Report

Phil Rann's report:

Ten out of ten for every Wakefield-Emley player that remained on the park tonight, the effort and commitment was superb, and although it was a poor game, the effort given definitely worthied a point.

With Mick Norbury banned, Lennie Curtis and Dave Watts started in the middle of defence. W-Emley started well and Phil Lindley headed straight at Brock in the AFC Telford goal from an early corner.

Lindley soon required treatment from the W-Emley physio after taking a knock on the back of the head from an aerial challenge, and he needed treatment for his eye; he did well to play on and continue to go up for every challenge.

AFC Telford were moving the ball around well and were attacking quickly, but few attacks threatened Andy Woods, and the most he had to do in the first half was watch a few crosses float over the goal. Robert Tonks did however, block a certain goal for Telford in the 28th minute from a shot six yards out.

Watts was booked just after the half hour in a decision that left both sets of fans bemused at the referee's thinking.

Even more ridiculous was to follow though, when Niall O'Brien picked up an injury on the right wing, Lindley was booked for not taking the throw-in quickly enough when it was clear that O'Brien, sat on the touchline, required treatment.

The second half saw Dave Watts get sent off after tugging back Kyle Perry and receiving a second yellow card. Billy Abbott and Richard Chattoe were also booked for late challenges on AFC Telford players.

With ten men, it was always going to be more difficult, and Alex Nesovic, who had huffed and puffed up front all night, slotted alongside Curtis at the back, and it worked well until Pope headed Telford in front in the 75th minute.

The game looked as good as over with W-Emley's recent goalscoring record reading two goals in six games, and both scorers, Brad Hill and Matthew Hoyle, both missing from tonight's team.

However, Kenworthy pulled the home side level just six minutes later from a corner when he did well to get ahead of defender, who was a foot taller, and head past Brock into the net.

Nesovic again moved back into the back four, but went down injured off the field. This left Tonks and Lindley filling in as a 'back three' but fortunately Nesovic returned to spread some calm as players around him were starting to panic on the ball.

Another Telford free-kick ended up going inches wide of the goal, and in a rare break, substitute Curtis Bitton-Price bounded forward but couldn't quite find a team-mate.

Team: Woods, O'Brien (Bitton-Price 40), Tonks, Chattoe, Curtis, Watts, Lindley, Abbott, Nesovic, Kenworthy, Whitfield. Sub Not Used: Kettlewell.

Attendance: 159 (100 from Telford)


Really good effort tonight by all players, Nesovic and Kenworthy never gave up up front, while the three defenders, including Lindley, who slotted into right-back after O'Brien had limped off, dealt with just about everything, and Woods didn't have to make a serious save. Chattoe and Abbott - very good as usual.

Destiny hanging on a trip to Blyth! Apr 25 2006

By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


W - EMLEY'S UniBond League Premier Division destiny is back in their own hands.

Last night's 1-1 home drawn with AFC Telford, achieved despite the 62nd-minute sending off of centre-back David Watts for a second bookable offence, means they go to Blyth Spartans on Saturday knowing a win will keep them up.

But a defeat means they could end up in the dreaded bottom three drop zone.

And should they draw, they could be sweating on results in the rival Southern and Isthmian Leagues.

The fourth-bottom sides in each league's top flight will be compared, and the one with the worst record relegated.

W - Emley are currently fifth-bottom, a point above Lincoln United, three above Bradford PA and four above Radcliffe Borough, who have a game in hand (at Witton Albion tomorrow).

They have an inferior goal difference to all those three.

On Saturday it's Radcliffe versus Bradford PA while Lincoln go to Guiseley!

At Belle Vue last night, when 159 watched, Steve Kenworthy scored an 80th-minute equaliser five minutes after Steve Pope had put 10th-placed Telford in front.

SHEFFIELD 1 W - EMLEY 1
(After Extra Time, Sheffield won 4-3 on penalties)

April 8th 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill

W - Emley bowed out of the Sheffield Senior Cup at the semi-final stage after losing on penalties at Sheffield's Bright Finance Stadium despite having the better of the play. The match had been postponed the previous Saturday due to a waterlogged pitch and the state of the pitch was barely playable on this occasion.

Sheffield first threatened on 27 minutes. A low cross was direct towards goal by Pete Smith but Andy Woods got down well to make a good save.

