looked like scoring (which makes a mockery of the scoreline) as Emley ruled the roost at Brewery Field.

Centreback Fearon made amends by converting Callum Selby's corner with a powerful header a minute before the break and terrier-like former Town player Stephen Kenworthy made it 3-1 on 59 minutes after accepting a superbly floated pass over the top of a defender by burly loan striker Robert Pell, replicating a move which he had tried moments earlier.

Emley were on fire, but then it was all extinguished.

A 10-minute break ensued after the referee's assistant had to be replaced after he picked up a calf strain, and the stoppage wiped out all Emley's industrious momentum.

After the restart Spennymoor substitute Chris L'Anson shot through a crowd of players to pull a goal back and two minutes later it was all square when L'Anson's shot took a severe deflection off Danny Brunskill to beat Cuss, while the Emley defence were nowhere.

Managers Ray Dennis and Paul David threw on substitutes Nicky Wood, back in a second spell at the club, and Nick Manousios to try and stop the rot, but the balance remained in Spennymoor's favour.

Incredibly they took the lead on 85 minutes when suicidal defending allowed Anthony Shandran to hook the ball under Cuss before Emley salvaged a point, from a game in which they were earlier coasting, when a long punt upfield sent Pell charging clear to unleash a precision equaliser.

The result was not enough to lift Emley off the foot of the UniBond League Premier Division where they are level on 15 points with Burscough who drew at home to Barrow.

Spennymoor 4 - 4  Emley. 

Spennymoor Utd: Kearney, Brumwell, Hanson, Milroy (Shandran, 55mins), Bowes (Brown, 45mins), Rand, Cullen (Cullen, 70mins), Bishop, Preen, Brunskill, Brightwell.

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholosn, Selby, Wilson, Fearon, Bairstow, Tonks, Day (Wood, 80mins), Pell, Kenworthy (Manousios, 89mins), Muller.

Referee: I Parkin.

Attendance: 178.

Nov 21 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Nicky Wood, Emley's former defensive stalwart, has rejoined the club from Bradford Park Avenue and could feature in tomorrow's UniBond League Premier Division match at Spennymoor (3.00)

The stocky centre-back was transfer-listed by former boss Ronnie Glavin two seasons ago and joined Worksop for a brief spell before teaming up with former Emley colleague Ryan Crossley at Bradford.

But joint managers Ray Dennis and Paul David have tempted him back after Wood lost his regular first team place.

Emley will be hoping to notch successive League wins after the well-earned 1-0 win against Lancaster last Saturday and record a first double of the season after beating the North East club 2-0 in August.

Spennymoor recovered however, and are eighth, while Emley remain bottom but level on 14 points with Burscough.

Pell's debut winner brings Emley delight

Nov 17 2003 By Linzi Nicholson. The Huddersfield Daily Examiner 

 Loan striker Robert Pell buried an opportunist strike five minutes from time to stop the rot and earn Wakefield and Emley only a fourth UniBond League win.

The debutant Droylsden player's goal meant joint managers Ray Dennis and Paul David celebrated a first win in charge (the team's first in two months) after they masterminded an impressive display which made a mockery of their team's basement position.

Pell was well supported by Adam Muller (who has returned for a second month's loan from Worksop), while Emley also fielded centre-back Dean Fearon, who has signed on for a second spell and looked solid next to Scott Bairstow.

Lancaster boss Phil Wilson, whose Stalybridge team pipped Emley for promotion to the Conference three seasons ago, has moulded his latest charges in the usual style - strong, physical and uncompromising.

It looked like men against boys as the sides ran out, but terrier-like Emley remained totally focused.

Lancaster had reason to feel aggrieved after mounting plenty of attacks, but Paul Cuss proved unbeatable, denying James Hughes after six minutes then blocking efforts by Neil Prince and Rick Mercer.

Ex-Town man Steve Kenworthy signalled Emley's intentions after the break when he volleyed Adam Fowler's sublime cross, only to see his attempt cannon off a post.

Emley's approach play was tantilising but, in this goal-shy spell for the club, shots were rare.

Two of the best chances fell late on to Callum Selby, pushed up to the left side of midfield, with Rob Tonks nestling in behind.

On 70 minutes, Muller launched a deep cross which Selby volleyed sweetly but straight at goalkeeper Kevin Welsby, and two minutes later strong targetman Pell held off his marker to tee up Selby for second pop which the goalkeeper claimed.

Wilson threw on his former Stalybridge players Tony Sullivan and Gary Bauress, but they made little impact, and when Steve Nicholson drove in a deep free-kick, Pell's turn, shot and goal sparked emotional scenes of delight and relief.

 Emley 1 - 0 Lancaster City.

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Fowler, Fearon, Bairstow,Tonks, Day, Pell, Kenworthy, Muller. Subs (not used): Hazelden, Wilson, Manousios.

Lancaster: Welsby, Uberschar, Scott, Kilbane, Elderton, Sparrow, Clarkeson (Bauress, 71mins), Mercer (Sullivan, 65mins), Jones, Hughes, Prince. Sub (not used): Robertson.

Referee: Peter Walker.

Attendance: 162.

Emley v Dinnington Town Sheffield Senior Cup - Rd 2. 

Same old failings surface on return

Nov 10 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The Welfare Ground played host to this Sheffield Cup tie and, while the venue may have been different from Emley's regular Belle Vue base at Wakefield, the same old problems still haunted them - the need to find the back of the net!

After a goalless first half in which Emley had close to 90% possession, chances went begging left, right, centre, and even into the car park!

Dinnington, who head the Central Midlands League, were inspired by the heroics of goalkeeper Philip Rhodes, plus wanton finishing by the home side.

A crowd of just 99 turned out to witness an almost farcical match in which Emley were footballing Dinnington to death, without scoring.

Former Town player, Emley debutant Stephen Kenworthy, was denied by the keeper on several occasions but finally put his side ahead on 47 minutes, showing great composure to curl it round Rhodes.

But, from a match in which Emley were totally dominant, Dinnington - to their remarkable credit - levelled on 62 minutes when substitute Luke Siggs took advantage of a slip by Steve Nicholson and, when keeper Paul Cuss came out to smother, he coolly chipped it into the back of the net.

It sparked a brief Dinnington upsurge but in the end Emley had the best chance to seal it in normal time, when Nicholson's deep ball fell straight into the path of Danny Day who sliced it wide from close range.

