Report

EMLEY moved up to 16th in the UniBond League Premier Division with a comprehensive display against Spennymoor.

A great strike by former Frickley player Wayne Benn on 34 minutes, gave Paul David's side a
1-0 lead at the break but they could have had more.

Adam Muller missed a great chance and Benn another to opportunity to increase Emley's lead before the break, but for once, those misses did not prove costly.

Andy Wright stepped forward to score a penalty on 62 minutes when Muller was judged to have been shoved in the box and the goal sparked a response from a previously lacklustre Moors outfit.

Emley goalkeeper Danny Trueman, acquired on loan on Saturday morning from Ashton to 
deputise for Paul Cuss, made a couple of important saves to quash the response before
  Stephen Kenworthy made sure of Emley's seventh League victory when he nipped in between two defenders and showed a clinical finish to seal it on 87 minutes.

Boss David said: "We have been trying to address the issue of defending as a whole team and so it was great not to concede.

"We finally got the result that our performance deserved and the players responded well. We got our noses in front and this time made it stick, but I won't allow any room for complacency."

Emley: Trueman, Tonks, Thompson (Mierzwinski, 85mins), Wood, Staniforth, Wright (Hatto, 70mins), Lindley, Benn (Kenworthy, 75mins), Fox, Muller, Jones.

Attendance: 112.

Emley pay the penalty

Dec 6 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A PENALTY miss by Emley after just 55 seconds proved costly as Paul David's side dropped to 17th in the UniBond League Premier Divison after a 12th defeat.

Christian Fox's spot kick, after striker Adam Muller had been brought down, was saved by Brig goalkeeper Andy Banks.

On two minutes Emley's Kingsley Jones shot over from 12 yards with a chance he should have converted and Muller, soon after, beat two defenders and tried to chip the keeper but he mis-hit the chance and the keeper claimed.

Brig's Chris Ward put the hosts ahead on 27 minutes with the first of his hat trick, and Marc Thompson was denied an equaliser when his fierce shot was palmed away from the top corner by the keeper.

Thompson, who was made Emley captain, rewarded his boss with a man-of-the-match performance.

But Emley were 2-0 down when Ward nipped in with his second goal on 50 minutes.

Emley pulled a goal back on 53 minutes when Andy Wright's persistence down the left set up Thompson who arrived late to score with a powerful header.

And on 67 minutes Thompson bagged a brace when he received the ball and unleashed a strong drive from 25-yards which keeper Banks claimed afterwards, that he never even saw it.

But, for all their dominance, Emley were left to rue missed chances when defender Lenny Curtis was ajudged to have handled the ball as he went up for a header and Ward bagged his hat trick from the penalty spot in the 89th minute.

Result: Bamber Bridge 3 - 2 Emley

EMLEY boss Paul David did not receive the birthday present he desired as his side succumbed to high-flying Conference North outfit Redditch.

A fortunate Simon Hollis free kick on 38 minutes, which took a wicked deflection off the Emley wall to beat Paul Cuss, proved enough to put the Midlands side in the third round of the FA Trophy.

But, the match was marred by a second half injury to referee Kevin Lawson and all momentum for both sides was lost by the delay as visiting supporter Paul Kimberley came forward to run the line.

Play was halted for 10 minutes in the 63rd minute as the change was made and, with stoppage time taken into account, the contest totalled 104 minutes!

Emley had done their research and produced an organised and effective defensive display - unfortunately they were a little uninspired up front as the scalp of Redditch appeared theirs for the taking.

Leading scorer Adam Muller won a corner after just three minutes from which Mark Mierzwinski's header crashed off the crossbar.

But Redditch began to play themselves into the game from the half hour, Hollis finding Scott Rickards in space but his shot was blocked by Cuss who had charged to the edge of the area, while Richard Softley's follow-up flew wide.

Emley's Lee Morris forced a great double-handed save by keeper Richard Anstiss on 42 minutes from his 22-yard effort and moments later Marc Thompson fired over as Emley tried to play their way back into the tie.

Moments before the lengthy second half stoppage for the officials change-around, Rob Tonks hit Redditch on a quick counter-attack down the right.

But his shot was blocked by defender Gary Knight and, from the resulting corner, Thompson struck his half-volley into the hospitality boxes.

Rickards was denied a second goal for Redditch in stoppage time, shooting straight at Cuss after Emley left gaps as they searched for an equaliser after a match of limited clear cut chances.

Disappointed Emley boss David said: "I think we played well in the first half and had enough about us to beat them.

"But, for all our play and possession over the 90 minutes, we did not make their keeper work hard enough. We lacked a cutting edge up front."

He added: "I think overall we did not deserve to lose this tie but, to be honest, we didn't do enough to really win it either.

"I'm pleased with our effort and endeavour, we just lacked a bit of craft and guile. We didn't get behind them enough."

Result: Emley 0 - 1 Redditch United

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Staniforth, Benn (Hatto, 70mins), Curtis, Mierzwinski (Bitton-Price, 78mins), Thompson, Fox, Morris (Kenworthy, 62mins), Muller, A Wright. Subs not used: Lindley, N Wright.

Leaders held as Jones finds the net 
Nov 22 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

LEAGUE leaders Workington were held to a 1-1 draw after a resilient diplay from hosts Emley.

Robert Ennis put the Cumbrian side ahead on 32 minutes against the run of play when he stole through the centre and drove his shot past goalkeeper Paul Cuss.

Earlier Emley's Christian Fox had a shot well-blocked by defender Kyle May after a neat one-two with Adam Muller on 15 minutes.

And on 26, Fox sent in-form Andy Wright, who ran Workington's David Lynn ragged all afternoon, surging down the left and his excellent cross was narrowly headed over by Kingsley Jones.

Mark Eccles should have increased the visitors' lead just before the break but shot straight at Cuss who was grounded.

Emley seized an important point though on 54 when Jones latched on to a downfield ball, left the Workington defence trailing and showed good composure with a tidy finish past keeper Adam Collin.

Workington hit back and had chances to win the game with Graham Goulding's 62nd minute shot crashing back off the base of the far post while Gary Cohen shot over with only the keeper to beat on 65 minutes.

And Goulding should have made his 72nd minute chance count from Eccles' pass but lashed his shot inches over as Emley held out.

Result: Emley 1 - 1 Workington

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Staniforth (Hatto, 75mins), Benn, Curtis, Mierzwinski, Morris, Fox, Jones (Kenworthy, 82mins), Muller, Wright (Bitton-Price, 87mins).

Workington: Collin, Lynn (Varty, 65mins), O'Neill, May, Gray, Henney, Ennis, Birks, Cohen, Goulding, Eccles. Subs not used: Wharton, Archibald.

Attendance: 181.

Newcomer strikes double in Emley victory
Nov 17 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TEENAGE debutant Curtis Bitton-Price lit up the Atlantic Solutions Stadium last night as Emley cruised to a comfortable 4-0 victory against Guiseley in the UniBond League Cup.

The slightly-built 18-year-old had just been released by Guiseley to be given a chance in Paul David's side.And whether he wanted to prove a point or not to his former employers, he put several Emley first team regulars to shame with his determination and enthusiasm as the pacy striker looked on fire as he popped up with two goals in 12 second-half minutes.

His second on 75 minutes was a beauty, unleashing a dipping shot from 22-yards which left goalkeeper John Lamb on his backside.  Bitton-Price was one of three triallists who featured along with Paul Staniforth (Maltby Main) and Kingsley Jones (Bradford PA).

The last time Emley managed four goals was in the 4-4 draw at Spennymoor nearly a year ago. And the result was never really in doubt.

Adam Muller put Emley ahead on 19 minutes when he converted Andy Wright's left wing cross from close range. Andy Wright continued to run rings around a disinterested-looking Guiseley before making way for substitute Bitton-Price.

Keeper Paul Cuss denied good first half chances from Guiseley's Mark Stuart and Jeremy Illingworth as the visitors looked a shadow of the team who beat Emley 3-1 in the League encounter in September. Debutant Jones beat the offside trap from Muller's pass just before the break but, with only the keeper to beat, he froze undecided, and the chance was smothered.

Lee Morris settled any nerves with Emley's second on 49 minutes. Wright was again provider and the Harrogate Town loanee pulled away from his marker to beat the keeper with a looping header at the far post.

Result: Emley 4 - 0 Guiseley

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Staniforth, Mierzwinski, Thompson, Benn, Morris (Hitchen 61mins), Fox, Jones, Muller (Kenworthy, 58mins), Wright (Bitton-Price 51mins).

Guiseley: Lamb, Hay, Ball, Illingworth, Graham (Sumner, 49mins), Stansfield, Jackson (Henry, 35mins), Hunt, Parke, Grayston (Chattoe, 56mins), Stuart.

Attendance: 143.

Ossett take key derby honours
Nov 15th 2004 By The Huddersfield Examiner

Emley slumped to an 11th Unibond League defeat as Ossett Town took the hoours in this derby match.
Emley were caught cold on 14 minutes when Rob Tonks was found ball watching on the left. James Walshaw chased what looked like a lost cause ball and kept it in play before delivering an accurate pass into the 6 yard box where James Nestor seized his chance to drive it past goalkeeper Paul Cuss from close range.

Emley's leading striker Adam Muller should have levelled on 16 mins but was denied by the outstretched arm of Jon Hood. Nestor fluffed a good chance to increase Ossett's lead on 30 mins but, as Cuss raced out to the edge of the box to narrow the angle, Nestor beat him to the ball but screwed it wide.

Emley loan man Lee Morris picked out Muller on 34 mins but his first time shot screamed across the face of goal before Ossett hit back on the counter attack. David Briggs broke clear and his dipping shot from 20 yards was tipped over the bar by Cuss. From the resulting corner Alex Callery whipped in agreat ball, the Emley defence failed to pick up defender Kirk Wheeler and he made no mistake with a solid header.

Muller netted Emley's consolation on 48 mins, and his 12 goal of the season, when he latched onto a Marc Thompson pass and produced a clinical finish. But, in a second half of limited chances against a well marshalled Ossett defence, Emley could not find the equaliser.

Result: Ossett Town 2 - 1 Emley

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Hatto, Benn, Wood (Meirswinski 70 mins), Lindley, 
Morris (Hitchen 71 mins), Thompson, Kenworthy, Muller, Wright (Fox 56 mins)

Attendance: 290

Wright grabs winner in tie of limited chances

Nov 10 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EMLEY kept their run going by dealing a 1-0 knockout blow to neighbours, and cup holders,  Frickley Athletic in the second round of the Sheffield Senior Cup.

Former Bradford Park Avenue player Andy Wright was on target scoring the solitary goal for Paul David's side, during a match of very limited chances, on 35 minutes.

Midfielder Christian Fox broke behind the Frickley defence and pulled the ball back for Wright, who buried his shot past goalkeeper Gary Ingham into the bottom corner.

Adam Muller had a great chance to double the tally on 55 minutes.

The 11-goal leading scorer, who netted a brace in Saturday's 2-1 FA Trophy victory against Farsley, stole in between two defenders and was one-on-one with the keeper until the ball bobbled as he was preparing to shoot, allowing the keeper to smother the shot.

Frickley's best chance, on 65 minutes, was nearly gifted by Emley themselves, as keeper Paul Cuss raced out to boot a long ball upfield.