Two minutes later the lively Matthew Hoyle was put through down the right for Emley but his shot from a tight angle flew wide.

Sheffield took the lead on 32 minutes. Darren Holmes burst clear and slotted the ball past Woods in the Emley goal.

Three minutes later Emley were deservedly back on level terms. Niall O'Brien's excellent through ball found Hoyle who slotted it past the onrushing Lee Broster.

Emley dominated the second half but could not find the second goal.

On 58 minutes Dave Watts' header under pressure following a Christian Fox free kick flew wide of the target.

6 minutes later, O'Brien's long throw was flicked on by Alex Nesovic to Steve Kenworthy at the far post. He got his foot to the ball but it hit Broster on the line and the danger was cleared by Sheffield.

On 76 minutes Hoyle laid the ball off to Nesoivc but his long range drive went just wide of the goal.

Ten minutes before the end it was substitute Simon Wood's turn to drive at goal but his shot again flew just wide.

Emley had two excellent chances to snatch victory in the last 8 minutes. Norbury put Hoyle clean through on goal on 82 minutes but he placed the ball just wide of the goal.

Then in injury time Hoyle was agin put in, this time by Nesovic, but Broster came out to make a good save.

Both teams looked tired during the extra time period. Emley were reduced to ten men on 107 minutes as Mick Norbury was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Sheffield almost snatched an undeserved victory on 89 minutes but Pete Smith's shot was well saved by Woods who was in excellent form all afternoon.

The first two penalties were both missed as Matthew Hoyle for Emley and Duncan Bray for Sheffield both saw the goalkeepers make good saves.

Pete Smith and James Tevendale then both scored for Sheffield as did Christian Fox and Richard Whitfield for Emley to leave the score at 2 - 2.

Niall O'Brien then stepped up for Emley but blasted the ball well over the cross bar. Darren Holmes then scored for Sheffield to give them a 3 - 2 lead in the shootout.

Lennie Curtis then scored for Emley leaving Matt Roney needing to score to put Sheffield through. Roney's shot was too good for Woods and it will be Sheffield who get a chance to defend the cup they won last year in the final next month.

Sheffield : Broster, Hilton, Boulter, Jones, Smith, Holmes, O'Carroll, Roney, Ward (Bray 67), Tevendale, Smith. Subs Not Used : Cressey, Ireland. Booked : O'Carroll (73).

W - Emley : Woods, Fox, Tonks (Whitfield 90), Chattoe (c), Watts, Norbury, Abbott (Wood 72), O'Brien, Hoyle, Nesovic (Curtis 102), Kenworthy. Sent Off: Norbury (107). Booked : Norbury (10, 107), Chattoe (42).

Referee: R Newman (Barnsley).

Assistant Referees: A Fowler, P Small.

Attendance : 140.

Phil Rann's report

W-Emley went out of the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup today after losing 4-3 on penalties to Sheffield FC from the North Eastern Counties League.

Changes had to be made by the away side with Paul Staniforth suspended, and Phil Lindley, Brad Hill and Mark Hancock all out cup-tied after playing for other teams in the competition already this season.

Therefore Matthew Hoyle and Alex Nesovic started up front together for the first time with Steve Kenworthy just behind, and Kenworthy tested the Sheffield 'keeper on only seven minutes but his shot was well saved by the 'keeper down to his left.

Hoyle hit a shot over the bar after twenty minutes as it looked like W-Emley were the better side.

Sheffield though looked good going forward, and only a good save from Andy Woods and the post denied them from going in front on the half hour.

Holmes did put the home side ahead soon after though when he found a gap in the W-Emley defence and slotted the ball home giving Woods no chance.

Within five minutes, W-Emley were back on level terms when the best passing move of the game involving Richard Chattoe and Niall O'Brien set up Hoyle who wrong-footed the 'keeper and made it 1-1.

Nesovic was unlucky to not put W-Emley ahead just before half time when his effort with the outside of the boot flew just wide.

W-Emley again had the better of the possession in the second half, but firstly Kenworthy was denied by an outstretched Sheffield 'keeper, and then substitute Simon Wood had a shot from the edge of the area which was wide.

Sheffield were quick on the counter attack, though, and nearly exploited the gaps they made but Woods was alert, making important saves and catches on a few occasions.

Hoyle was put through by O'Brien on 74 minutes but although he beat the outcoming 'keeper, his shot was just wide of the far post.