Extra time brought no change to proceedings - Emley running the show, Dinnington defending resolutely - highlighted when Callum Selby was denied by a tremendous last ditch defensive header by Scott Coomber.

And as the familiar Welfare chill began to set into the bones, supporters could finally cheer the ripple of the net as Emley ran out 6-5 winners from the spot and give Ray Dennis and Paul David, their first win as joint managers.

Penalty scorers for Emley were Kris Bowler, Selby, Adam Fowler, Steve Nicholson, Day and Sean Hazelden, while Cuss saved from Russ O'Neill to send Emley through.

Result: Wakefield & Emley 1 - 1 Dinnington Town (Emley win 6-5 on penalties). 

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Bowler, Hazelden, Bairstow, Tonks (Clarke, 105mins), Day, Manousios (Fowler, 105mins), Kenworthy, Smith.

Dinnington Town: Rhodes, Ntiedo, Saville, Vernon, Toulson, Rosser, Grocock (Sykes, 85mins), O'Neill, Clayton (Siggs, 43mins), Brownrigg, Coomber (Clarke, 57mins).

Referee: R Wooton.

* Two dates have now been allocated for re-arranged UniBond League fixtures. Emley travel to Ashton on November 29th, and are away at Whitby on December 10.

No joy for Emley in tame Trophy defeat

Nov 3 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner 

 Wakefield and Emley bowed lamely out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle as Blyth completed a League and Cup double over Ray Dennis and Paul David's UniBond League strugglers.

It was Emley's ninth consecutive League and Cup defeat and left the new management duo still without a victory behind them.

Pressure was on Nick Manousios and Scott Clarke to produce the goods up front in the absence of Mark Wilson (suspended) but early chances were squandered by Rob Tonks on 26 minutes and right-back Liam Chapmanwho both had shots blocked by goalkeeper Craig Turns after making promising in-roads.

But a nail was hammered in the Emley coffin on 35 minutes when Gareth McAlindon took a short free kick which was driven into the top corner by Jamie Burt.

Worse was to follow four minutes later when Anthony Woodhouse caught the Emley defence completely static and he accepted his gift-wrapped chance to curl the ball past the outstretched dive of keeper Paul Cuss who had no chance.

But a minute before the break supporters were left rubbing their eyes after catching a glimpse of that very rare achievement . . . an Emley goal!

Manousios accepted a long pass in the box and headed it down into the path of Danny Day who steered his shot past the keeper - and the shock reverberated around the ground as the players trudged down the tunnel at half time!

Blyth made all the running in the second half and the only reason they failed to add to their tally was because of quality goalkeeping by Cuss.

Former Spennymoor striker Woodhouse repeatedly exposed the Emley defence and Sean Hazelden and Chapman were both booked for late tackles, while McAlindon, who ran 30 yards to remonstrate with Chapman was also booked as tempers flared on 80 minutes.

Then to add insult to injury substitute Kris Bowler was sent off on 85 minutes after a high challenge on Mark Atkinson right under referee Richard Salt's nose.

Result:  Emley 1 - 2 Blyth Spartans. 

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Chapman, Hazelden, Bairstow, Tonks, Day (Bowler, 52mins), Manousios, Clarke, Fowler. Subs not used: Smith, Higgins, Prasher.

Blyth Spartans: Turns, Williams, Atkinson, Laws, Forster, McAlindon, Bell (Leeson, 52mins), Richardson, Burt (Robertson, 89mins), Woodhouse, Phillips. Subs not used: Dixon, Crutwell, Smith.

Referee: Richard Smith.

Attendance: 167.

* Emley are next in action on Saturday when they return to the Welfare Ground to host Dinnington Town in the second round of the Sheffield Senior Cup (1.30pm).

Emley v Alfreton Town

Emley: Super Cuss delays inevitable landslide

Oct 29 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Hardy Emley supporters are getting through a tortuous season the best way they can - by demonstrating a great sense of humour!

More than a few glasses were raised in the bar at half time as mock delirium took hold with the score goalless!

Emley soaked up first half pressure with goalkeeper Paul Cuss in outstanding form.

The former Town reserve team stopper denied a wickedly swerving shot from former Football League player Chris Bettney on 16 minutes and denied Mick Godber on 34 with a tremendous block as the ball must have resembled a block of soap in the rain-drenched conditions.

Make no mistake, the closest Emley came to scoring was on 13 minutes when Rob Tonks seized on a scrappy ball to feed reserve team forward John Moore, who headed across the area for Mark Wilson, but his snapshot was comfortably smothered by experienced goalkeeper Lee Butler.

Ironically, after the threat of Alfreton's `God-squad' (striker partners Mick Goddard and Mick Godber) had been halved with Goddard limping off on 64 minutes - Alfreton looked more devilish.

Alfreton substitute Chris Dolby - who had been on a month's loan at Emley - was also thrown into the fray, and was a constant threat.

With an early touch he provided a telling cross which Godber headed just over on 72 minutes.

But the eight-goal hitman did not have long to wait when just three minutes later he reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Emley box and poked it past the unsighted Cuss inside the near post.

From then on, the writing was on the wall.

But the damage could have been much worse had in-form Cuss not tipped a thundering, dipping drive from the Godber over on 78 minutes.

But Dolby sealed an impressive return to Belle Vue by setting up the second on 82 minutes, driving a low ball across the six yard box which Chris Bettney converted with more than a hint of handball which went unnoticed.

Emley's Rob Tonks fouled substitute Tony Hemmings in the box two minutes from time and Cuss stood no chance against Hemmings' spot kick.

Result: Emley 0 - 3 Alfreton Town.

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Chapman, Hazelden, Bairstow, Tonks, Day, Fowler, M Wilson (Manousios, 73mins), Moore. Subs not used: Bowler, A Wilson.

Alfreton T: Butler, Robinson, Buxton, Blount, Brown, Tansley, Bettney, Nawadike (Scott, 89mins), Godber, Goddard (Hemmings, 65mins), Grayston (Dolby, 70mins).

Referee: C Bassindale.

Attendance: 181.

Let's hope Emley can rise again

Oct 23rd by Frank Worthington The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

WHAT a shame it is to see Wakefield and Emley rooted to the foot of the UniBond League Premier Division.

When I was at Town, Emley were rising through the ranks and were on the verge of something big.

I alway regarded them as one of the best community clubs around and they did a fantastic job helping to put Emley on the map.

But what can I say now?

In recent years they have been forced into a tight financial corner and have to groundshare at Wakefield Trinity.