It was picked up on the half way line by Dale Rimmington who lobbed it goalwards - but it bounced harmlessly 12 yards wide.

Result: Frickley Athletic 0 - 1 Emley

Emley: Cuss, Tonks, Hatto, Mierzwinski, Wood, Lindley, Fox, Thompson, Kenworthy, Muller, A Wright. Subs: Hitchen, Hirst, N Wright.

Muller superb with rivals sunk at last! 

Nov 8 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

EMLEY beat West Yorkshire rivals Farsley at the third time of asking, after two League defeats, with a superb second half brace from top scorer Adam Muller.

The former Worksop striker is proving a valuable asset to Paul David's developing side as he took his goal tally to 11, while former Town centre-back Jon Dyson scored a rare goal with Farsley's consolation.

Dyson was one of six players involved in the Trophy tie with former Town connections as he was joined by Paul Cuss, Stephen Kenworthy, Nicky Wood, Michael Midwood and Farsley boss Lee Sinnott.

David, constantly looking to strengthen his UniBond League squad, threw Harrogate Town's month-loan striker Lee Morris into the starting line-up and his workrate was impressive, while former Frickley midfielder Wayne Benn made his debut as substitute.

Morris teamed up with Kenworthy up front but chances were few and far between during a gritty first half.

Farsley pressed late on in the half.

A well-worked free kick from Midwood picked out James Knowles who shot at goalkeeper Cuss after stealing a good position at the far post on 36 minutes.

And two minutes later a strong solo run by Mark Bett brought a solid save from Cuss who tipped his angled drive over the bar.

Emley launched a swift counter-attack from Cuss's throw-out on 39 minutes and Muller, playing wide right midfield, cut inside and went close with a shot which screwed past the far post and brought gasps from the home supporters.

David's half-time switch - teaming Muller up front with Kenworthy and playing Morris deeper - had an immediate impact.

Muller, taking up a dangerous central position, converted a left wing cross from eight yards on 48 minutes.

And Muller's second, to give Emley a 2-0 lead on 57 minutes was a gem, when he unleashed a cracking shot from the left side of the area which left keeper Tom Morgan no chance as he buried it inside the the far post.

Emley were now playing to their own strengths, neat, tidy football played at pace, and making Farsley work hard.

But Farsley clawed their way back when centre-back Nicky Wood's clearing header crashed off a Farsley player into the path of Dyson who stabbed it in.

A long range shot by Midwood in the final minute forced a solid double-handed save from Cuss who turned it round a post and despite a late flurry of corners, Emley held on.

David said: "We didn't play well in the first half because we allowed Farsley to dictate the tempo.

"When we stepped it up in the second half we were a lot better because a high tempo game suits us down to the ground, because we have players with genuine pace."

He added: "Although I personally would have exchanged this result for league points, it's finally great to get a win after we've played well.

"Many times this season we've played well and got no reward, this time we've made it stick."

Result: Emley 2 - 1 Farsley Celtic

Emley Cuss, Tonks, Hatto, Bland (Benn, 33mins), Wood, Lindley, Morris, Thompson, Muller, Kenworthy (Joice, 87mins), A Wright. Subs not used: Mierzwinski, Painter, N Wright.

Farsley Celtic: Morgan, Knowles, Stabb, Shields, Connor (Bernard, 63mins), Dyson, Duxbury, Iqbal, Bett, Midwood, Stamer. Subs not used: Kilner, Wilson, Hall, Bramham.

Attendance: 224.

Radcliffe Borough v Emley

A HAT TRICK by Radcliffe Borough's Steve Foster did the damage as Emley were beaten for a 10th time in18 UniBond League outings this season.

Paul David's side lost 3-2 after surrendering a 12th minute lead when Stephen Kenworthy squared the ball unselfishly from a one-on-one with the goalkeeper for Phil Lindley to slot home.

Foster levelled on 36 after enforced substitutions were made due to injuries to returning Robert Pell (ankle) and Brendan Aspinall.

Keeper Nicky Wright gifted Foster a second when his miscued clearance was returned into the back of the net.

And Foster bagged his hat trick from the spot on 58 when Richard Battersby was fouled.

Emley bombarded Radcliffe up the slope during the second half and should have come away from the game with some reward. But not even Robbie Painter scoring from his free kick on 63 minutes could salvage a precious point.

Result: Radcliffe Borough 3 - 2 Emley

Emley: N Wright, Mierzwinski (A Wright), Hatto, Thompson, Wood, Aspinall (Painter, 20mins), Tonks, Fox, Pell (Zoll, 22mins), Kenworthy, Lindley,  A Wright.

Attendance: 139.

Emley v Witton Albion

FORMER Bradford Park Avenue defender Marc Thompson bounced back from a one match suspension in emphatic style - bagging the only goal of the game as Emley beat Witton Albion 1-0.

Thompson's 17-minute strike, driving home Christian Fox's corner, was his first goal for the club since his transfer nearly a fortnight ago.

And the result hauled Paul David's UniBond League side up to 12th in the Premier Division ahead of tomorrow's rearranged league match at Radcliffe.

Stephen Kenworthy and Adam Muller both squandered chances to increase Emley's lead with goalkeeper Paul Cuss left virtually a spectator.

But Witton came out strongly after the break and nearly capitalised on Emley mistakes.

First Muller gave possession to Simon Burton on 57 minutes but he shot straight at Cuss with the goal at his mercy, and Andy Wright was caught out of position and gave his back pass to Witton hot shot Mike Moseley who found the angle too tight.

It was a rare chance for 10-goal Witton striker Moseley who had been marshalled out of the game after another superb performance from centre-back Nicky Wood.

Result: Emley 1 - 0 Witton Albion

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinski, Hatto, Thompson, Wood, Lindley, Zoll (Painter, 61mins), Fox, Kenworthy (Bland, 84mins), Muller, Wright. Sub not used: O'Reilly.

Attendance: 152.

Wood blow adds to Emley's woes 

Oct 25 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Hyde United v Emley

A serious injury to Wakefield and Emley centre-back Nicky Wood added to the club's woes as Paul David's side lost 2-1 at Hyde in the UniBond League Premier Division.

Play was stopped for several minutes as Wood received urgent treatment after swallowing his tongue in an accidental clash with goalkeeper Paul Cuss on 60 minutes.

Fellow centre-back Brendan Aspinall, a trained physio, was first on the scene to offer crucial assistance followed by the physios of both clubs.

Wood later recovered without hospitalisation.

Hyde took the lead with a Neil Tolson strike on 26 minutes after a swift counter-attack and Matthew McNeil added the second on 33 minutes when keeper Cuss was caught out of his area by the bounce of the ball from a long punt upfield and McNeil stole in to roll it into an unguarded net.

Stephen Kenworthy replied for Emley on 50 minutes, spotting the Hyde keeper off his line before launching a lob which went in off the underside of the crossbar.

Result: Hyde United 2 - 1 Emley

Emley v Farsley Celtic

EMLEY were dealt a gutting blow as they looked to overturn a 5-0 UniBond League Premier Division defeat by Farsley earlier in the season.

And they had performed well enough to deserve something from this flowing game, until former Leeds United trainee James Knowles pounced four minutes into stoppage time to blast the winner past goalkeeper Paul Cuss.

His strike cancelled out ever-impressive Adam Muller's brace and another player who did not deserve to be on the losing side was centre-back Nicky Wood.

He was a colossus at the back and marshalled the re-introduced back four line-up with commanding authority.

Boss Paul David did not hesitate to throw new signings Marc Thompson (Bradford PA) and Robert O'Brien (Harrogate T) into the fray after signing them late yesterday afternoon to cover for injuries to Mark Mierzwinski and Rob Tonks.

Emley took the lead on 12 minutes when Stephen Kenworthy threaded a short through ball forward.

Farsley keeper Tom Morgan came to gather and spilled it, Muller slid in, the ball squirmed out, and it just managed to inch over the line.

Mark Bett levelled for Farsley on 19 minutes blasting the ball through a crowded area, but Emley regained the lead on 36 when an incisive through ball by Kenworthy sent Muller tearing through to find the keeper in no-man's land and he produced an immaculate finish.

Farsley came back strongly after the break, but Emley held on until the 62nd minute when Knowles notched his first as the ball spun out to him from Roy Stamer's free kick.

Both teams counter-attacked with pace during an open second half but yet again Emley were left with nothing to show from a performance which deserved something.

Result: Emley 2 - 3 Farsley Celtic

Emley: Cuss, Thompson, Hitchen (O'Reilly, 68mins), Painter, Wood, Lindley, O'Brien (Joice, 68mins), Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, Wright (Kettlewell 84mins).

Farsley Celtic: Morgan, McDaid, Bold, Shields, Connor, Stabb, Knowles, Iqbal, Bett, Bernard, Stamer. Subs not used: Zoll, Howarth, Patterson.

Attendance: 151

Matlock Town v Emley

A LATE penalty gave Matlock Town their first UniBond League double of the season with a 2-1 win against Emley.

Boss Paul David was furious at the referee's decision to give the Derbyshire side a spot kick on 84 minutes after Simon Barraclough stumbled from a Craig Hitchen challenge.

Emley had earlier claims for a penalty waved away by the official who said he was too far away to see the offence, yet was apparently further away from Matlock's successful penalty incident.

Ian Clarke successfully converted the spot kick beating Paul Cuss with the pace of the ball as the keeper guessed the right way.

Matlock had taken the lead on 32 minutes when Barraclough latched on a loose ball which fell to him after a succession of corners to drive it home.

Much-travelled Leroy Chambers was denied by Cuss on seven minutes when his powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar and Cuss smothered it at the second attempt.

But Emley were not outplayed and worked hard on a difficult, boggy surface.

Two minutes after the break Stephen Kenworthy fired his side level when he received Adam Muller's pass, turned and struck a curling shot past the keeper.

Muller was a constant menace to the Derbyshire outfit and he released substitute Max Joice who went tearing down the right on 66 minutes but his cross beat everyone.

On 78 minutes a deep cross from the right by Joice picked out Andy Wright who knocked the ball back across the area. The keeper parried the ball only as far as Kenworthy who shot over the bar from six yards.

Result: Matlock Town 2 - 1 Emley

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinksi, Aspinall, Painter, Lindley, Hitchen, Wright, Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, Tonks (Joice, 41mins). Subs: Kettlewell, Flynn.

Emley v Leek Town

Emley showed firm resilience to shock third-placed Leek and record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

Paul David's side proved they can bounce back from adversity after conceding a weak goal from Matt Haddrell on 15 minutes.

After dominating play, Leek won a corner which was whipped in from the right by captain Ashley Wooliscroft.

Former Vauxhall Motors striker Haddrell, who dropped back into non-league football after being signed by Leek from Macclesfield Town last February, left his marker to drive a powerful header past Paul Cuss.

Emley did not panic, however, and took heart from creating earlier chances, the best of which fell to Stephen Kenworthy but he glanced his free header wide after a great cross from Craig Hitchen.

Andy Wright made probing runs down the right and on 28 minutes he launched into a determined run, beating two defenders before pulling the ball back for supporting midfielder Christian Fox, which should have brought an equaliser, but Fox shot high from 22 yards.