Mick Norbury was sent off for a harsh handball near the end of the match.

A couple of late efforts from both sides couldn't stop the match going to extra time.

Extra time saw two tiring sides creating few chances on a pitch that was now cut up in almost all parts, and penalties was almost certain.

Penalties came, and both teams missed their first penalties, Matthew Hoyle's shot saved by the Sheffield 'keeper.

Christian Fox made it 1-0 but Sheffield scored to make it 1-1 although Woods did get a touch before it found its way into the corner.

Substitute Richard Whitfield made it 2-1 with a confident effort and it was 2-2 when the Sheffield penalty found its way into the goal via the left-hand post.

O'Brien put his spot kick over the bar and Sheffield converted (again Woods got a touch) to make it 3-2 to the home side, leaving substitute Lennie Curtis needing to score to keep W-Emley in it.

He did score, although the Sheffield 'keeper did get a good palm on it, he could only direct it into the corner. Sheffield's final penalty sent Woods the wrong way, and they go on to play either Stocksbridge Park Steels or Parkgate in the final.

Team: Woods, Fox, Tonks (Whitfield 91), Chattoe, Watts, Norbury, Abbott (S.Wood 70), O'Brien, Hoyle, Nesovic (Curtis 102), Kenworthy.

FARSLEY CELTIC  6   W - EMLEY   1
Report by Dan Brownhill March 28th 2006

W - Emley lost their fifth league game in a row after another poor showing at Farsley.

The pewits, playing with a strong wind in the first half, took an early lead through Brad Hill on his full debut. A curling Christian Fox free kick was headed home by Hill from close range on 16 minutes.

Farsley equalised on 36 minutes. Andy Woods got his hands to a long range effort by Roy Stamer but the ball bounced into the bottom corner.

Five minutes before half time Farsley took the lead. Kevin Sanasay's long range drive was pushed out by Woods but Damien Reeves was left with an easy tap in.

Farsley extended their lead four minutes into the second half. After a corner was only partially cleared, Sanasay drove into the bottom corner from close range.

On 56 minutes it was 4-1. A low corner was deflected into the net by Alex Nesovic to add to Emley's woes.

On 73 minutes Andy Watson forced the ball in from close range to make it five before Reeves was left with a tap in for his second of the game and Farsley's sixth on 81 minutes following Sanasay's pull back.

Farsley Celtic : Cuss, Stabb (c), Pemberton, Krief (Parke 76), Reeves, Shields, Watson, Iqbal, Stamer, Sanasay (Bett 69), Knowles (Crossley 61).

W- Emley : Woods, Wood, Tonks, Chattoe (c) (Abbott 76), Lindley, Norbury, Hill, O'Brien, Nesovic, Kenworthy (Whitfield 62), Fox. Sub Not Used : Watts.

Referee : P Bramley.

Assistant Referees : P Booth, J Connolly.

Attendance : 176.

Phil Rann's report

W-Emley went to pieces against Farsley Celtic tonight after running the game for the first 30 minutes. Brad Hill made his first start for the visitors and put them ahead on 16 minutes from a Richard Chattoe free-kick. Another set-piece from the same player almost let in Alex Nesovic for the second but good defending by Amjad Iqbal stopped the danger.

Stamer's shot on 36 minutes should have been stopped by W-Emley 'keeper Andy Woods but he only got a palm on it as it passed him into the net for the equaliser.

Just four minutes later, Farsley were in front when Woods this time stopped Stamer's shot but couldn't hold on to the ball and Damien Reeves forced the ball home at the back post.

Playing against the wind in the second half, things were not going to get any better for W-Emley. Just four minutes into the second half, the game was as good as over when Kevin Sanasay beat Woods and slotted home, and after only 55 minutes, it was 4-1 when Nesovic sliced into his own net from a corner.

Andy Watson made it five on 73 minutes.

W-Emley started playing some nice football at 5-1 down and Christian Fox's shot was brilliantly tipped over by former Emley man Paul Cuss, and Cuss held on to Fox's shot just a couple of minutes later.

Reeves finished the scoring on 82 minutes when no-one picked him up in the box and he easily beat Woods.


Team: Woods, S.Wood, Tonks, Chattoe (Abbott 70), Lindley, Norbury, Hill, O'Brien, Nesovic, Kenworthy (Whitfield 56), Fox.
Sub Not Used: Watts.