I've never been in favour of groundsharing, and it would appear Emley are now paying a very heavy price for having to go down that route.

I just hope that somewhere there's a benefactor who can be found to help the good times return.

The club deserves it.

Emley bomb out of Cup

Oct 22 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Despite scoring for the first time in four outings, Wakefield and Emley couldn't hold on to their six minute lead and slumped woefully out of the Cup at UniBond Division I side Guiseley.

A precision 40-yard pass from, Callum Selby was accepted with a sublime first touch from Nick Manousios, who struck a sweet left foot shot into the top right corner.

It turned out to be the only highlight of an otherwise miserable night!

Guiseley levelled through unmarked former Town reserve team player Jeremy Illingworth before Selby came close with a free kick just before the break.

But a disputed decision by the referee on 56 minutes to give Guiseley a free kick, cost Emley dear, when the home side took the ball up field and Richard Chattoe scored from a corner.

As Emley pushed up with urgency to find an equaliser, they were caught out with two goals by David Henry deep in stoppage time.

Guiseley 4 - 1  Emley

Oct 18 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FORMER Emley manager Ronnie Glavin has been axed as Barnsley first team coach in what is believed to be a cost-cutting measure.

Peter Ridsdale, the former Leeds United chairman, who is in lengthy negotiations to buy the Second Division club, is reportedly attempting to find an alternative role for Glavin at Oakwell.

Miserable start for new Emley management duo

Oct 20 2003  By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Wakefield and Emley's new management duo Ray Dennis and Paul David endured a tough baptism as the UniBond League Premier Division's basement club were sunk by Marine.

The duo were not helped by the absence of flu-victims Paul Cuss, Scott Bairstow and Adam Fowler.

Even so, Emley had several chances to end a goal drought which now stretches to 360 minutes.

Kris Bowler had an effort cleared off the line on 31 minutes, Liam Chapman's header struck the upright a minute later and Mark Wilson's volley from a superb Bowler cross was blocked by goalkeeper Terry McCormick.

But, as is so often the case when a team is struggling at the bottom, lady luck does not shine, and in first-half stoppage time, a disputed throw-in went in Marine's favour.

The Liverpudlians went on to win a corner from which Dean Thurston netted with a diving header.

Emley, watched by just 162, rallied after the break and a scintillating cross from Nick Manousios was blasted wide by Bowler, who really should have hit the target.

They were made to pay when Ian Johnson increased Marine's lead on 55 minutes.

His weak shot on the turn crept past Reserve goalkeeper Nick Wright, called up to cover for Cuss.

Worse was to follow for Wright on 65 minutes, when he was rooted to the spot, allowing Thurston a farcical second goal, when he had all the time in the world to pick his spot.

By now, simple passing and movement seemed hard work for Emley, while a distinctly average Marine side hardly broke sweat.

Thurston completed his hat trick on 84 minutes, capitalising on a mix-up between Steve Nicholson and Wright to poke home a shot and complete a thoroughly miserable afternoon for Dennis and David.

Result: Emley 0 - 4 Marine.

 Emley: Wright, Nicholson, Selby, Chapman, Hazelden, Manousios (Prasher, 85mins), Tonks, A Wilson, Higgins (Clark, 62mins), M Wilson, Bowler (Murphy, 85mins).

Oct 16 2003 By Doug Thomson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Ray Dennis and Paul David will take dual control of Wakefield and Emley following Ian Banks' resignation as manager after just 18 matches at the helm.

Former Town player Banks took over the Belle Vue reins when long-serving Ronnie Glavin joined the Barnsley coaching staff in the summer.

But he has struggled to repeat the feats of his old Oakwell teammate.                 

Tuesday's 1-0 setback at Blyth Spartans was their fifth defeat in a row in the UniBond League and left them rooted to the foot of the Premier Division with just three wins and two draws in 16 games.

In addition, Emley were dumped from the FA Cup when Hickley United won last Saturday's third qualifying round tie at Belle Vue 2-0.

"It's disappointing for both Ian Banks and the club, but things just haven't worked out for him," said chairman Peter Matthews.

"There was no pressure on Ian from the boardroom, because we all realise these are still early days and we are only five points behind Runcorn, who are 15th.

"Both Ray Dennis and Paul David are long-serving men who know both the club and the league inside-out.

"Their appointment is immediate and long term."

Former goalkeeper Dennis and David, who still plays in defence, have their first match at home to 14th- placed Marine on Saturday.

The following week's scheduled game (Oct 25th) at Runcorn is off because of the hosts' FA Cup commitments.

Blyth Spartans v Emley

Emley require proven striker

Oct 15 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 Warm hospitality and a superb pre-match helping of chicken curry and chips failed to mask the cold reality that Wakefield and Emley are still firmly rooted to the foot of the UniBond League Premier Division.

A top 12 finish, which would ensure Emley a place in the new Conference North next season, now looks a long way off.

Former Burnley striker Steven Richardson's 76th minute strike from 12 yards compounded Emley's position at the foot of the table and presented boss Ian Banks with an 11th League defeat of the season - a statistic matched by last season's three relegated sides Hyde, Colwyn Bay and Gateshead, at the same stage last year.

Fingers need to pulled out and sharpish with the need for a reliable goalscorer of massive importance.

Banks gave debutant striker Darren Higgins, 22, his first introduction to UniBond football, after signing him from Huddersfield District League Division II side Uppermill - but, despite an energetic showing, it was a big ask for the Oldham-based scrawny centre-forward.

Influential Blyth skipper Gareth McAlindon - a former Manchester United and Newcastle youth player - was allowed freedom to run the first-half show but a gritty display by the visitors prevented a breakthrough, despite 29-year-old former Premiership striker Graham Fenton (Blackburn, Aston Villa and Leicester) going close.

Goalkeeper Paul Cuss received more handling practice early in the second half when he parried a wind-assisted 25-yard drive by Mark Atkinson, fortunately it fell to Steve Nicholson to clear.

And Emley's best chance came on 64 minutes when a bright spell was nearly rewarded after Wayne Bullimore's pass squirmed through to substitute Scott Clark, who had only been on the field a minute, but his shot was cleared urgently off the line by Michael Laws.

There was nearly a calamity for Cuss on 75 minutes when he spilled Anthony Woodhouse's low drive, but a minute later he was powerless to stop Richardson's winner from a teasing left wing cross.