But Emley did not have long to wait.

Leading scorer Adam Muller, who is proving a tremendous asset from Worksop, turned on a sixpence to fire home the equaliser past goalkeeper Mark Cartwright from close range.

High-flying Leek rarely threatened while Emley produced solid passing football on a slick surface which belied their lowly 18th place position before the match.

And the winner, on 52 minutes, came from an unlikely source.

Former Town, Mansfield, Hyde and Ossett Town defender Brendan Aspinall opened his Emley account with a brave challenge in the Leek area as he took a knock to ensure the ball ended up in the back of the net. (actually it was his second - had scored at Burscough)

Leek's Dave McPherson caused late consternation for supporters as he broke through but Cuss read the danger and came out to make two successful challenges as the ball was cleared to safety.

Result: Emley 2 - 1 Leek Town

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinski, Aspinall, Painter, Wood, Hitchen, Wright, Fox, Kenworthy (Pell, 64mins), Muller, Tonks. Subs not used: Joice, Kettlewell.

Leek Town: Cartwright, Yates, Wooliscroft, Brown, Haddrell, Hawthorne, Clegg, McPherson, Whittaker, Crowe, Eyre.

Referee: D K Benton.

Attendance: 147.

EMLEY notched a 3-1 win in an important early-season UniBond League six-pointer at Bishop Auckland.

Winger Andy Wright, who is back at Emley after a stint at Harrogate Town, rewarded his `new' club with the opening goal on six minutes in front of a meagre crowd of just 96.

Adam Muller received the ball in the penalty area, turned two defenders and laid it off for Wright, on the overlap, to strike a sweet first-time shot from 10 yards which beat goalkeeper Kevin Wolfe.

On 25 minutes, a wind-assisted inswinging corner from the home side, who were attacking down the slope, almost caught out Emley goalkeeper Paul Cuss, but he recovered well to palm the ball out as it headed just under the bar.

Seconds before the break, Emley's impressive midfielder Christian Fox gave Paul David's side a bit of breathing space when he latched on to a long ball from defence, before beating two defenders, drawing Wolfe from his line and burying the second goal under the keeper's body.

But on 64 minutes, Mark Forster gave Bishop Auckland a lifeline.

After a string of consecutive corners, defender Forster picked up a loose ball on the edge of the box to smash a powerful shot across Cuss which went in off the far post.

Emley, however, soon restored their two-goal cushion when Muller fed Wright, who stormed down the left to the goalline.

His pull-back proved difficult to defend against and Muller seized his chance to drive a shot past Wolfe.

The result leaves Emley in 16th place as they prepare for tomorrow's home clash against third-placed Leek Town (7.45).

Result: Bishop Auckland 1 - 3 Emley

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinski, Tonks, Painter, Lindley, Aspinall, Fox, Wilson, Kenworthy, Muller, Wright. Subs: Wood, Hitchen, Hirst.

Attendance: 96

PRESCOT CABLES inflicted a sixth UniBond Premier Division defeat of the season with a 3-0 victory against Emley.

Chances were limited in the opening half hour but Robbie Painter's quick free kick on six minutes had goalkeeper Andy Paxton scrambling to cover.

The turning point came on 33 minutes when defender Brendan Aspinall was booked for a late challenge on Karl Connolly.

From the resulting free kick, Aspinall then pulled down Jason Massey in the penalty area and was sent off for a second yellow card before Massey sent Paul Cuss the wrong way to put Prescot ahead.

Boss Paul David replaced striker Stephen Kenworthy with defender Richard Hirst to shore up the defence and Emley battled well.

Cuss produced a first-class save to deny captain Eddie Taylor on 56min, while Emley hit back through Max Joice. He charged to the goalline and his excellent pull-back could have gone in off anyone for an equaliser - but it didn't.

Adam Muller forced an outstanding save from the keeper on 75 minutes before Prescot's extra man finally began to tell when Mark Peers grabbed a second with an angled drive on 66 minutes.Connolly added a third from 12 yards out on 81 minutes.

Result: Prescot Cables 3 - 0 Emley

* Emley travel to Bishop Auckland on Saturday with a noon kick-off due to the England v Wales World Cup qualifier.

Emley v Guiseley

FORMER Town player Neil Parsley, now turned building site manager, constructed Emley's demise as his well- organised outfit got the better of Paul David's developing side.

Goalkeeper Paul Cuss was a busy man, producing a string of top-class blocks and saves as Emley's West Yorkshire rivals turned on the pressure in the UniBond League Premier Division clash.

He could do nothing to prevent dangerman Simon Parke's opener on 37 minutes when Peter Sumner fed the former Southport and Halifax striker an astute ball and Parke, who had a brief spell with Emley during pre-season two years ago, clinically finished past a desperate attempted clearance from Max Joice.

Cuss had previously denied Parke, saving with his feet, while Mark Mierzwinski put his body in the way as the hitman let rip.

A half chance fell to Emley's Andy Wilson, who is finding great positions in the box without the finish, when he glanced a header over from Robbie Painter's accurate free kick on nine minutes.

But too many aerial balls forward by Emley - created by pressure from Guiseley who were quick to close down - gave strikers Adam Muller and Stephen Kenworthy little or no chance in the first half.

But Emley knuckled down after the break, Kenworthy levelling on 53 after a well-weighted ball played on the deck from Rob Tonks.

Kenworthy took it in his stride, peeled away from James Stansfield before driving it cool-as-you-like past keeper John Lamb.

For a time, Emley had experienced Guiseley rattled and the visitors breathed a sigh of relief when former Town reserve team player Nathan Hay brought down Muller inside the area but the referee waved away all penalty appeals.

But Emley's resurgence was brought crashing down on 72 minutes when centre-back Nicky Wood, who had been a tower of strength, misjudged the bounce of the ball on the left wing and David Cooke intercepted the ball, tore down on goal and slipped it under Cuss at his near post.

It was cruel justice on Wood who had made crucial tackles and interceptions and marshalled the back three well.

Mark Stuart's cross was cleared by Wood ahead of Michael Ord on 76 minutes but, from the resulting corner, Guiseley added a third when substitute Jeremy Illingworth converted Mark Stuart's kick.

Result: Emley 1 - 3 Guiseley

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinksi, Aspinall, Wilson, Wood, Painter, Joice (Kettlewell, 78mins), Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, Tonks. Subs not used: Hirst, Hitchen.

Guiseley: Lamb, Hay, O'Brien (Illingworth, 70mins), Ord, Grayston, Stansfield, Sumner, Hunt, Parke (Chattoe, 89mins), Cooke, Stuart (Edwards, 90mins).

Attendance: 151.

The arrival of former Frickley boss Phil Sharpe - after Ray Dennis' departure late last week - worked instant wonders as Emley banished their midweek FA Cup blues with a solid victory against the North Easterners.

Blyth rarely troubled a resolute defensive display from Nicky Wood, Brendan Aspinall and Mark Mierzwinski, while wingers Rob Tonks and Max Joice, who was kicked uphill and downhill all day, ran at them freely.

And up front, strikers Stephen Kenworthy and Adam Muller found a clinical edge, Kenworthy finishing off an intricate passing move with a confident shot past goalkeeper Craig Turns on 10 minutes after Blyth had earlier struck a post.

Sharpe will work alongside current boss Paul David, whose side is looking to have a very attractive balance throughout the team.

Muller tried a curler into the top corner on 15, but the shot was just too firm while midfielder Robbie Painter, who provided excellent support play along with Andy Wilson and Christian Fox, shot from long range which just screamed wide.

On 31 minutes Blyth fluffed a great chance to level when keeper Paul Cuss came out to smother Wayne Phillips's shot, the ricochet fell kindly to Gareth McAlindon but he blasted over the unguarded goal.

Two minutes later, however, Blyth levelled with a sweetly struck free kick by Gareth Williams which he buried into the bottom corner.

But Emley regained the initiative after the break when Painter's quick ball to Muller caught the defence napping and Muller slotted the ball home on 48 minutes.

Emley effectively put the game beyond Blyth's reach on 56 minutes when slightly-built striker Kenworthy, who received no protection from the referee, bagged a rewarding brace.

Former Blackburn midfielder Graham Fenton's introduction on 60 minutes only focused Emley's concentration more strongly as they quashed out his dangerous set-piece balls.

On 77 minutes Joice surged three-quarters of the pitch to support Kenworthy and duly received the defensive-splitting pass but shot over under pressure from the centre-backs closing in.

Blyth were denied a late consolation when Ian Crutwell's deep, probing far-post ball was fired over by Andy Leeson from six yards out.

Result: Emley 3 - 1 Blyth Spartans

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinski, Aspinall, Painter, Wood, Wilson (Kettlewell, 78mins), Joice (Hitchen, 89mins), Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, Tonks. Sub not used: Hirst.

Blyth Spartans: Turns, Leeson, Crutwell, Graham (Sheeran, 22mins), Summers, Armstrong, Williams, Preen, Thompson (Fenton, 60mins), McAlindon, Phillips. Sub not used: Atkinson.

Attendance: 129.

Emley's assistant manager Ray Dennis has left the club.

Dennis, who had been with the club for 26 years and is their record appearance holder, had rescinded his decision to leave in the summer, to have another go alongside Paul David but after a recent training session he told players he'd had enough.

He is replaced by former Frickley Athletic manager Phil Sharpe, who will work alongside David, after he left the South Elmsall club earlier this month.

Emley bowed out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle after failing to breach dogged defending by 10-man Clitheroe.

The signs were ominous after Emley just could not find the back of the net, despite accruing double- figure chances in the first half of normal play alone.

On 39 minutes Clitheroe's Neil Reynolds received a straight red card for scything down irrepressible Max Joice on the right wing.

Joice was the thorn in the UniBond Division I team's side all night, providing intelligent balls forward for Adam Muller and Stephen Kenworthy, who just could not convert them.

Clitheroe's `flat back nine' style of defending, plus an angry, swirling wind all conspired against Emley progressing to meet Glasshoughton in the second round.

Former Town man Kenworthy persistently found openings in the Lancashire outfit's defence but could not find the power behind his shot to beat under pressure goalkeeper Kris Richens.

Midfielder Matthew Bland played a neat one-two with Kenworthy on the edge of the box, but then blasted the return over from a narrow angle on 31 minutes.

Christian Fox also repeatedly supported the Emley attack but Muller found his final ball an inch too far to reach and convert just minutes later.

Clitheroe's best chance was created by Emley when Muller sliced a free kick goalwards and Paul Cuss palmed it away from the top corner then smothered the scuffed shot returned from Barry Hart.

Emley's attack continued relentlessly during the second half, but time and time again, Clitheroe had a man or boot in the way.

A Kenworthy snapshot three minutes into extra time should have won it for Emley but in the end they succumbed, inevitably, to the penalty lottery, keeper Richens saving Emley's first two kicks from Robbie Painter and Adam Muller, to see his side through even though Wood and Fox were successful with their penalties

Result: Emley 0 - 0 AET Clitheroe won 4 - 2 on pens

Emley: Cuss, Mierzwinski, Aspinall, Bland (Kettlewell, 80mins), Wood, Painter, Joice (Hitchen, 108mins), Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, O'Reilly. Subs not used: Hirst, Wright.