Attendance: 176

Phil Rann's comments:

Well the worst second half performance ever seen. OK we were playing uphill and against the wind, but we didn't look interested. More of taking the money and not playing I fear. Brad Hill was definitely our MOM, Nesovic and Tonks gave 100% but the rest were shambollic. Abbott came on and did well which forced me to ask the question of why he wasn't on in the first place. Fox was abysmal, Whitfield couldn't be arsed, neither could Lindley or Woods (for once). Interesting to see Steve Nicholson in the crowd, he must have been shaking his head to see what has happened to a once great club.

No league match for three weeks, things have to improve fast if we want to stay up.

ASHTON  UNITED     4     W - EMLEY     0
March 26th Report by Dan Brownhill

W - Emley registered their fourth succesive league defeat after a very poor
performance at Hurst Cross.

Ashton first threatened the Emley goal in the eleventh minute. A snapshot from
Ciaran Kilheeney 12 yards out was well pushed out by Andy Woods.

On 13 minuts Scott Green's inswinging free kick bounced dangerously into the
penalty area and was headed off the line by Niall O'Brien.

Emley gifted Ashton the first goal on 16 minutes. Woods came out of his goal and attempted to shield the ball out for a goalkick and was dispossesed. The initial effort from Andreas Bjork was well beaten away by Woods who was trying to get back into position but the ball fell straight to Bjork who was left with an easy tap in.

Emley were restricted to long range efforts from Alex Nesovic and Christian Fox in the first half but both failed to cause problems for Ashley Connor.

Ashton doubled their lead on the stroke of half time. Bjork was left with a free header three yards out at the back post and made no mistake.

Emley came out in the second half and had their best spell of the match in the first fifteen minutes but couldn't threaten Connor's goal.

On 72 minutes a mistake by Dave Watts let in Kilheeney but he put the ball the wrong side of the post.

Ashton were gifted another goal by Emley with eleven minutes remaining. A low cross was turned into his own net by Lennie Curtis from inside his own six yard box.

The fourth goal came on 88 minutes. Substitute Chris Royle drilled home from the edge of the area from a shot which Woods got a hand to but proved just too powerful.

Emley will really need to rethink their strategy if they are to come away from Throstle Nest with any points on Tuesday night against a Farsley side who are really flying at the moment.

Ashton United : Connor, Green (Royle 80), Hilton, Holden, White (c), Riordan, Bjork, Cooney, Kilheeney (Rowe 82), Bowker, Smith (Dudley 88). Booked : Smith (80).

W-Emley : Woods, Tonks (Hancock 89), Staniforth, Chattoe (c), Curtis, Watts, Lindley (Hill 65), O'Brien, Norbury (Kenworthy 45), Fox, Nesovic. Booked : Chattoe (86).

Referee : E J Tarry (Wythenshawe).

Assistant Referees : M J Sherwin (Runcorn), A J Richardson (Wythenshawe).

Attendance : 151.

Report by Phil Rann

Anyone who thought the performance couldn't be worse than the Farsley match on Tuesday was wrong. Very wrong. Today we lacked any commitment, any shape, and all but about three players we looked like we couldn't be arsed.

A rare error by Emley 'keeper Andy Woods let in Bjork through on goal. Woods got back to make an impressive save but the rebound fell to Bjork with an open goal to make it 1-0 after only 15 minutes.

New signing from Goole Alex Nesovic did well to poke the ball away from Ashton 'keeper Ashley Connor, but no-one was following up to have a shot on goal.

Christian Fox had a shot from 25 yards on 38 minutes but it was straight at Connor.

Ashton effectively put the game to bed in first half stoppage time, Bjork again gifted a chance when he strolled in from a free kick and headed home with no challenge.

The second half saw Steve Kenworthy replace Micky Norbury and Emley started to play better football. Richard Chattoe set up Kenworthy but the defender got back and then slipped leaving Kenworthy through one-on-one with the keeper. His shot was saved but Paul Staniforth was following up and made no mistake. However the referee believed the defender had been fouled and Ashton couldn't believe their good fortune.

Ashton were again gifted a goal, their third in the 79th minute when, after Woods made a good save from Ciaran Kilheeney, Lennie Curtis misjudged the bounce and his attempted clearance found only his own net.

A minute from time it was 4-0 when substitute Chris Royle scored with an unstoppable shot which Woods got a hand to.