With Burscough's match at Ashton postponed because of floodlight failure, Emley are a point adrift at the bottom but have played two games more than fellow strugglers, Lancashire club Burscough.

Result Blyth 1 Emley 0

Blyth Spartans: Turns, Leeson, Atkinson (Crutwell, 67mins), Dixon, Laws, McAlindon, Williams, Richardson, Fenton, Woodhouse, Phillips. Subs not used: Morton, Pell.

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Bullimore, Hazelden, Chapman, Fowler, A Wilson (Murphy, 80mins), Higgins, M Wilson, Manousios (Clark, 62mins).

Referee: A Halliday.

Attendance: 376.

Emley: Banks' strugglers bow out of FA Cup

Oct 13 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Wakefield and Emley, a club synonymous with battling Cup exploits, bowed out of this year's competition in disappointing fashion.

From the moment Justin Jenkins put impressive Dr Martens League pacesetters Hinckley ahead on 62 minutes, sliding in to convert a far post corner, the writing was on the wall for the UniBond League strugglers.

Despite a better defensive showing, with boss Ian Banks reverting to four at the back, there was little to cheer up front, with poor final balls providing food and drink for visiting goalkeeper Chris Taylor while former Football League veteran Stuart Storer (ex-Birmingham, Wigan, Bolton and Brighton), was hardly pressed in the centre of defence.

The closest Emley came was on 64 minutes when a Wayne Bullimore corner was headed down by Sean Hazelden and Mark Wilson inexplicably turned the ball over from two yards out. (No he didn't - the goalie made a superb point blank save and pushed ball for a corner! (Statto)

Adam Fowler and Andy Wilson attempted shots from long range but as Emley pressed, Hinckley looked more than capable of catching them on the break.

And so it turned out on 82 minutes when Chris Smith sealed the win for the East Midlands side after Jamie Lenton tore down the left and crossed for Jenkins, who squared it for Smith to sidefoot home past the hapless Paul Cuss.

In addition to the Cup defeat, Emley also found themselves rooted to the foot of the UniBond League Premier Division after Burscough leapfrogged them with a 2-0 victory over Spennymoor.

Emley will aim to avoid a fifth straight League defeat when they visit Blyth Spartans tomorrow.

Result Emley 0 Hinckley 2

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Bullimore, Hazelden, Bairstow, Tonks (Clark, 76mins), A Wilson, Gledhill (Manousios, 45mins), M Wilson, Fowler (Prasher, 82mins).

Hinckley: Taylor, Cartwright, Lenton, Crowley, Penny (Goodwin, 15mins), Stone, Storer, Jackson (Dyer, 59mins), Smith (Piercewright, 84mins), Jenkins, Murray.

Referee: Richard West (Beverley).

Attendance: 248.

Emley double blown apart

Oct 8 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

 A first season double was on the cards for Emley but visitors Hucknall Town made sure it wouldn't be at their expense.

In fact the 3-0 defeat pushed Emley back to second-from-bottom of the UniBond League Premier Division.

It all went pear-shaped for Ian Banks side after the half hour when lanky centre-forward Gary Ricketts - signed from Emley's Saturday FA Cup opponents Hinckley United in 2001 - converted a superb left- wing cross from Simon Brown.

Until then Emley had applied themselves well with loan striker Adam Muller's cross-cum-shot glancing off the crossbar and Wayne Bullimore's free kick was screwed just wide by Mark Wilson after it deflected off the wall.

On 26 minutes Wilson was clattered twice in succession in the centre circle but picked himself up and surged forward.

His pace caught the Hucknall back line completely cold but when the ball was delivered he pulled it wide.

Hucknall added a killer second on 38 minutes through handy former Nottingham Forest, Bristol City and Burton midfielder Danny Mayman.

Emley had numerous chances to clear but the ball came back off several ricochets, until finally Mayman, on the edge of the box, guided it in off the left post.

The goal would surely have had former Emley boss Ronnie Glavin - now first team coach with Barnsley but still a regular visitor to his former club - shaking his head in disbelief.

Emley's players continued to back off resurgent Hucknall, allowing them to attack a fragile-looking back three, with ease.

Mayman would have added a second on 44 minutes but for some exceptional goalkeeping by Paul Cuss but eight minutes after the restart it was all over when Danny Bacon picked out strike partner Ricketts in acres of space who simply side-footed it home.

Result Emley 0 Hucknall 3

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, A Wilson, Hazelden, Bullimore, Gledhill (Twitchen, 60mins), Dolby (Fowler, 60mins), Muller, M Wilson, Bowler (Tonks, 44mins).

Barrow v Emley

At a windswept Holker Street on Saturday Wakefield and Emley went down to a decisive second half penalty for the second consecutive game, losing 3 - 2 at third in the table Barrow. 

 Manager Ian Banks was forced to make four changes from the side that lost 2 - 1 at league leaders Alfreton Town on Tuesday. Scott Bairstow returned to the side to replace the injured Paul David. Chris Senior, playing for Scarborough in the Conference, was replaced by the impressive Chris Dolby, on loan from Alfreton. Ian Twitchen returned to the side as Mark Wilson was unavailable and recent signing Wayne Bullimore was not allowed to play in the fixture as part of the terms of his transfer from Barrow; this allowed a surprise appearance by Andy Wilson who has returned to the club from Ashton United.   

 For the third successive league game Emley went behind within the first three minutes. A deep cross from the right held up in the strong wind and Nicholson was beaten to the ball by Campbell who volleyed home past Cuss from eight yards. The visitors regrouped from this early shock and for the next 40 minutes possession was even with chances at both ends. Emley continued to play neat controlled football which was again let down by poor finishing and a reluctance to shoot from promising positions. The game changed suddenly in the five minutes before the interval. A left wing cross from Muller was deflected by a defender and TWITCHEN scored his first goal for the club with a diving header. Emley had now silenced the impressive 1254 crowd and from a corner Hazleden's header hit the post. In the final minute of the first half Emley took the lead. A free kick from the edge of the penalty area fell to Twitchen the keeper made a tremendous save but ANDY WILSON followed up to scramble the ball into the net. 

Barrow had only lost one game all season and entered the second period determined to retain this impressive record. Their continuous pressure paid off after 56 minutes. A free kick from 20 yards was spectacularly pushed onto the bar by Cuss, who then managed to get his body in the way of the return header. Emley were unable to clear the danger and Brough slotted the ball into the net for the equaliser. 