Referee: David Coote.

Attendance: 108.

EMLEY will replay tomorrow night at the Atlantic Solutions Stadium (7.45) after fighting back from a two-goal deficit to earn a draw against Clitheroe in the FA Cup first qualifying round.

Paul David and Ray Dennis's side did not have the best preparations after the team bus was held up in motorway traffic.

And they were made to pay, after a reduced warming up time, when they found themselves 2-0 down inside 10 minutes with goals from Chris Nestor and Gary Jackson who used the sloping pitch to good effect.

But Emley played their way back into the match with tenacious Max Joice down the right and Gareth O'Reilly on the left causing the Lancashire UniBond First Division side problems.

Chances fell to Andy Wilson and Christian Fox while Stephen Kenworthy hit a post and bar as Emley began to fight back.

Statto comment:
 It should have been all over bar the shouting in the first 5 mins of the second half. 
The Emley defence was caught out again when Wood and Wright got in a right mix up which allowed a Clitheroe attacker an open goal with just a tap in... then suddenly apparently from nowhere full back Meirswinski managed to race across the 6 yard box to get a block in to conceed a corner. What a let off!!

Former Town striker Kenworthy got his reward on 62 minutes when a delightful cross from Joice was converted off the far post.

But the best was yet to come.

With just five minutes remaining centre-back Nicky Wood stormed forward after O'Reilly had been flattened by Clitheroe's Chris Whittingham.

O'Reilly picked himself up before floating across the free kick and a thundbolt-like header from Wood took the match to a replay.

Result: Clitheroe 2 - 2 Emley

Emley: Wright, Mierzwinski, Aspinall, Wilson, Wood, Painter, Joice (Hitchen, 85mins), Fox, Kenworthy, Muller, O'Reilly. Subs not used: Kettlewell, Hirst.

Attendance: 246.

EMLEY's Steve Dutton, has been named the UniBond League's `Groundsman of the Year,' by the Football Association.

And Dutton, 43, the official groundsman at the Atlantic Solutions Stadium (Belle Vue), was only one point off clinching the top overall non-league national prize won by Erith and Belvedere of the Southern League.

Dutton has spent 14 years tending the pitch for Wakefield Wildcats and took on the dual role of changing the posts and marking out the pitch for football, when Emley began their groundshare partnership four seasons ago.

The Football Association's national scheme, now in its third year, recognises the efforts and contribution that ground staff make to grass roots football.

After being shortlisted Dutton, who lives close to the Wakefield-based ground, travelled down to the presentation ceremony at Windsor Racecourse, where he was treated to a champagne reception and meal.

The awards were open to clubs in the Nationwide Conference and its three feeder leagues - The UniBond Northern League, the Ryman Isthmian League and the Dr Martens Southern League.

And Emley beat off UniBond competition from runners-up Hyde and third-placed Gainsborough, to receive the northern accolade.

The quality of the playing surface is frequently wooed over by home and visiting supporters alike with regular comparisons to a bowling green or snooker table.

Dutton, who lives at Newmillerdam, not far from the ground, said: "The high camber on the pitch leads to good drainage and, because the stadium is quite open, the surface gets great air circulation.

"I travelled down to Windsor with my `old apprentice' my dad Roy and it was a cracking day out."

A LATE blunder by stand-in goalkeeper Nicky Wright gifted Matlock victory in this key mid-table UniBond League clash.

The Derbyshire club's Simon Barraclough was the grateful beneficiary on 84 minutes when Wright came out to the edge of the area to claim the ball between defenders Nicky Wood and Brendan Aspinall.

But he failed to keep hold and Barraclough toe-poked home the winner into an unguarded net to the fury of the centrebacks.

It was a shame for Wright who had earlier defended Emley's goalless position at the break with great saves late on in the first half to deny a low snap-shot from Baraclough on 40 minutes and and glancing header from Rocky White, which he palmed away in first half stoppage time.

Adam Muller had put Emley ahead on 52 minutes, catching the Matlock defence static to drive the ball past perplexed keeper Gavin Saxby.

And it was no more than Emley, inspired by a tigerish display by Max Joice, deserved after first-half chances had gone begging to Robert Pell and Muller on 15 minutes, with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

On 22 minutes Muller teed up Pell to covert at the far post but, as spectators waited for the net to bulge, he screwed the shot just wide.

Matlock substitute Gareth Williams grabbed the equaliser with his first touch of the game to convert Kris Bowler's corner on 80 minutes, before Barraclough's late winner.

Result: Emley 1 - 2 Matlock Town

Emley: Wright, Mierzwinski, Aspinall, Wilson (Hitchen, 45mins), Wood, Bland, Tonks, Fox, Pell (Kenworthy, 45mins), Muller, Joice. Subs not used: Coleano.

Attendance: 148.

Burscough’s poor home form continued on Saturday. The Linnets had started well, taking the lead in the 10^th minute. A superb threaded pass from Ian Johnson set up Gary Martindale, who drew goalkeeper Paul Cuss before curling the ball just inside the post. On 28 minutes the home side made it two with an even better goal. Johnson sent Paul Gedman through and his effort from 20 yards out crashed into the roof of the net with the helpless Cuss rooted to the spot.

The visitors were given a lifeline three minutes later as Michael White’s underhit back pass to Steve McNulty in an impossible situation. McNulty’s valiant efforts top prevent Adam Muller becoming the beneficiary of his team mate’s error resulted in a penalty from which Robert Pell made no mistake; although it was the power of the shot rather than accuracy which made the difference.  The visitors continued their comeback in the 37^th minute when Christian Fox stole in at the far post to fire home unchallenged and level the scores.

Gedman went close for the Linnets on the hour mark and then a minute later White headed home form a Ryan Bowen free kick to regain the lead for the home side. There was another chance for Gedman, who tried his luck with a powerful drive, while Pell spuned two chances; heading narrowly wide at the far post and then hitting the outside of the post – both times with the keeper well beaten.

 With added time almost up, it looked as if Burscough had gained their first home win of the season. Emley got a throw in on their left and  Pell launched a good long throw, which was flicked into the path of Brendan Aspinall who volleyed home through a crowded penalty area to send the visitors away happy.

 Result: Burscough 3 – 3 Emley

 What a difference three days make! The Pewits were coming off the back of a 0 – 5 thrashing at the hands of Farsley Celtic, but showed great resolve to regroup and earn their second win of the season. In fact goalkeeper Nicky Wright, covering for the suspended (unavailable?) Paul Cuss, did not have a real save to make all night whereas at the other end it was only the brilliance of Nick Baxter in the Bridlington net that kept the scoreline down.

 The home side showed their intentions on five minutes when Christian Fox sent in a cross that flew just over the bar off the head of Matthew Bland. Two minutes later there was more good work from Fox, this time in the box, as he went round a couple of defenders and put in Adam Muller, whose shot was well saved.

 Emley looked like a side with a point to prove with a much more determined start than in previous matches. They had a great opportunity to take the lead on 25 minutes when Fox sent in another good corner and once again it found Bland who fired in a header that the keeper did extremely well to hold; anywhere else and it was a certain goal.

 On 34 minutes Emley nearly caused their own downfall whern a high ball was sent over the defence and a lack of communication resulted in the keeper coming for it and Brendan Aspinall heading it into the path of the Brid captain Lee Harper. Fortunately Nicky Wood, who was solid throughout, was alert enough to get in front of his man and sheperd it out.

 That potential blunder would not have pleased managers Paul David and Ray Dennis but that was forgotten eight minutes later when Robert Tonks hit the opener. A high ball was sent over the top and Tonks bravely went one on one with the goalkeeper and hit a volley into the bottom corner.

 Bridlington are certainly not the best side Emley will face this season but the home side what they had to, to get the points, and they went close several times in the second half. The Pewits gave away a 1 – 0 lead when they were on top against Gateshead so the fans could be forgiven for being a little uneasy, but all fears were relieved when Muller made sure of the win right at the death.

 This weekend Emley make the trip to Burscough followed by a home fixture on Tuesday against Matlock Town. Burscough currently lie in 5^th position and have got off to a good start winning three of their opening six and the Pewits will be looking for consistency considering their 0 – 5 defeat at Farsley came off the back of their first win.

 After the Bridlington game Emley moved up to 13^th, on the same points as Matlock, so it will be a great opportunity to climb the table.  But Matlock thumped Frickley 5 – 1 this week and with a lot of heavy results around it suggests the Unibond Premier will take some settling down.

 Result: Emley 2 – 0 Bridlington

 Emley team:  Emley team:  Wright, Meirzwinski, Aspinall, Wilson A, Wood, Bland, Tonks, Fox, Pell, Muller, O’Reilly Subs (not used): Coleano, Kenworthy, Hitchen

Farsley registered their first win of the season in convincing style. The home team controlled the game from the start and created enough chances to run up a cricket score. The big surprise was that it took 35 minutes for the first goal to arrive.

The inevitable breakthrough finally came when Curtis Bernard latched onto David Bold’s square pass to score the only goal of the first half.

Farsley continued to overrun the visitors and the goals that they were threatening finally arrived. On 50 minutes James McDaid ran unopposed into the Emley box and beat goalkeeper Nicky Wright, standing in for the suspended Paul Cuss,  with a daisy cutter. Then Amjad Iqbal got on the end of Matty Smithard’s cross. 

More delightful play by Farsley saw substitutes Andy Patterson and Mark Betts combine for the latter to convert in style with a fierce volley from the edge of the box. The home side completed the rout when Betts converted from the spot.  The only blot for the home side was the dismissal of Patterson along with Rudi Colleano late in the game after a needless altercation

 Emley team:  Wright, Meirzwinski, O’Reilly,  Hitchen, Wood, Colleano, Muller, Fox, Pell, Kenworthy, Tonks
Subs (not used): Aspinall (for Tonks), Wshington (for Hitchen), Kamara (for O’Reilly)

TOWN'S LDV Vans Trophy opponents Morecambe were involved in one of the most exciting matches I've ever seen.

That was on November 25, 1997, when they visited the Welfare Ground for an FA Cup first-round replay against Emley.

It was 1-1 at 90 minutes and, even when Glynn Hurst struck a superb second for Emley with only 11 minutes of extra-time remaining, little did the crowd (bigger than the population of Emley!) realise what was in store.

The phsychology was incredible.

Emley thought they had the game in the bag until Jim Harvey's Conference high fliers turned it on its head with two goals in four minutes, the second in the final minute of scheduled time.

Incredibly, with only 23 seconds left, substitute Gary Marshall - on the field for only eight minutes - scored to level at 3-3 with the vast majority in a crowd of 2,439 hardly daring to believe what they were seeing.

It was enough to earn a dramatic shoot-out in which goalkeeper Chris Marples made three tremendous saves while teammates Ian Banks, Deiniol Graham and Steve Nicholson all scored to take Emley through.

It was finally all over at 10.41pm and many Town fans were among the gate that night.

They also followed Emley's progress past Lincoln City in the second round to that marvellous meeting with West Ham at Upton Park in the third, when Paul David's goal looked like earning a replay until John Hartson saved the top-flight club's blushes.

Town will be hoping there is no such excitement when Harvey brings the Christie Park side to this corner of West Yorkshire on the 28th of this month (7.45).