Team: Woods, Tonks (Hancock 87), Staniforth, Chattoe, Curtis, Watts, Lindley (Hill 61), O'Brien, Norbury (Kenworthy 46), Fox, Nesovic.

Attendance: 151

Comments by Phil Rann

We were awful today, worse than Whitby and Farsley's performances put together. We never looked interested, no Hoyle so nothing up front. Nesovic tried hard but didn't win a lot, same with Kenworthy in the second half. The midfield were abysmal, Lindley is the worst player I have seen at this level in a long time, Fox drifted in and out, mostly out, of the game, what Woods was doing for the first goal I'll never know. Three of the goals were given to Ashton on a plate. Two new players from AFC Barnsley came off the bench and hardly had a touch between them. 45 different players we have used this season, yet less than 10 are actually worth keeping. Lets think - Trueman, Woods, Woody, Curtis, Staniforth, Tonks, Chattoe, Thompson, Muller, Reeves - 10.

We need to improve big-time to challenge Farsley on Tuesday night. Thats if the rain doesn't interfere for us.

W - EMLEY 0 FARSLEY CELTIC 1

Report by Dan Brownhill March 21st 2006

W - Emley slumped to their third successive home league defeat after a poor game at Belle Vue against local rivals Farsley Celtic.

In a game of few chances it was Farsley who took the lead on 23 minutes. A poor touch by Richard Chattoe inside his own penalty area left Andy Woods stranded in the Emley goal and former Emley man Damien Reeves was left with a simple tap in.

Farsley almost extended their lead right on half time. Simeon Bambrook's corner was met by James Knowles at the near post but he directed his header just over the cross bar.

In the second half Emley had much more possesion but again failed to create goalscoring opportunities.

The closest the pewits came was early on in the half when Robert Tonks failed to connect with the ball properly from 10 yards out when he was given time and space to strike at goal.

Farsley almost wrapped up the game with three minutes left but Andy Shields' low drive was superbly kept out by Woods at full stretch diving low to his left.

One positive Emley can take from the game was the return of striker Steve Kenworthy as a second half substitute following a long time out injured.

Emley really need to get something from the game at Ashton United on Saturday in order to try and guarantee their survival in the premier division.

W - Emley : Woods, Tonks, Staniforth (Norbury 74), Chattoe (c), Curtis, Watts, O'Brien, Lindley, Hoyle, Fox, Whitfield (Kenworthy 59). Sub Not Used : Abbott.

Farsley Celtic : Cuss, Stabb (c), Pemberton, Krief, Parke, Shields, Watson, Iqbal, Bambrook (Crossley 76), Reeves, Knowles (Bett 80). Sub Not Used : Matthew.

Referee : M A Powell.

Assistant Referees : J Knowles, D S Midgley.

Attendance : 79.

Report by Phil Rann

Awful. Bloody awful. And Farsley were scarcely better, both teams hoofed the ball long to no-one in particular. Obviously it was going to one of the former Emley players that scored, Damien Reeves in the 23rd minute proved to be the winner.

The excellent Matthew Hoyle almost levelled for Emley just before half time but his shot was straight at the returning Paul Cuss.

A mix up between Cuss and Amjad Iqbal almost let in Hoyle but the 'keeper claimed at the second attempt.

Simon Parke headed straight at Andy Woods half way through the second half when he should have done better.

Paul Staniforth's fine free kick almost found substitute Steve Kenworthy but Cuss managed to claim.

Woods made a top-class save to deny Farsley substitute Ryan Crossley with a couple of minutes to go, but W-Emley couldn't force anything at the other end, and remain on 40 points.

Team: Woods, Tonks, Staniforth (Norbury 75), Chattoe, Curtis, Watts, O'Brien, Lindley, Hoyle, Fox, Whitfield (Kenworthy 60). Sub Not Used: Abbott.

Attendance: 79.

Farsley brought about 15, very poor for a side that could go up and to say it is a local derby, we will probably take more fans there next Tuesday. Emley were awful, Chattoe played at the back for whatever reason and played well and gave 100% but it was crying out for him to be playing in midfield. The three central midfielders were all awful, and Lindley and Fox need to have a long hard look about whether they want to continue taking their wages and giving nothing back or leave for good. O'Brien got stuck in but gave the ball away in the wrong areas far too often. Hoyle was fantastic, gave his all, challenged every header, took on players, beat them, and was unfortunate that everyone else couldn't be bothered. Curtis and Watts had fairly decent games and took care of Bambrook and Simon Parke. Reeves missed a great chance half way through the second half when well placed. Staniforth limped through 30 minutes of the second half until he was eventually substituted. I couldn't understand why Abbott wasn't brought on in place of the dreadful Lindley, who is too slow, too lightweight and too fat to play at this standard. Kenworthy came on and gave 100% as always, but the service wasn't there. We never looked like scoring.