Emley relieved the pressure by forcing a number of corners but the turning point of the game came when Twitchen fell heavily on his shoulder and was substituted. This robbed the visitors of their target man and gradually the home side got on top during the last quarter of the game. With 10 minutes remaining Barow were awarded a penalty after a clumsy challenge and Campbell confidently slotted home. Despite some late pressure by Emley they were forced to return home empty handed when their impressive performance again belied their position in the bottom three 

Bottom club Burscough recorded a shock 4 -1victory over leaders Alfreton and Frickley lost heavily to fall below Emley on goal difference.  Emley are in action tomorrow Tuesday when the take on 2nd placed Hucknall at Belle Vue (7.45) Three weeks ago Emley recorded an impressive 1 - 0 victory at Hucknall, this match gives them the opportunity of their first league double of what is turning out to be a difficult season 

Result Barrow 3 Emley 2

 Emley:  Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Dolby (Clarke), Hazleden S, Bairstow, Fowler (Tonks), Wilson A, Muller, Twitchen (Gledhill), Bowler

Despite a surprise appearance from former Town reserve player Chris Senior, Wakefield and Emley went down to another narrow defeat in their Unibond League game at Alfreton Town last night. Senior, released from Town before Christmas last year, had played for Emley throughout January and February before suffering a leg injury. Currently playing in the Nationwide Conference for Scarborough, he replaced the unavailable Scott Bairstow whilst another on loan player, Adam Muller from Worksop Town, returned to the starting line; replacing Danny Day after sitting out Saturday's FA Cup game at Witton to prevent him being cup tied.

There was an element of deja vu after 5 minutes. Just a week ago Emley had conceded an early goal against Droylsden.On this occasion a corner from the left was met by an Alfreton striker and, despite Cuss blocking the shot, GODBER followed up to give the home side the lead. .

Ian Bank's side faced an uphill task against the League leaders but responded well to this setback and after 10 minutes Muller was pulled to the ground on the edge of the penalty area but amazingly the referee waved play on. Alfreton's direct style moving the ball from defence to attack at speed and a shoot on sight policy was impressive but on 25 minutes Emley grabbed a well deserved lifeline. A Bullimore corner reached Selby on the left hand side of the penalty area and, as he controlled the ball and attempted to go past the defender, he was brought down. BULLIMORE confidently placed the resultant penalty kick to the left of the keeper to to score his first goal for the club put Emley level. The visitors defended well for the remainder of the first half and Cuss was forced to push a 30 yard effort over the bar. In the final minute Senior was bizarrely booked by the inconsistent referee when the keeper intercepted a corner, tried to clear quickly and the ball hit the Emley player on the back whilst standing 3 yards away!

Fullback Calum Selby also entered the referee's notebook in the first minute of the second half for a bad foul and shortly after he was fortunate not to receive his marching orders after committing a similar offence on the edge of the penalty area. After 67 minutes a corner from the right was met by a clutch of players and the referee pointed to the spot for what appeared handball, HEMMINGS confidently converted to give the home side the lead. Emley increased the tempo and belied their lowly position as they went looking for another equaliser. A 25 yard effort from Bowler nearly caught the keeper out of position and Hazleden headed narrowly wide from a free kick when he should really have tested the keeper more severeley. A shot from the evervesent Wilson in final minute of added time was cleared and Alfeton claimed the points which kept them top of the table.

Emley face another daunting game on Saturday when they make the long haul to high flying Barrow.

Result Alfreton 2 Emley 1

Attendance: 440
Emley squad: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Senior (Clarke 86), Hazleden S, David (Gledhill 88), Fowler (Tonks ), Fowler, Wilson M, Muller, Bullimore, Bowler

On Wakefield and Emley's last visit to Whitcham Park six years ago they came away with a comfortable victory; Saturday's visit was more a snatch and grab operation!

On an ideal afternoon for a FA Cup 2nd qualifying game the home side made most of the early running and, unlike the visitors, were prepared to shoot on sight. Within the first 15 minutes they had three long range efforts which either went over the bar or harmlessly wide before a Nicholson cross cum shot drifted over the Witton crossbar.

Emley had a claim for a penalty when Fowler was pushed in the penalty area but they suffered yet again from the lack of an out and out striker. New signing Wayne Bullimore, the 33 year old midfielder signed recently from Barrow, showed the class which Emley have been missing all season. He controlled midfield, shielded the ball well and sprayed out passes to both flanks. Nevertheless, the only time that the visitors put pressure on the Witton defence was from set pieces. In contrast the home attack went closest to opening the scoring when the winger jinked through the Emley defence and shot narrowly wide from outside the penalty area. Day was having no joy in the role of the loner striker and was replaced by debutant Moore shortly before the half time whistle. Both sides had chances in the last few minutes of the half but Emley were relieved that the game was even at the break.

The second half opened in a similar vein to the first and neither side looked capable of scoring until the decisive move of the game in the 63rd minute. Steve Nicholson chipped the ball over a massed defence from the edge of the penalty area and everyone on the pitch and the Emley supporters behind the goal thought that it was going to run harmlessly out for a goal kick. The impressive fullback Calum Selby thought otherwise, just reached the ball and played it through the gap between the near post and the out of position keeper. The ball tricked slowly across the area, 6 inches parallel to the goal line, and MARK WILSON followed up to tap the ball into the net for a classic poachers goal.

Minutes later a Bullimore corner hit the crossbar and was headed behind but from then on it was a constant barrage on the visitors defence as Witton attempted to claw their way back into the game. A claim for a penalty was waived away by the referee and then Witton hit the post following a scramble in the penalty area. With 3 minutes remaining a shot was deflected by Hazleden onto the bar for a corner. Clarke replaced Wilson to try to relieve the pressure and in the 4 minutes of injury time that Emley had to endure a free kick from the edge of the penalty area was well taken by Cuss. An excellent rearguard action by Emley ensured they held out for their first victory away from home in the FA Cup since they beat Gateshead in October 1998; a victory which ensured a First Round Proper tie with Rotherham United at Oakwell.

Result: Witton Albion 0 Emley 1 (Scorer M Wilson 63 mins)

Emley Team:
Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Bairstow, Hazleden S, David, Fowler, Bullimore, Day (Moore 41), Wilson (Clarke 87), Bowler
Subs not used: Tonks, Twitchen, Prasher

Emley v Droylsden

 Emley, showing 3 changes from the starting line up that which drew at Burscough on Saturday, lost their 3 match unbeaten run when they lost 0 - 2 at BelleVue to Droylsden last night.