Manager Peter Jackson and his team will be aiming to complete a quick, clinical first-round job to erase two of the few painful memories from last season.

Not only did they go out of the FA Cup to Conference opposition in Accrington Stanley, but they crashed out in the second round of the LDV just a few days earlier - it was their opening tie because of a first-round bye - when going down 2-0 at Carlisle.

Emley notched their first UniBond League win at the fourth attempt with a 2-1 success at basement side Lincoln United.

Adam Muller, who is making a positive impact for Paul David and Ray Dennis's side, got the first after 24 minutes.

Former Town striker Stephen Kenworthy, back after a foot injury, chased what looked like a lost-cause ball and when his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Nick Conroy, Muller slotted a shot into the bottom corner.

Lincoln levelled five minutes later when a long ball dipped beyond defender Gareth O'Reilly to the overlapping John Hawley, whose cross was driven in from 12 yards by Brendan McDaid.

But Emley refused to panic, with Rudi Coleano governing the backline effectively.

The winner, after 52 minutes, was a peach of a goal by Robert Pell.

The former Worksop player received the ball wide out left and curled a real beauty into far top corner to leave John Wilkinson's side still without a point on the board.

Result: Lincoln United 1 - 2 Emley

Emley: Cuss, Meirswinski, O'Reilly, Wilson (Hitchen, 85mins), Wood, Coleano, Muller, Fox, Pell, Kenworthy, Tonks. Subs not used: Kamara, Hirst.

Referee: D Plowright.

Emley were forced to accept defeat from a match in which they coasting.

Such was their domination that Emley should have been 4-0 up at the break and they were to be punished for failing to capitalise on their superior possession.

It was not for the lack of trying though.

Painter's half volley on 15 minutes had Connell at full stretch and on 26, impressive Adam Muller got round the back of Mark Atkinson and crossed for Pell, whose downward header inside the six yard box was forced inches over the bar.

A great cross from Painter on 37 minutes took out the Gateshead defence and Pell's header was palmed away while a sweetly struck half volley from Painter just before the break crashed off a post.

Gateshead didn't look like they had a goal in them, but Emley presented them with an equaliser on 68 minutes.

A negative ball back from midfield by Matthew Bland was read by Dixon, who nipped in to steal the ball off Nicky Wood and set Paul Taylor free on the far side of the box to drive home past Paul Cuss.

The game then swung dramatically in Gateshead's favour. Taylor added a second on 79 minutes from Robson's corner and, three minutes from time, Robson converted a firmly struck cross with a neat side-foot shot.

With former Town striker Stephen Kenworthy rested after a knock on the foot during the 2-2 draw with Ossett in midweek, Rob Painter partnered Robert Pell up front for Emley.

Making an Emley debut was new signing Mark Meirswinski, a right-back from Ossett Albion, while centre-back Rudi Coleano played after returning to the club from Farsley Celtic.

Christian Fox, who replaced Andy Wilson in the second half, is another new face signed from Harrogate Town. He played for York City early last season.

Result: Emley 1 - 3 Gateshead

Emley: Cuss, Meirswinski, Tonks, Bland, Wood, Coleano, Muller, Wilson (Fox, 57mins), Pell, Painter, Selby. Subs not used: Hitchen, O'Reilly.

Emley v Ossett Town

EMLEY got off the mark in their first home match of the new UniBond League season when a brace from striker Robert Pell was rewarded with a point.

And boss Paul David said: "I'm pleased we're off and running, and it's good to get that first point on the board.

"At times we were a yard slower than Ossett and maybe last season we would have lost by four goals, but this time, we've got a result."

He added: "We're probably missing a couple of strong-willed players but at the moment we can only play with what we have got to work with because of the reality of finances.

"Ossett were an honest, hard-working team, there was nothing fancy about their football and they pressed us all over the pitch.

"We have plenty of `nice' footballers and if they can adopt some more stronger and workmanlike attitudes, then it will improve."

Emley had an early scare in this opening derby clash at the Atlantic Solutions Stadium (formerly Belle Vue) when Ossett's Nial Hudson stole in, in front of Richard Hirst and was inches wide of the target.

But Emley then exerted pressure and when Andy Wilson won a corner off defender Danny Brown, Rob Painter swung in an excellent kick for Pell to powerfully head past the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Mick Clarke on eight minutes.

Former Town and Emley striker Rodney Rowe capitalised on a mix-up in the Emley defence to equalise on 12 minutes.Keeper Paul Cuss, who will face a one match ban on September 7 for his sending off at Spennymoor, came out to smother the ball over the top of a huddle of players and Rowe reacted quickly to poke it into the unguarded net.

And then Ossett were unlucky as James Walshaw's curling long range shot struck the woodwork two minutes later as Steve Richards' side counter-attacked with pace.

Effective Adam Muller crossed for Stephen Kenworthy on 27 minutes and he was inches from connecting.

But Kenworthy, who completed the match, was later taken to hospital with a suspected fractured foot.

Former Worksop duo, Pell and Muller linked effectively throughout the match - Pell dropping back into midfield to send the ball wide to Muller and accept the return and on the half hour a similar move found Rob Tonks in the area but the defender just got across to block in time.

But a cheeky free kick by Ossett captain Steve Price on 41 minutes gave the visitors a great boost when he took just two strides before striking the ball in-off the bottom of a post to leave Cuss rooted, while moments later Alex Callery tore upfield and picked out David Briggs who drove his shot narrowly over the bar.

Ossett substitute Andy Evans fluffed a gilt-edged free header to increase his side's lead on 81 minutes and it proved costly as Emley hit back to level on 83.

Pell, picked out by Muller, free on the left side of the area and side-footed the equaliser.

Chris Kamara, nephew of the TV pundit of the same name, gave away a free kick from which Ossett's Price attempted to replicate his similar goal, but Cuss read the signals.

Emley could have snatched a late winner deep in stoppage time when they found extra energy in their legs and only a fingertip save from the keeper denied Muller the glory.

Result: Emley 2 - 2 Ossett Town

Emley: Cuss, Kamara, Selby, Wilson, Wood, Hirst, Tonks, Painter (Bland, 66mins), Pell, Kenworthy, Muller. Subs not used: O'Reilly, Hitchen.

Ossett Town: Clarke, Hudson, Brown, Price, Daley, Bolder, Callery, Briggs, Rowe (Evans, 66mins), Walshaw, Newton (Hanby, 88mins). Sub not used: Bloomfield.

Referee: David Lawrence.

Attendance: 177.

Spennymoor United v Emley

EMLEY were on the wrong end of a 5-2 UniBond League Premier Division defeat as Spennymoor took the opening day win in the North East.

Emley had early chances to seize the initiative with Adam Muller and Callum Selby missing chances.

On five minutes, Muller released striker Robert Pell who forced a good save from goalkeeper Darren Horrigan then Moors hit Emley on the break, when Tommy Raw found David Colvin unmarked at the far post who slotted past keeper Paul Cuss.

On 15 minutes, there was a mix-up in the Emley defence, Cuss appeared to call for the ball ahead of centreback Nicky Wood who left it, and Danny Brunskill sneaked in to score.

Worse was to follow for Cuss on 22 minutes when he was sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity from Brunskill.

Wood stepped in between the posts but could not deny Brunskill converting the penalty.

On 25 minutes Emley pulled a goal back when Richard Hirst's free kick was credited to Muller who got the last touch as it headed goalward.

But, after an excellent tip over the bar by stand-in keeper Wood who denied Brunskill on 42 minutes, Spennymoor increased their lead on the stroke of half time when Raw added the fourth.

During the second half, Emley matched Spennymoor physically but Raw added a fifth as their extra man started to pay.

But Emley battled and matched Spennymoor for commitment during the second half pulling a goal back on 63 minutes when Robbie Painter picked out Chris Kamara and his cross was dummied by Pell at the near post for Stephen Kenworthy to head home.

Emley have a chance to get off the mark tomorrow at (7.45) when they host neighbours Ossett Town.

Result: Spennymoor United 5 - 2 Emley

WAKEFIELD-EMLEY have droped the `and' from their former name, AND they will be hoping for much better fortunes when the new UniBond Premier League season kicks-off at Spennymoor tomorrow (3.00).

Boss Paul David, however, is making no predictions other than things can only get better compared with last season, when the club finished 10 points adrift of Frickley and Blyth Spartans at the bottom of the Premier Division.

He said: "Last season Ray and me had a lot to contend with after stepping in following the departures of Ronnie Glavin in pre-season and then Ian Banks, early into the campaign.

"We were given a lot of stick in some quarters which was a bit unfair after we had to deal with what we had been left by others - but this season is a fresh start."

Non-League re-structuring saved the club from relegation, with the bottom half of the table remaining in the UniBond League, while the top 15 clubs split to form the Conference North - one step below the Nationwide Conference.

One of the benefits of the re-structuring will be that supporters' interest will be maintained throughout due to an increase in both automatic promotion positions and play-off opportunities.

Three clubs will be relegated from the Conference North and South allowing not only the Premier Division champions of the Northern, Southern and Isthmian Leagues to be promoted, but also one other club from each of the three competitions.

Play-off games will be between the second, third, fourth and fifth placed teams.

After a solid pre-season, where Ray Dennis resolved earlier management issues to return to the club to work alongside David, there is cause for optimism.

Former Worksop striker Robert Pell has been banging in the goals, along with Stephen Kenworthy, and that partnership could prove exciting as Emley attempt to gain promotiton to the Conference North at the first attempt.

And the club have strengthened their squad with the additions of Robbie Painter (Bradford PA) and Adam Muller, who spent a loan spell with Emley last season from Worksop and the club have now secured his permanent services.

He is also joined by brothers Matthew and Martin Bland from former West Riding County Amateur League champions Silsden.

Moving out are Miles Thorpe and Mark Wilson, who have teamed up with former Emley boss Ronnie Glavin at Conference North outfit Worksop, who have also recruited former Emley captain Steve Nicholson from Farsley.

Monday July 12th v Huddersfield Town at Welfare Ground Emley KO 7.30pm
 Lost 1 - 2 Goal: Kenworthy

Wednesday July 21st v Halifax Town at Belle Vue, Wakefield KO 7.45pm 
Lost 3 - 4 Goals: Kenworthy Pell (2)

Saturday July 24th v Barnsley at Belle Vue, Wakefield KO 3.00pm
Draw 1 - 1 Goal: Pell

Tuesday July 27th Reserves v AFC Barnsley at Welfare Ground Emley
Won 4 - 0 Goals: Flynn (2) Clarke 1 Own Goal

Wednesday July 28th v Ossett Albion away
Lost 0 - 1

Thursday July 29th Reserves v Altofts at Welfare Ground Emley 
Won 3 - 1 Goals: Joice, Pacey, Attardo

Tuesday August 3rd v Eccleshill United away
Won 3 - 0 Goals: Painter (2) Pell

Thursday August  5th Reserves v Hall Green United away
Won 2 - 1 Goals: Prasher Dennis 

Friday August 6th v Stocksbridge PS at Welfare Ground
Won 4 - 0 Goals: Pell (2) Kenworthy (2)

Monday August 9th v  Worksop Town at Welfare Ground 
Postponed - water logged

Tuesday August 10th Reserves v Lower Hopton away
Postponed - water logged

Thursday August 12th v Selby Town away 
Won 2 - 1 Goals: Pell Kenworthy

Clee and Calcutt go West as fresh challenge beckons
Aug 10 2004 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner
MANCUNIAN SIDES BOOSTED BY HUDDERSFIELD PLAYERS

MANCHESTER rivals Ashton United and Stalybridge Celtic are hoping for inspiration from Huddersfield as they aim to make their mark in the new Conference North.