Farsley were just as poor as us. Some neat in midfield in the first half but it wasn't difficult with no-one from our midfield getting a tackle in. They hoofed it long the same as us, and they scored with the softest chance of the lot.

I suppose something should be taken from the result; that Gateshead lost 5-0 at home to Farsley last midweek, but we will have to improve quickly to challenge Ashton away on Saturday.

Emley sink to defeat Mar 22 2006
By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


FORMER W - Emley striker Damien Reeves returned to haunt his former employers, scoring the 23rd minute winner for Farsley Celtic, in last night's UniBond League Premier Division match at Belle Vue.

Paul David's side slumped to a third successive home League defeat and, after a poor touch by Richard Chattoe inside his own penalty area, keeper Andy Woods was stranded leaving Reeves with a simple tap.

Farsley almost extended their lead right on half time but another former Emley strike ace Simeon Bambrook directed his header just over the bar.

Emley, 14th, travel to Ashton, 15th, in a key match of Saturday.

W - EMLEY 2 WHITBY TOWN 3
Report by Dan Brownhill March 18th 2006

W - Emley were beaten 3-2 by Whitby at Belle Vue despite registering two goals at home in a league match for the first time since December 17th.

Whitby dominated the first half and first threatened Andy Woods' goal on 5 minutes. The Emley keeper pulled off a great reaction save from point blank range after Tom Raw drove the ball towards the goal.

Woods pulled off another class save on 36 minutes to deny Anthony Ormerod at the far post after the ball had flashed across the edge of the penalty area.

3 minutes later Levant Yalun was put through on goal but Woods closed him down well and the Whitby man chipped the ball just over the cross bar.

Emley eventually went behind on the stroke of half time. Aron Wilford rose highest to head at goal from a deep cross and despite two attempted clearances off the line from the Emley defenders the referee's assistant decided that the ball had crossed it.

5 minutes into the second half and Ormerod burst clear for Whitby but drove the ball into the side netting and the Whitby advantage remained at a single goal.

Three minutes later it was 2-0 though as Scott Nicholson nipped in to register a scrappy goal for Whitby.

On 53 minutes Emley finally registered their first attempt on goal. Robert Tonks was put in but fired just over the bar from 12 yards.

2 minutes later Emley forced a corner which Christian Fox took. Ben Escritt in the Whitby goal punched it clear but Dave Watts headed it straight back in. The Whitby goalkeeper recovered well to tip the ball over the bar.

On 72 minutes Danny Brunskill ran clear from the half way line to slot the ball past Woods and increase Whitby's lead to three goals.

Two minutes later it was almost four goals for Whitby as Brunskill drove against the post and Chris Batchelor's follow up was well pushed wide by Woods.

On 82 minutes both teams were reduced to ten men. Paul Staniforth went in late on David McTiernan and was dismissed for his second bookable offence for Emley. The Whitby man was shown a straight red card for his reaction which included both a head butt on Staniforth and a push on one of the assistant referees.

Two minutes from time Emley pulled a goal back. Simon Wood's free kick was headed down and Matthew Hoyle forced the ball in from close range.

In the final minute of the match Emley scored again to leave them just one goal behind. Substitute Billy Abbott crossed the ball in and Lennie Curtis converted from close range.

Three minutes of injury time were signalled but Emley could not find an equaliser. The closest they came was Richard Whitfield's shot from a tight angle which went wide of the near post.

W -  Emley: Woods, Wood, Staniforth, O'Brien, Watts, Norbury (Curtis 61), Tonks (c) (Abbott 72), Lindley, Hoyle, Whitfield, Fox. Sub Not Used: Bitten-Price. Sent-off: Staniforth (82). Booked: O'Brien (35), Staniforth (43, 82), Hoyle (63).