Sean Hazleden, Liam Chapman and Mark Wilson replaced Paul David, Scott Bairstow and Danny Day but the home team were undone after 3 minutes when BYRNE attacked down the right, ghosted through the Emley defence and shot the visitors into the lead. Despite this early set back Emley immediately regrouped and Fowler, the former Town reserve player, crossed from the right but Wilson hooked over the bar. This was to set the tone for Emley's night; plenty of possesion and neat football; playing the ball around on the floor but lacking the killer punch in front of goal.

An over enthusistic challenge by Wilson in the 10th minute lead to him receiving a yellow card and then in the 20th minute new signing Wayne Bullimore reached the goal line on the left and pulled the ball back invitingly into the 6 yard box but a good chance to equalise was wasted. Both teams had further chances but the scoreline remained 0 - 1 to Droylsden at half time.

The second half continued in the same vein and Emley went closest to snatching the deserved equaliser in the 60th minute. Nicholson was fouled on the right of the Droylsden penalty area and Bullimore's free kick floated narrowly wide of the far post with no Emley player being able to get the vital final touch.

The match was all over bar the shouting after 75 minutes when KILHEENEY broke through the home defence and the ball richoched kindly off David back into his stride from him to slot the ball past the ongoing Cuss to give the visitors breathing space. Emley's last chance to reduce the arrears came 5 minutes from the whistle when Fowler reached the goal line and pulled the ball back. When ethe ball ventually reached Day hisstrike on goal went narrowly wide of the left hand post.

The result was a far from ideal preparation for Saturday's FA Cup 2nd qualifying game at Witton Albion; for which on loan players Adam Muller and Chris Dolby will not be available to prevent them being cup tied.

Result Emley 0 Droylsden  2

Emley team: Cuss, Nicholson, Fowler, Selby, Hazleden S Chapman (David 55), Tonks (Twitchwn 65), Bullimore, Muller (Day 45), Wilson M, Bowler

Burscough v Emley

Emley: Wilson clinches a point 
Sep 22 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Mark Wilson plundered an 83rd-minute equaliser to extend Wakefield and Emley's unbeaten UniBond League run to three matches. Basement side Burscough were left kicking themselves after scoring through Martin Crowther six minutes before the break.

Goals have been hard to come by for the Victoria Park side this season, and their luck was again scarce on Saturday, when Darren Connell cracked a shot against the bar after 23 minutes.Emley's ex-Town goalkeeper Paul Cuss then did well to deny Steve McNulty when he headed powerfully towards goal. But he could do nothing to stop Connell, who weaved into the penalty area and fired high into the roof of the net.

Emley's only real first-half chance came in stoppage time, when on-loan Worksop man Adam Muller hit the side netting.

Ian Banks's men had let-offs after 56 and 71 minutes, when first Michael White, then Connell, were just off target with shots.But they showed persistence, and finally struck when tough midfielder Wilson burst through and lobbed over David Newnes in the home goal.

That kept them in 19th place going into tomorrow's home clash with Droylsden, who are 10th after a 3-3 home draw against Blyth.

Leaders Alfreton went down 1-0 at Spennymoor, who are fifth.

Result Burscough 1 Emley 1

Emley Team Cuss, Nicholson, Fowler, Selby, Bairstow, David (Chapman), Tonks, Bullimore, Day (Wilson M), Muller, Bowler
Sub: Hazleden S (not used)  

Muller hits mark 
Sep 17 2003 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

On-loan striker Adam Muller cracked a stunning 25-yard drive to give Wakefield and Emley a 1-0 victory at Hucknall. And Muller's memorable effort on 35 minutes gave Ian Banks' side their second consecutive UniBond League win and their first away win to lift them to 19th in the 23-team Premier Division.

The result is a great boost ahead of Saturday's match when Emley travel to basement club Burscough. Banks stuck with the majority of the squad that had beaten Altrincham 2-0 on Saturday, but introduced new signing Wayne Bullimore, who replaced Chris Dolby on 80 minutes.

Statto's comments:

Result Hucknall 0 Emley 1

Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Selby, Fowler, Bairstow, David (Hazleden S), Tonks, Dolby (Bullimore), Day, Muller, Bowler
Unused sub: Wilson M

The very young team became of age tonight! Great strike by Muller, superb passing movements in an end to end 1st half. PD came off just after half time them a tremendous rear guard action in 2nd half. Cussy played out of his skin but generally a great all round performance.

Keep it up in my absence on Saturday!!

Emley v Altrincham

Seven up for Emley as Alty beaten again 

Sep 15 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


"Wouldn't it be great to play Alty every week," said one Wakefield and Emley wag after seeing his side notch only their second UniBond League win of the season. (FAME AT LAST!)

And he had a fair point as this was a seventh successive victory over the Cheshire outfit for the Belle Vue side. This was a far more controlled and disciplined display than in the midweek 3-0 drubbing by Gainsborough and the tigerish resilence of Emley's youngsters unsettled Altrincham.

Goals in either half swung the match in Emley's favour with the impressive 19-year-old Calum Selby (formerly at Barnsley and Doncaster) opening his account on 38 minutes when his free-kick took a deflection off the wall and ended up in the corner. Mark Wilson came on as substitute on 68 minutes and made an immediate impact, leaving the Altrincham defence in his wake before drawing goalkeeper Dave McCarthy and coolly slotting the ball past him.

Player-coach Paul David made his first start of the season in defence and his commanding presence and determination spread through the entire team. He was ably supported by former Farsley Celtic defender Scott Bairstow, while boss Ian Banks introduced loan duo Adam Muller (Worksop) and Chris Dolby (Alfreton) into the starting side.

There was a familiar face in the Altrincham team in the shape of Emley old boy Michael Reynolds, who came on as substitute for Graham Heathcote's side. Banks' side climbed a place to third-bottom ahead of tomorrow's trip to Hucknall.

Result Emley 2 Altrincham 0

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Fowler, Bairstow, Selby, David (Hazelden, 78mins), Tonks, Muller (Clark, 85mins), Day, Dolby, Wilson, (68mins), Bowler.

Altrincham: McCarthy, Scott, Adams, Rose (Robertson, 67mins), Talbot, Aspinall (Reynolds, 67mins), Gardner, Craney, Band, Thornley, Hooper (Welton, 67mins).

Referee: Ronnie McNaughton.

Attendance: 254.