Ashton, bossed by former Emley manager Gerry Quinn, the man who took the village club into the Northern Premier (UniBond) League back in 1989, have just added former District League midfielder Nick Clee to a big Huddersfield contingent at Hurst Cross.

And Stalybridge, the team who pipped Emley to a place in the national Conference back in 2001, have snapped up former Welfare Ground winger Dean Calcutt after his release by Accrington Stanley.

Ashton found themselves in the new division - the North and South sections feed into the existing national Conference - after the demise of Telford United opened up a gap for the club who finished 14th in the UniBond League Premier Division last season.

The challenge of playing in Conference North was too good to turn down for left-sided midfielder Clee, who two years ago started the season with Holme Valley Academicals in the District League.

"I was offered a trial at Ossett Albion 18 months ago, and after starting out in the Reserves, I got into their first team for the last half dozen games of that season," explained the 20-year-old, who plays Drakes Huddersfield League cricket for Marsden.

"I managed to hold a regular place all last season, and things must have gone okay for me because I had a few different offers."

Clee turned out for Wakefield and Emley, who remain in the UniBond Premier, in their pre-season clash with Town at the Welfare Ground.

But Quinn came in with an offer which was too good to refuse, and now Clee, who lives in Upperthong and works in the accounts department at Reliance Gears, is hoping to be in the starting side when Ashton open their campaign away to title favourites Nuneaton Borough on Saturday.

"It's going to be a big step up for me, but I've settled in well at Ashton and I'm looking forward to testing myself at this level," added Clee, who joins Huddersfield-based right-back Andy Thackeray, centre-back Lincoln Adams, midfielders Dean Johnson and Martin Allison, winger Steve Smith, striker Jamie Miller and goalkeepers Danny Trueman and Ashley Connor at Hurst Cross.

Manager Quinn, who moved to Ashton from Ossett Albion four years ago, lives in Marsh himself, and explained: "The Huddersfield connection has proved fruitful for me over the years.

"Emley became much more South Yorkshire-orientated during Ronnie Glavin's time as manager, and that has continued since their move over to Wakefield.

"For the top Huddersfield players, there isn't really anywhere to go after the County Amateur League.

"But we can offer them a higher level of football pretty much on the doorstep, and I'm glad to say quite a few have taken up the challenge."

Ashton's 11th-hour admission into the Conference North meant Quinn had to revamp his team-building plans, but that hasn't been any hardship for the man who left Emley to manage Altrincham in the national Conference and who holds the prestigious UEFA `A' coaching badge.

"I missed out on promotions to the Northern Premier League at both Emley and Ossett because of ground criteria, so it's a nice change for things to work out in my favour this time," he said.

"We're not under any illusions about the Conference North.

"There is more travelling, which can be a problem midweek given that most players have full-time jobs, and there are some strong and fairly wealthy clubs, like Nuneaton, Kettering and Southport, who will want to get into the national Conference quickly .

"But we have a flourishing social club which has helped provide a sound financial base, and while our immediate aim is survival, in the long term we can become established at this level."

Stalybridge, who were 11th in the UniBond Premier last term, kick-off at Worksop, now managed by Glavin, but Calcutt will miss out on a reunion with the man who took him to Emley from Brackenhall.

He must serve a three-match ban carried over from last season, when he was in the Accrington team who put Town out of the FA Cup in front of the BBC TV cameras.

Fartown-based Calcutt had a spell with Bradford Park Avenue before joining Accrington for £10,000 in the 2002 close-season, helping Stanley win the UniBond League in 2003.

Wakefield and Emley's scheduled friendly against Worksop at the Welfare Ground last night was called off because of water logging.   

Impressive Wakefield Emley

Strikers Robert Pell and Steve Kenworthy helped themselves to two goals each in a surprisingly one-sided friendly on Friday evening. Stocksbridge failed to come to terms with the clever forward play of Pell, who exhibited his full range of skills. He was flanked by sparkling displays from Callum Selby and Adam Muller and well supported by the livewire Kenworthy.
There was an accomplished performance by new signing Chris Kamara, nephew of his former Leeds and Sheffield United namesake, at right back.
Pell nodded Emley in front from Selby's free kick after 15 mins and a smart turn and finish from Kenworthy supplied an overdue second 6 mins before the break.

Muller's cross eventually found its way to Kenworthy for a simple tap in after 50 mins and ell rounded off the scoring by heading home a Selby corner. 
Outclassed Steele relied on the goalkeeper Richard Siddal to keep the scoreline down with good saves from Kenworthy and Selby (twice). Their star striker Duncan Bray supplied their sole on-target effort with the very last kick but it was comfortably saved by Paul Cuss.

Result: Emley 4 - 0 Stocksbridge PS

Emley: Cuss, Kamara, O'Reilly, Hitchin, Wood, Hirst, Muller, Painter, Pell, Kenworthy, Selby
Subs: Kettlewell (Wood)
Subs not used: Wilson L

Last Wednesday Ossett Albion contested their now annual meeting with near neighbours Emley and once again this turned out to be a more than useful exercise, with a certain amount of local pride at stake.
Emley started by far the better and Albion were forced to defend, desperately at times, as the visitors threatened to swamp them. Albion though stuck to their task and by the midway stage of the first half they had got themselves back into the game. The contest was being played at a good tempo for a pre-season encounter and Emley's Robert Pell was showing up well and he quickly surprised Albion with a shot that cannoned of the woodwork with Kerr beaten. At the other end Toronczak had a good chance but chose to pass when going himself might have been a better option. On this occasion Chris Kamara made a timely rescue with Norbury waiting to pounce.

After the interval Albion had the better of the exchanges and it was perhaps fitting that they should snatch a late winner. The impressive Scott Broughton exchanged passes with Jaques Lablong before Sam Agar latched onto an astute final ball to rifle into the roof of the net from 12 yards out.

Result: Ossett Albion 1 - 0 Emley

Emley: Wright, Kamara, Tonks, Wilson A, Wood, Hirst, Muller, Painter, Pell, Kenworthy, Clarke
Subs: Fearon (for Wood), Hitchin (for Painter), O'Reilly (for Kenworthy)
Subs not used: Selby

Report Emley v Barnsley XI July 24th

Defender Rbbie Williams netted with a fine free kick to earn a young Barnsley XI a 1 - 1 draw in their friendly fixture with UNibond Premier Division outfit Emley at Belle Vue on Saturday.
The Reds line up mostly featured Academy and reserve team players, although loan striker Daniel Nardiello did partner new signing Folawiyo Onibuje up front.
Nicky Wroe was the captain, while there were also run-outs for first team squad members Neil Austin, Tom Baker, Dale Tonge and young Australian goalkeeper David Scarcella.
It was the home team, playing in front of a crowd of 719, who took a first half lead, Pell headed in following an error from the otherwise assured Scarcella, but Barnsley, having spurned a number of decent chances, finally drew level midway through the second period. Williams displaying his dead-ball prowess with a splendid free-kick that gave Emley keeper, Lee Wilson, no chance.

Result: Emley 1 - 1 Barnsley XI

Emley: Wilson L, Tonks, O'Reilly, Bland Mat, Wood, Hirst, Muller, Wilson A, Pell, Kenworthy, Tunnacliffe
Subs: Hitchin (for Bland), Clarke (for Tunnacliffe), Selby (for Clarke)
Subs not used: Bairstow, Fearon, Wright, Ryan

MANAGER Paul David is plotting double trouble for Emley's UniBond League rivals.

He has completed the capture of twin brothers Martin and Matthew Bland.

The 22-year-olds have been big shots in the Silsden side who have bossed the West Riding County Amateur League over the last two seasons.

The Keighley club have done the double of County Amateur title and County Cup for the last two seasons.

That has landed them a berth in the North West Counties League - but the twins are stepping even further up the non-League ladder.

Matthew, who plays up front or in midfield, has played in both Emley's pre-season matches so far, a 2-1 defeat by Town at the Welfare Ground and a 4-3 loss to Halifax at Belle Vue.

Martin, normally a midfielder, turned out at centre-back against Halifax.

The paperwork was completed after that game, and the twins, who both came through the ranks at Bingley Juniors, are set to play against Town's Coca-Cola League I rivals Barnsley at Belle Vue tomorrow (3.00).

Boss David, whose side kick-off their UniBond Premier Division campaign at Spennymoor on Saturday, August 21, will make a fitness check on ex-Town striker Steve Kenworthy, who suffered an ankle injury against Halifax.

Kenworthy has netted in both friendlies so far, while rugged frontman Robert Pell scored the other two goals against the Shaymen.

Former Ossett Albion man Nick Clee, who trialed for Emley in the friendly against Town, is now being tracked by Ashton United, currently preparing for life in the new Conference North under Huddersfield-based former Emley manager Gerry Quinn.

* Emley are seeking a groundsman to take care of their pitch at their former Welfare Ground home, which is still used by the second team.

For further details, contact Ian Charlesworth on 07880-790701.

POWERFUL striker Robert Pell pounced for two late goals as Emley pushed Halifax Town hard in their second pre-season run-out last night.

Chris Wilder's Conference side were 4-3 winners at Belle Vue, with former Sheffield United striker Lewis Killeen collecting a hat trick.

But there were plenty of positives for Emley boss Paul David as he continues the countdown to the new UniBond League campaign.

Two of them came in the form of twin brothers Matthew and Martin Bland.

The pair helped Silsden win the West Riding County Amateur League last season and are impressing on trial.

While Matthew is a striker who can also play midfield, Martin is primarily a midfielder, but played centre- back against Halifax, for whom Killeen netted after 23 and 28 minutes.

Steve Kenworthy, made Emley's skipper for the night, caught the Halifax defence napping to fire home from 12 yards in the 31st minute (he had earlier set up Pell for a rasping volley which flew just over the bar).

But there was bad news for the ex-Town player when he was forced off in the 37th minute with an ankle knock.

Experienced midfielder Craig Midgley came on for the second half for Halifax and was soon causing problems.

He netted in the 55th minute, and when Killeen completed his hat trick with a 10-yard shot in the 67th minute, Halifax looked to be cruising to an easy win.

But Pell had other ideas, and having foxed goalkeeper Craig Parry in the 82nd minute, he neatly lobbed home his second goal three minutes later.

Result: Emley 3 - 4 Halifax Town 

Emley: Wright, Robinson, Selby, Bland Mat, Bland Martin, Hirst, Muller, Fearon, Pell, Kenworthy, Clarke
Subs: Joice (for Clarke), Wood (for Fearon), Hitchin (for Hirst), Ryan (for Kenworthy), O'reilly (for Selby), Tunnacliffe (for Muller)
Subs not used: Bairstow, Wilson L

Emley host Barnsley on Saturday (3.00).