Whitby Town: Escritt, Brumwell (c), Richards, Farthing, Wilford, Yalun, Ormerod, Nicholson, Raw (McTiernan 22), Brunskill, Batchelor (Barber 89). Sub Not Used: Atkinson. Sent-off: McTiernan (82). Booked: Brunskill (21).

Referee: G E Wilson.

Assistant referees: A M Butler, A D Cherry.

Attendance: 91.

Report by Phil Rann

It could have been worse, but I think a one-goal win for Whitby was a fair result.

Tom Raw had a great chance to put Whitby ahead after only seven minutes when he was played onside at the back post, but his shot from three yards was blocked by Andy Woods when it seemed easier to score.

Niall O'Brien had a shot from 25 yards on his W-Emley debut but it was charged down.

Simon Wood had a rare shot on goal on 27 minutes when he tried to lob the Whitby 'keeper but his effort was just wide.

Lev Yalcin had a great chance for Whitby soon after but he chipped his shot over to oncoming Woods but also over the bar.

Whitby took the lead in first half stoppage time when Wilford forced the ball home despite the efforts by the defenders on the line to stop it from going over the line.

W-Emley came out a better side in the second half, but Scott Nicholson put Whitby 2-0 ahead on 53 minutes.

Skipper Robert Tonks had a great chance to get W-Emley back in the game just two minutes later when Richard Whitfield put him through on the 'keeper, but he fired over the bar when he should have scored.

It was 3-0 soon after when Danny Brunskill placed the ball past Woods.

Staniforth was sent off for a second bookable offence while Whitby's Mctiernan was given a straight red for a headbutt

W-Emley scored two goals in the last five minutes, firstly from Matthew Hoyle and secondly from Lennie Curtis.

Phil Rann's comments

Why didn't we start playing until we were 2-0 down? We had two or three very good chances to get a goal back which would have put us back in the game before Whitby scored a third from a counter attack. 3-0 would have been unfair, but Whitby definitely deserved to win. Midfield was missing, lacked the bite of Chattoe and recently departed Thompson. O'Brien played fairly well but is he expected to be the heart of midfield after playing only four league games for Bradford PA all season? Fox and Lindley were dreadful and Hoyle looked his usual lazy self until he managed to bundle in a goal in the 88th minute. His first goal since November and he has started almost every match since then. We would have been better paying Reeves, Muller, Woods, Chattoe, Thompson and Tonks full wages and getting rid of the rest when the wage cuts were announced. These seem to be the only players that either wanted to play or were good enough to play. Five more points needed, anyone any idea where its coming from with performances like this one. Attendance abysmal, a good 40 travelling fans.

From The Huddersfield Daily Examiner: March 19th

W - EMLEY are in danger of being dragged into a relegation scrap after their attempt at an amazing comeback fell short.

Trailing by three goals after 70 minutes, they netted twice in the last three, but were unable to conjure an equaliser.

This was a second successive defeat for Paul David's side, who were fourth at one stage but have now slipped to 14th, just five points above the danger zone.

And the attendance figure, this time just 91, was again a source of worry for a cash-strapped club who have lost a string of players since Christmas.

A dour first half was lifted a minute before the break when Whitby's Aron Wilford headed home from a corner.

The second half was slightly better, with Scott Nicholson increasing the visitors' lead on 52 minutes with a low shot.

Wakefield-Emley's Rob Tonks fired too high soon after before centre-back Dave Watts forced Whitby keeper Ben Escritt to dive low and turn the ball away.

Danny Brunskill netted Whitby's third on 70 minutes, running from halfway to finish with a low, angled shot.

Both teams were reduced to 10 men on 81 minutes, Whitby's David McTiernan being shown a straight red for reacting to a Paul Staniforth challenge which brought a second yellow.

Matthew Hoyle and Lennie Curtis scored goals from close range after 88 and 89 minutes.

But Whitby held out, with their biggest scare coming when Richard Whitfield fired wide.

W - Emley: Woods, Wood, Staniforth, O'Brien, Watts, Norbury (Curtis, 60mins), Tonks (Abbott, 72mins), Lindley, Hoyle, Whitfield, Fox. Sub not used: Bitton-Price.

W - EMLEY 2 SOUTH KIRKBY COLLIERY 1
March 8th 2006  Report by Dan Brownhill

W - Emley just did enough to make it through to the semi-finals of the Sheffield Senior Cup with a 2-1 home victory over their Sheffield County Senior League opponents South Kirkby Colliery. The Emley line up included Whitfield,  making his first start since October.