Gainsborough v Emley

Emley slump to another defeat 

Sep 10 2003  By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Wakefield and Emley slumped to their fourth consecutive UniBond League defeat, and sixth in total, after a naive display against Gainsborough.

Despite a large amount of possession, they were caught out by clinical and decisive breaks from the home side. The result leaves them one place off the foot of the Premier Division table and level on points with basement side Lancaster who beat Burscough 1-0 last night.

It was a case of deja vu for hardened Emley supporters who, yet again, saw their side start eagerly, taking the game by the scruff of the neck, but went a goal behind on 32 minutes when the defence failed to deal with a deep free kick across the edge of the box and Alex Mortimer's nod-down fell kindly to dangerman Lee Ellington who made no mistake. And with Emley goals proving to be collectors items this season, it was going to be a struggle to get back into the match.

Former Town and Emley player Chris Hurst ran the first-half show marshalling the midfield well and surging into good attacking spaces. Emley had a let-off on 44 minutes when Gareth Grant sent Mortimer racing down the left. Grant continued his run into the box unmarked but poked the return just wide.

But Emley were punished again on 51 minutes when the ball was given carelessly away in midfield and Grant outstripped the defence, goalkeeper Paul Cuss came out but scuffed his clearance which fell back in to the poacher's path for an easy tap in.

For all of Emley's youthful and exuberant play, they were lacking in leadership and direction.Worryingly, as the teams trooped off into the dressing rooms at half time, Emley's management trio of Banks, Ray Dennis and Paul David, stayed out briefly on the pitch appearing to have discussions about which course of action to take in the second half!

Meanwhile, Gainsborough were content to let Emley run like headless chickens all over the Northolme pitch. The experience of the Lincolnshire club snuffed out Emley's style of playing football at break-neck speed but without a decent final ball. When the home side broke, they did efficiently and effectively and Ellington added a third on 86 when Grant turned provider, heading a left wing cross into the path of Ellington who stabbed it home.

Result Gainsborough 3 Emley 0

Gainsborough Trinity: Holshaw, Purkiss, Burley, Timons, Smith, Allison, Mortimer, Hurst, Ellington, Staton, Grant (Byrne, 89mins). Subs not used: Kotylo, Hannah.

 Emley: Cuss, Nicholson, Fowler, Bairstow, Hazelden, Selby, Tonks, Clarke (David, 73mins), Twitchen (Clapham, 45mins), Wilson (Hemstock, 45mins), Bowler.

Referee: Alec Clyde.

Attendance: 387.

Emley v Ashton United

Emley second-bottom 
Sep 8 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Wakefield and Emley sank to just one place off the bottom of the UniBond League Premier Division as Ashton's Huddersfield based manager Gerry Quinn put one over on his old club. A first-half brace by Phil Denney was enough to ensure the points for the Lancastrians before Rob Tonks snatched a consolation deep into stoppage time.

The opener came on 14 minutes when Emley lost the ball in midfield and Denney teed up Craig Fleury.His shot crashed off the crossbar and Denney, who had continued his run, nodded it over the line.On 23 minutes, Emley goalkeeper Andrew Carney spilled a Jason Dormer free-kick and Denney reacted quickest to net from close range.

Ian Banks' side are finding goals difficult to come by despite creating chances and `lady luck' was certainly absent on Saturday. Tonks saw his seventh-minute snapshot cannon off the bar, while a mistake by Ashton's Andrew Thackeray let Scott Clarke through on 40 minutes, but ex-Town goalkeeper Danny Trueman saved.

Emley shot out of the blocks at the start of the second half but were denied by two great saves from Trueman, who denied Ian Twitchen, then Kris Bowler. Emley did have the ball in the back of the net on 79 minutes, but midfielder Mark Wilson's shot but it was ruled out for offside. And on 82 minutes, Trueman got down well to block Twitchen's low drive while the busy Wilson sliced the follow-up wide.

Emley go to fellow strugglers Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow.

Result Emley 1 Ashton 2

 Emley: Carney, Nicholson, Fowler, Bairstow, Hazelden, Selby, Tonks, Clarke (Henstock, 63mins), Twitchen (David, 87mins), Wilson (Clapham, 87mins), Bowler.

Ashton: Trueman, Thackeray, White, Johnson, Dyson, Royle, Fleury (Morris, 63mins), Denney (Adams, 67mins), Miller, Dormer, Smith. Sub not used: Aspinall.

Attendance: 201.

Emley v Harrogate Town

Carney's debut fails to inspire sad Emley 
Sep 3 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Harrogate took full honours in last night's UniBond League Premier Division clash at Belle Vue.

Ian Banks was forced to give Ossett Albion goalkeeper Andrew Carney his UniBond League Premier Division debut for Emley (Paul Cuss out with a groin injury), while Adam Fowler might have wished he had stayed with Telford after a torrid second half in which he gave away a penalty, got booked and scored an own goal.

There was plenty of hustle and bustle without clear-cut chances during the opening exchanges until Danny Day won a header ahead of former Leeds defender Neil Aspin on 22 minutes, but it was an easy gather for keeper Ashley Connor. Soon after Ian Twitchen should have opened Emley's account but a touch too many allowed the keeper that extra yard to force him wide.

But the warning was on the cards on 37 minutes when Harrogate came close from Colin Hunter's corner, but it flew through a crowded box with no-one able to convert. It was on 42 minutes Marc Smith seized on Carney's fumble to put Harrogate ahead. But the keeper soon made amends, solidly saving Smith's penalty on 61 minutes after Fowler was harshly judged to have handled.

Worse was to come for former Town full back Fowler on 67 minutes. Substitute Steve Nicholson was robbed as he surged upfield and an electric Harrogate break and cross from 27-year-old former England youth international Marc Ford was sliced in at the far post by Fowler.

Twitchen struck the underside of the bar with a 20-yard drive but it was as near as Emley came, and they are now in 19th place.

Result Emley 0 Harrogate 2

 Emley: Carney, Fowler (David, 87mins), Cudworth, Bowler, Hazelden, Selby, Clark, Twitchen (Clapham, 87mins), Day (Nicholson, 60mins), Wilson, Tonks.

Attendance: 225.

Radcliffe Borough v Emley

Emley sunk by Sampson's super hat trick  

Manchester comedian Bernard Manning is president of Radcliffe Borough while his namesake son is chairman - and they certainly had the last laugh as awful Emley were brutally exposed.