Emley host Halifax Town at Belle Vue tonight (7.45pm) in their second pre-season friendly of the season.

Boss Paul David has a full squad to select from to take on Chris Wilder's Nationwide Conference challengers with the return of Rob Tonks, Nicky Wood and new signing and former loan man Adam Muller from Worksop.

Martin Bland, twin brother of Matthew, who played for West Riding County Amateur League champions Silsden, will have a run out for the UniBond League Premier Division side.

Halifax are set to play new Morecambe signings, striker Ryan Sugden and midfielder Dean Howell, while Matt Doughty (Rochdale) and Martin Foster (Forest Green), could also make appearances.

It is the first of two `big name' matches with Emley hosting Town's Coca-Cola League I rivals Barnsley at Belle Vue on Saturday (3.00).

Preliminary squads:

Emley: Cuss, Robinson, Fearon, Hirst, O'Reilly, Tonks, Wood, Muller, Tunnacliffe, Kamara, Clee, Martin Bland, Matthew Bland, Hitchen, Painter, Clarke, Joice, Kenworthy, Ryan, Pell, Wright.

Hailfax Town: Dunbavin, Parry, Hockenhull, Naylor, Doughty, Bushell, Foster, Stoneman, Quinn, Ingram, Mallon, Senior, Rose, Toulson, Killeen, Lee, McNulty, Goulden, Howell, Sugden.

This time Efe Sodje got to lift the cup while both Town and  Emley could reflect on a productive first pre-season workout.

A crowd of 1,589 turned up to see Town win the splendid Mick Green Memorial Trophy with goals from David Mirfin and Andy Holdsworth, just six weeks after hoisting promotion silverware in Cardiff.

At the Millennium Stadium, Sodje was injured and en route to hospital when Andy Booth and manager Peter Jackson celebrated promotion amid a burst of fireworks.

So last night he was delighted to receive the prize from Emley president Peter Maude and mark yet another new beginning for Town.

That fresh start included a full 90 minutes for striker Junior Mendes, who showed flashes of the pace and skill which made him such a threat with Mansfield last season, and a second-half show for fellow new signing Chris Brandon, who looked nippy and keen.

Just as encouraging for Jackson and the fans, however, was the sight of Nathan Clarke playing a full match as one of three central defenders, and goalkeeper Ian Gray completing his first game in eight months following the left-hand injury which threatened his career.

Gray, in fairness, had little to do as Town dominated possession on a fine surface excellently prepared by former McAlpine groundsman Raymond Chappell.

So it was a major disappointment that they conceded an equaliser to Steve Kenworthy on 41 minutes, the ex-Town man stealing in to net from close range after Town made a hash of defending a dangerous long throw from Rob Pell, who provided some muscle for Paul David's UniBond League Premier Division side.

At that stage, Town had been fully in control, setting out their intentions with a shot against the bar from Jon Worthington after just 29 seconds and taking the lead on 29 minutes, when Mirfin powered in at the back post to head Rob Edwards' free-kick past Town old boy Paul Cuss.

With substitutes warming up on the cricket pitch and fans spilling down the top touchline - there were as many outside the Welfare Ground at kick-off as there were inside - it was Lee Fowler who pulled the strings for Town playing down the slope in the first half, Nat Brown and Edward providing the wing-back support.

Danny Schofield drilled one shot into the chest of Cuss and Mendes fired a volley narrowly wide as Town forced a string of corners.

Mendes will have been upset not to score a debut goal on 54 minutes when snatching at a great chance from a long throw from Clarke, but Emley rallied with Robbie Painter and Matthew Bland doing well in midfield and Pell rattling a fierce drive wide.

By then, Chris Kamara (the ex-Grismby winger who shares the same name as his famous father) had been replaced by Nicky Clee and Emley were having to deal with the increased threat of Holdsworth, Anthony Lloyd and Tony Carss, while Brandon was always in the action.

Holdsworth's winner, 12 minutes from time, was fired in after Cuss had saved bravely at the feet of Carss on a break into the box.

Result: Emley 1 - 2 Huddersfield Town 

Emley - Cuss, Robinson,  O'Reilly (Tunnacliffe 65), Bland Mat (Hitchen 87), Fearon, Hirst, Kamara (Clee 51),  Painter, Pell, Kenworthy (Ryan 60), Clarke (Joice 71),  
 Subs not used: Wright, Kettlewell, Selby.

Town - Gray, Brown (Holdsworth HT), Edwards (Lloyd 60), Clarke, Mirfin, Sodje, Fowler, Worthington (Carss HT), Abbott (McAliskey 60), Mendes, Schofield (Brandon HT). Sub not used: Senior.

PETER JACKSON and Paul David were united in their satisfaction about fitness and performance levels in last night's friendly.

Town manager Jackson introduced new signings Junior Mendes and Chris Brandon and was happy to welcome back goalkeeper Ian Gray and defender Nathan Clarke after injury.

 Emley's David also employed a new signing - former Silsden striker Matthew Bland - in midfield, while giving a run-out to Chris Kamara's son, who shares the same name.

Emley - who take on Halifax at Belle Vue Wednesday Julyl 21st (7.45) before entertaining Barnsley on Saturday July 24th  - will open their new-look UniBond Premier Division campaign at Spennymoor United on Saturday, August 21.

David said: "I was pleasantly surprised by the way we played, especially so soon into our pre- season when we've been training only a couple of nights a week.

"When you consider the quality of the opposition we were playing in a promoted Town side who kept the ball really well, I was happy with what I saw from the lads.

"I asked Robbie Painter and Matthew Bland to play in midfield and they certainly weren't found wanting.

"We were without four or five players for one reason or another, but I was pleased with the way we made things difficult for Town at several times."

Jackson, whose next assignment is behind closed doors at Middlesbrough's training ground on Saturday, commented:

"It was a good work-out for us and we were never really troubled, so just seven days after returning to training I was quite pleased.

"It was good to get Junior Mendes and Chris Brandon into action so soon and they have settled into the club really well.

"It was a big disappointing that we didn't get Junior in behind the Emley defence more often, because that's when he really causes problems for teams, but I thought he did well with his back to goal.

"Chris came on and showed what an eager competitor he is.

"He wants to win, he chases people down and he likes to get his tackles in, which is why I brought him to the club.

"They are both good acquisitions for us and I know they and the rest of the lads are now looking forward to going up to Middlesbrough on Saturday and taking on a Premier League side, especially with all the new signings they have."

Other than odd knocks, Town came through unscathed.

"Last year when we played Emley, we had a load of new signings and even I didn't know who half the lads were," joked Jackson.

"This time it's much more settled and our preparations are set out."

TOWN boss Peter Jackson steps up the preparations for the new season tonight admitting there will be no excuses if Town fail to hit the ground running in Coca-Cola League I.

Just six weeks after Town clinched promotion by beating Mansfield on penalties in the play-off final at Cardiff, Jackson takes his entire squad to the Welfare Ground (not Belle Vue) to take on UniBond League  Emley for the annual Mick Green Memorial Trophy match (7.30). The 22 players, including new arrivals Junior Mendes and Chris Brandon, have got a week's training under their belts in readiness for the first of eight friendlies before the big Coca-Cola League I opener at Stockport County on Saturday, August 7.

That's a far cry from last season when Jackson, freshly installed himself, selected a distinctly new-look Town team to take on tonight's opponents.

On that occasion, there were seven new faces on show in a 2-0 victory sealed by Andy Booth and Jon Newby.

"It was very different 12 months ago," recalled Jackson.

"This time, I've had the luxury of having my squad intact before the players reported back, and I was able to have a good think about what we wanted to do training-wise.

"This time there can be no excuses. The lads all had specific fitness programmes to follow while they were away and had target weight limits to hit when they reported back.

"I didn't have to fine any of them, which was a good start."

Goalkeeper Ian Gray (broken hand) is in line for a run-out tonight. Emley give a trial to ex-Silsden striker Matthew Bland and a first appearance to experienced Robbie Painter.

TOWN fans will get a first chance to see new men Junior Mendes and Chris Brandon in Monday's opening pre-season friendly against  Emley at the Welfare Ground (7.30).

Both striker Mendes, signed from Division III play-off final victims Mansfield, and midfielder Brandon, recruited from new Coca-Cola League I rivals Chesterfield, are in a big squad to play the UniBond Leaguers for the Mick Green Memorial Trophy.

It's £4 adults, £2 OAPs and £1 Under 16s, and Jackson is hoping for a bumper turn-out just six weeks after his team clinched promotion by winning that dramatic penalty shoot-out at Cardiff.

Having tried his best to put the brakes on Town's progress, Mendes will now be aiming to hit the goalscoring groove early, and Jackson said: "Both Junior and Chris will be eager to make a bright start.

"They have both been training well, and I'm delighted at how fit they are and how they have applied themselves to the sessions.

"They get on well with the other lads, and they seem to be settling in well. "We've been back training for a week now and things have gone well.

"All the players met their target weights, and they're looking nice and sharp. "We've had a tough week, with plenty of running over the first three days."But the footballs have been introduced now, and the players' faces always light up when that happens!

"Now they're looking forward to playing a match."

It's the first of eight friendlies, all away.

MINNOWS Liversedge will visit Newcastle Blue Star in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup on Saturday, August 28.It's the first of six qualifying rounds before Town come in for the first round proper, which takes place on Saturday, November 13.The final, seven rounds later, is on Saturday, May 21.

 Emley make their entrance in the first  round qualifying on Saturday, September 18.They will go to Clitheroe or Tow Law, the club from which Newcastle signed England international Chris Waddle.Those two play in the preliminary round two weeks before.

In the FA Trophy, Emley have a home first-round derby against Farsley Celtic on Saturday, November 6.

Fans of Emley AFC and Ossett Town will not have to wait long for A Unibond Premier League derby after the fixture list has matched them up in the second game of the season.
The clash will take place on Tuesday August 24th at the Atlantic Solutions Stadium, formerly Belle Vue, with a 7.45pm kick off.

Both sides will be looking for a flying start to the new campaign and a derby win would give a confident platform to build on. Town will be keen to make their mark after gaining a post season promotion when telford United were placed in Unibond Division 1 allowing Ossett to move up a level.
 As for Emley it has been a turbulent close season following a troubled campaign that saw them finish bottom, and they will be keen to wipe the slate clean and rebuild the team.

They open their campaign with a trip to the North east where they will play Spennymoor United who finished in 18th position of the Unibond Premier l;ast term. just five places above the Pewits. And at the helm this season will be Paul David who is now in sole charge of the team after the resignation of Ray Dennis. Dennis resigned after the manager's job was advertised in the press without his knowledge but David will stay and try to turnaround the club's fortunes.

There have also been plenty of comings and goings from a playing staff point of view with the midfield pair of Miles Thorpe and Mark Wilson moving onto Worksop Town. There they will team up with former Emley AFC boss Ronnie Glavin who took over at Worksop following a spell as first team coach at Barnsley. Thorpe returned to action after a long term injury towards the back end of last season and was instantly handed the captain's armband. Wilson has had various spells at local clubs, including Ossett Town, but missed the back end of last season due to injury.It is a move that will see them playing a league higher than Emley after Worksop qualified for the Conference North under the restructuring of the leagues.

To fill the void, David has brought in the experienced Robbie Painter who recently had a spell with Ossett Town. The former football league player also played for Bristol City, Maidstone, Darlington, Rochdale and Halifax. The Pewits have retained the services of strike force Stephen Kenworthy and Robert Pell. Pell looked extremely effective at the back end of last season' adding another dimension to the attack and Kenworthy was voted supporter's player, player's player and the most man of the match performances.

They will be joined by Adam Muller who had a great spell on loan at the club last season and has now signed a permanent deal from Worksop. Others returning from last term are: Robert Tonks, Callum Selby, Max Joice, Nicky Wood, Dean fearon, Scott Clarke, Lee Ryan and goalkeeper Paul Cuss' who missed the latter end of the season.

PAUL DAVID is in sole charge of  Emley - and looking forward to the start of the new UniBond League season.

After the resignation of Ray Dennis - the pair were in joint charge last season and their jobs were advertised in the national press in May - the popular former centre-back says he wants to focus on football.

"We had clear-the-air talks before our first pre-season session, then I treated the lads to a four-mile run, which nearly finished me off!" said David, who has already recruited experienced former League player Robbie Painter, who can play in midfield or up front.

Stalwart midfielders Miles Thorpe and Mark Wilson have left to team up with former Emley manager Ronnie Glavin at Worksop, who will compete in the new Conference North, one level higher than Emley, who remain in the restructured UniBond Premier Division.

"Miler needs another operation on his ankle and is likely to be out for another huge chunk of this season, but he's been a good, solid player for us," said David, who will pit his wits against managerial mentor Glavin in a friendly at the Welfare Ground on Monday, August 9.

Painter began his career as a trainee with Chester, making his League debut as a substitute against Bristol City in November 1987.

He went on to play 84 League games (26 of them from the bench) and scored eight goals.

In 1991, he moved to Maidstone and later played for Burnley, Darlington, Rochdale and Halifax.

After more than 400 appearances, he was released by Halifax in 2001 and joined UniBond League Gateshead before stints at Bradford Park Avenue and Ossett Town.

Adam Muller, who enjoyed a successful spell on loan from Worksop last season, has signed permanently and could form a potent partnership with Robert Pell who is staying at Belle Vue.

Former Town duo, goalkeeper Paul Cuss and striker Stephen Kenworthy, have also been retained by Emley.

They will be joined by Paul Robinson and Richard Hirst along with regular first teamers Rob Tonks, Callum Selby, Max Joice, Nicky Wood, Dean Fearon, Scott Clarke, Le Ryan and John Paul Flynn.

"We'll be working very hard during pre- season," said David, whose first run-out is against Town at the Welfare Ground on Monday week (7.30).

"We'll be looking at some more potential new recruits in training.

"Some of our team selections for the friendlies will be hampered by players' holidays, but I'm optimistic about the season ahead."

Friendlies

Monday July 12: Town (Welfare Ground, 7.30).          1 - 2   Kenworthy

Wednesday July 21: Halifax (Belle Vue, 7.45).           3 - 4   Kenworthy, Pell (2)

Saturday July 24: Barnsley (Belle Vue, 3.00).             1 - 1  Pell

Wednesday July 28: Ossett Albion A  7.30                 0 - 1

Tuesday August 3:Eccleshill United A. 7.30                3 - 0  Pell, Painter 2

Friday August 6: Stockbridge Welfare Ground, 7.30     4 - 0  Pell (2) Kenworthy (2) 

Monday August 9: Worksop (Welfare Ground, 7.45)      Postponed

Thursday August 12th Selby Town  A    7.30               2 - 1 Pell Kenworthy

WAKEFIELD Trinity Wildcats are celebrating the end of their Company Voluntary Arrangement.

The Super League club confirmed they have completed their payments and obligations in accordance with the proposals agreed at a creditors meeting in 2000.

Super League Europe Ltd and the Rugby Football League both gave vital support to Trinity in ensuring that contributions were received on time, with chief executive Diane Rogerson paying tribute to their role.

"The news we have completed the CVA has been eagerly awaited by all at the club and brings to a close a sad chapter in the club's history," she said.

"We have worked tirelessly over the past three years to come to this day and in doing so have now established the club on solid foundations.

"It is only right at this time to thank the game's governing bodies for the support they have given us during this very tough period.

"We can now look to moving forward to a brighter future for the club, its directors, staff, players and most importantly all its supporters."

Wakefield's financial cause over the past few years have been significantly helped by football.

The extra rent and income generated behind the club bar through Leeds United Reserves and  Emley staging games at Belle Vue has proved vital.

Emley's management situation remains the same despite advertising the post and the apparent resignation of joint manager Ray Dennis. According to match day secretary Ian Charlesworth, both Paul David and Ray Dennis are still in charge of team affairs at this current time.

The club advertised for a first team manager in the Non League Paper last month leaving the management position unclear. This was followed by Ray Dennis' resignation saying that it was all done without his knowledge. The former goalkeeper was angry that he ended up reading about his own job in the newspaper. Dennis has been with the club for 26 years and holds the record for most appearances.

 But Charlesworth said: "Ray has returned and is still in charge with Paul for the pre season and possibly into the start of next season. We have had some applicants for the job but none are suitable. here was nobody better than what we have already got".

Emley director Peter Maude has acted swiftly to defend long-standing Belle Vue club chairman
Peter Matthews.

Criticism had been aimed at Matthews after the shock resignation of joint manager Ray Dennis
last week, when it was revealed that the former goalkeeper's job had been advertised in the
national press without his knowledge.

Humiliated Dennis, who had been with the club for 26 years and is their record appearance
holder, took over the first team manager's reigns with centre-back Paul David after the
resignation of Ian Banks in October.

But despite their best efforts, Emley finished bottom of the UniBond League Premier
Division, missing the cut for the new Conference North.

Maude claims that criticism directed at the chairman in the press and on the club's own
website has been totally unjust.

In a statement Maude said: "Recent events surrounding the club and preceded by a
disastrous playing season at UniBond League level have once again highlighted the level of
responsibility borne by the directors in the day-to-day management of the club, but more
specifically, by one person who works the hardest to sustain the club, seven days a week
and all hours of the day - Peter Matthews.

"Last season's playing performance inevitably brought criticism from all sides, following
Ronnie Glavin's departure to the professional game, but the level of criticism directed at the
chairman has been both intolerable and unjust.

"A recent decision to look at all options concerning the football management, taken with the
best interests of the club in mind, has been badly handled, with my own input especially to
blame, but the resultant furore has been, almost exclusively, directed at the chairman and
seems to have  become almost personal in its nature."

Mr Maude also claimed that press comments had been "selective and unfavourable" and said
a previous statement, issued just hours prior to Dennis' resignation was "not quoted in its
entirety and the edited version reproduced by some newspapers gave out the wrong message
to readers".

* A special shareholders' general meeting aimed at resolving matters will take place
on Tuesday, June 29 (7.30) at The Wentworth, Emley

Dennis quits as Emley boss
May 272004                                                                                                                                     Huddersfield Daily Examiner                                                                         
Joint Emley manager Ray Dennis has quit the UniBond League club.

Dennis made the shock announcement exclusively to the Examiner today after the club advertised for a new manager in the national press - without his knowledge!

Dennis's managerial partner Paul David was unavailable for comment.

The long-serving and loyal former goalkeeper stepped up into the first team manager's role
alongside centre-back David after the resignation of Ian Banks in October.

Despite their best efforts, Emley missed the cut for a place in the new Conference North after
finishing bottom of the UniBond Premier Division.

"The situation I find myself in has been truly humiliating," said Dennis.

"If I had been clearly sacked because of results, I could have accepted it.

"But to have had my job advertised without any knowledge is unprofessional and has been a
humiliation."

He added: "Only last weekend the chairman, Peter Matthews, joined us in an end-of-season trip to Blackpool.

"He made no attempt to let me know an advert was going to be published, then to read
Sunday's paper and find my job up for grabs was a blow well below the belt.

"I think I deserved better."

Dennis has been with the club for 26 years and is the record appearance holder.

He added: "I just think the board are spineless, lack integrity and are incapable of running the
club.

"They should now do the decent thing and resign.

"At the presentation night, Mr Matthews couldn't understand why people would not volunteer
their services for the club, now he knows why!

"The supporters are not getting a fair deal either because those who bought special 
season-tickets were entitled to free away travel, but for seven out of the last 14 away games
there was no transport.

"Folk wonder why support has fallen so dramatically!

"However, I wish whoever takes over as manager the very best of luck, because I continue to
wish the very best of luck to everyone on the playing front at the club." 

Club chairman Matthews said he had no comment to make on Dennis' resignation.

President Peter Maude said: "It is the board's decision to explore every avenue and to act in
the best interests of its shareholders and supporters.

"It is with regret that our actions may have caused upset to individuals, especially those
with the length of service and dedication to the club which has been shown by Ray and 
Paul David, but what we all want is the best for this club."

Suggestions that Ronnie Glavin could return for a second stint have been quashed by his
appointment as manager of Worksop after Steve Ludlam's resignation. 

Doesn't this say it all about the club we have supported for years and how far we have sunk? 
I suspected this may have been the case. Ray says it all. We all could have accepted that the
board may have looked for new management, based on results, but at least you leave the previous
management with their self esteem in place: good try lads but we have decided to advertise for
someone new and with more experience etc. As it is, the way this has been handled risks also
blowing the structure lower down the club to tatters. It is symptomatic of the way we have been
run since we went to limited company; although I will admit  the monetary support the board has
given has been crucial. Nevertheless, there are ways to manage - you can make decisions which people will have mixed views on BUT it is the way those decisions are carried through
which focus supporter's minds. In the space of a season we have had:    

a. the fiasco of PD & RD being announced as managers 1 day and then Banger coming the next
b. Then a new director being formalised at an AGM on Monday and being out of the club by the
    weekend. No mention in the Examiner of course, the press don't get invited to AGM's do
    they? 
c. The agm being held on a night when the team were away in a friendly - missing the
    opportunity of introducing formally the new manger to those attending and spelling out his 
    views for the season
d. The Steve Nicholson moving to Farsley shambles - the captain and most appearances for
    us in Unibond
e. The player who scored our most important and glorious goal (at West Ham) and second
    highest attendances for us at Unibond level being treated like this
 f. The player with most appearances ever for us and been at club since 1979 - who helped us
    get to Wembley and win many trophies in his time being treated like this
g. The fact that one of the clubs awards wasn't going to be made at the presentation night
    because the director who normally makes it felt he hadn't been to enough games this season
    to make a judgement - until I suggested an alternative strategy
h. The initial name change 2 years ago - the promise of a further change which supporters could
    agree with Emley FC Wakefield maybe? and then it is to Wakefield - Emley!!   

Add to this the Jimmy Martin shambles last season and the way Banger seemed to splash
money out on untried young kids at the start of the season and then took his bat and ball home.
To be honest, I spoke in support of the move to Wakefield but in retrospect I don't think we were
told the full story. Matthews needs to build support up from Wakefield because the way the
club is run we will be lucky to retain the remaining Huddersfield contingent who have
stuck there through the thin times this season. Personally I would rather support a club in
the Northern Counties East League which has some internal spirit and is inclusive than a 
Unibond club with this style of management.