Sep 1 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The man who caused the damage at Stainton Park was Borough hat trick hero Gary Sampson, who added goals either side of the break in addition to his 17th-minute opener as Wakefield and Emley struggled to adapt to a sloping pitch. With manager Ian Banks absent through illness, coaches Ray Dennis and Paul David were unable to conjure a second win of the term, with Emley looking ragged and disorganised.

Just as Vauxhall Motors' Peter Cumiskey had been allowed a 30-yard run before scoring earlier in the UniBond League campaign, Sampson was handed the same space and made no mistake running downhill.Simeon Bambrook squandered half-chances, still opting for power instead of precision, while goalkeeper Paul Cuss single-handedly kept the goals against column down with a series of blocks.

Former Hyde playmaker Jody Banim proved a handful all afternoon, while former Accrington striker Simon Carden had a slice of luck on 60 minutes, when his offside run brought no reaction from the assistant referee and he was allowed to tee up substitute Eamonn Elliott to sidefoot Radcliffe's fourth goal.

Shortly before Emley's Mark Wilson had tried a speculative lob which goalkeeper Danny Hurst was forced to tip it over the bar. Karl Marginson nearly added a fifth for Boro but had to watch in frustration as his 63rd-minute free-kick struck the base of a post. Emley pinched a consolation on 79 minutes, when Bambrook netted after an excellent run and cross from 17-year-old substitute Scott Clark.

Three minutes from time, a looping header by defender Scott Bairstow beat the Radcliffe goalkeeper but Richard Landon hacked off the line. Some on and off-field leadership from the more experienced players is now required as Emley prepare to host Harrogate Town tomorrow (7.45).

Result Radcliffe 4 Emley 1

Radcliffe Boro: Hurst, Battersby, Spencer, Kelly, Luker, Sampson (Elliott, 52mins), Marginson, Carden, Denham (Hardy, 66mins), Banim (Landon, 66mins), Price.

 Emley: Cuss, Bairstow, Cudworth, Chapman (Clark, 68mins), Hazelden, Selby, Clapham (Tonks, 45mins), Bambrook, Day (Twitchen, 70mins), Wilson, Bowler.

Referee: T Massey.

Attendance: 307.

Emley: First-half blitz brings Banks win

Wakefield and Emley finally collected their first win under new boss Ian Banks at the fourth attempt.
By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Two goals by the break at Belle Vue had home fans in a 147 crowd positively giddy.And although the supply dried up in the second half, they must still have been satisfied with a win which took their team up to 14th in the Premier Division.

New recruit Kris Bowler put Banks' men ahead on 36 minutes. A long punt upfield by Mark Wilson found Simeon Bambrook, who drove a rifling shot at Jonathan Collinson, then slid in as the goalkeeper spilled the ball. With the Spennymoor man lying prostrate, Bowler was quick to react and drive the ball home.

Danny Day made it 2-0 on 42 minutes, converting Wilson's corner after good work down the right by Danny Clapham.

But in truth, Spennymoor were there for taking, and Emley should have enjoyed a `goalden' field day. Bambrook certainly wouldn't have bought Moors keeper Collinson a pint afterwards after he denied the normally prolific hitman four clear chances to open his season's account in the first half. The first came after just 80 seconds when a ball over the top fell kindly to the striker, but he delayed and opted to blast it straight at Collinson rather than chip over him.

Spennymoor were lucky to survive vehement penalty appeals on 39 minutes when Day fell inches inside the box, only for the referee to judge it was outside. Such was Emley's dominance that goalkeeper Paul Cuss was only worried once in the whole 90 minutes, but Nicky Mohan headed over the top.

Result Emley 2 Spennymoor 0

 Emley: Cuss, Bairstow, Cudworth, Chapman, Hazelden, Selby, Clapham (Clark, 83mins), Bambrook, Day (Twitchen, 86mins), Wilson (Tonks, 72mins), Bowler.

Vauxhall Motors v Emley

Emley: Crying out for more punch in goal search


Reality is finally dawning on Wakefield and Emley and it has a familiar ring it . . . the need to score goals!
Aug 25 2003 By Linzi Nicholson, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

One goal in three outings has resulted in one point from nine and although the new-look side has adopted familiar `tight' defensive traits, the lack of spark and support up front could prove significant as Emley need a top-12 finish to qualify for the Conference North next season. The fightback could begin when Emley host promoted Spennymoor United at Belle Vue today (3.00).

For their first time since their move to Belle Vue, Wakefield, three seasons ago, the club has not applied for Nationwide Conference status, instead, setting their sights on gaining automatic entry into the Conference North - a feeder league into the national Conference - as non-league football faces another re-jig with one aim to reduce travelling costs for those in the non-league's higher echelons. Vauxhall Motors are ploughing their profits from their magnificent FA Cup second round run last campaign, into a new stand at Rivacre Park, leaving boss Alvin McDonald with little to strengthen the side - fortunately for the scouser, it didn't need strengthening that much!

Quality player Peter Cumiskey put his side ahead on 40 minutes, catching Chris Bowler and Liam Chapman urgently back-pedalling, before unleashing a low drive past Cuss It was the first glimpse of naivety in Ian Banks's new defence and it proved costly. Earlier, in front of a ridiculously low crowd of 143 (possibly due to the Bank Holiday weekend), centre-back Sean Hazelden had thwarted Derek Ward as he was poised to shoot with an excellently timed challenge.

Simeon Bambrook, making his seasonal debut for Emley, came close on 11, forcing goalkeeper Andy Ralph to parry his snapshot, while his opposite number Paul Cuss denied Nicky Young soon after. The Motormen had the ball in the back of the net on 38 from a tried and tested free-kick, but the referee ruled offside.

And, as Emley appeared more content to contain Motors, rather than steal an equaliser, Cuss denied Cumiskey a second palming the ball acrobatically away.But long-serving Emley player Rob Tonks should have earned his side a share of the points when, on 84, a left-wing cross surprised everyone, particularly the Motors back four and fell invitingly to Tonks but he screwed it wide.  

Result Vauxhall 1 Emley 0

Vauxhall Motors: Ralph, Ward, McDermott, Tomlinson, Whelan, Robinson, Nesbitt, Lynch (McCann, 75mins), Fearns, Young, Cumiskey (Lawton, 73mins). Sub not used: Kissock.

 Emley: Cuss, Bairstow, Cudworth (David, 85mins), Chapman, Hazelden, Selby, Tonks, Bowler, Day (Twitchen, 85mins), Bambrook, Clarke (Clapham, 68mins).

Referee: R Merchant.