Emley first threatened on 4 minutes. Robert Tonks' shot from the edge of the area was pushed out and Matthew Hoyle's follow up was well saved by South Kirkby goalkeeper Lee Wainwright.

Emley took the lead on 12 minutes. Christian Fox's free kick was pushed out by Wainwright but the ball fell straight to the feet of Richard Whitfield who made no mistake from close range.

Whitfield came close to adding another goal on 27 minutes. The lively forward skipped two challenges but his chipped effort bounced just wide.

Great interplay between Richard Chattoe and Whitfield set up Hoyle on 33 minutes but his attempted finish was well held by Wainwright at the second attempt.

On 36 minutes Emley almost sneaked the second goal. Paul Staniforth's attempted cross was pushed onto the crossbar by Wainwright at full stretch.

South Kirkby showed that they could threaten to score too five minutes before half time. Mark Studd's curling effort from 25 yards beat Andy Woods but crashed back out off the crossbar and to safety.

Emley should have added the second goal right on half time. Hoyle got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Whitfield but he shot wide from close range.

South Kirkby were forced to substitute goalkeeper Wainwright at half time due to an injury with Lee Bainbridge taking over between the posts but Emley failed to really test the South Kirkby goal to much effect in the second half.

On 48 minutes they did manage the second goal however. Good work by Fox found Chattoe who slipped the ball in for Whitfield to fire past Bainbridge from 10 yards.

On 54 minutes Whitfield almost completed his hat-trick. His looping header from 6 yards went just over the crossbar following Tonks' looping cross.

With 20 minutes left South Kirkby pulled a goal back when Studd converted an easy chance from close range after a pull back from the byline.

On 80 minutes Stephen Secker tried his luck from 20 yards but the ball flew just over the bar.

Whitfield sent a 20 yard drive just wide with 6 minutes remaining and Emley managed to see out the remaining time without South Kirkby really threatening to score again.

W - Emley : Woods, Wood, Staniforth, Chattoe (c), Norbury, Watts, Fox, Abbott (Bitten-Price 61), Whitfield, Hoyle, Tonks. Sub Not Used : Curtis.

South Kirkby Colliery : Wainwright (Rowan 46), Steers, Moxon, Bainbridge, Stringfellow (Stevenson 85), Mayne, Studd (Cotterill 73), Morgan, Secker, Millward, Womack. Booked : Stringfellow (67).

W - EMLEY 1 LEEK TOWN 3

February 25th 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill

Wakefield-Emley slumped to their first defeat in four matches after a 3-1 home defeat by Leek Town, who were propping up the table prior to the match.

Leek showed their intent to give Emley a good game as early as the second minute as the ball was forced through to the lively Dave MacPherson who drove wide form close range.

The visitors took the lead on 7 minutes. Alan Nagington's low cross was converted by Lee Dodgson at the far post who had the easiest of tasks to slot home.

Emley immediately responded with a bizarre goal direct from a corner kick. Richard Chattoe's corner evaded everyone, including Leek goalkeeper Adam Wilkes, to cannon in off the far post.

Emley then began to dominate the game and controlled the rest of the first half for long periods. On 14 minutes Billy Abbott's curling 20 yard effort was easy for Wilkes.

On 21 minutes Paul Staniforth found Matthew Hoyle with a good cross in but the tall Emley striker's looping header was just held by Wilkes underneath his own crossbar.

Good work by Mick Norbury set up Phil Lindley on 24 minutes but his curler from the edge of the area went over the bar. Emley immediately attacked again as Adam Muller put in Hoyle who tried his luck with a powerful effort from 25 yards but Wilkes was equal to the task, pushing the ball wide for a corner.

From the resulting corner Chattoe picked out Mick Thompson 20 yards out who powerfully volleyed the ball first time towards goal. Again Wilkes pulled off a good save, tipping it over for another corner.

On 33 minutes disaster struck for Emley after Leek were awarded an indirect free kick close to the goal. The ball was laid off to Ryan Brown who drove it towards the net but it was charged down by the defenders. Unfortunately the rebound fell to MacPherson who slotted the ball home from close range.

Emley couldn't respond effectively in the second half and failed to create many chances.

On 63 minutes a Norbury cross found Hoyle at the far post but the ball struck the defender on the goalline and was cleared.

On 82 minutes Leek almost extended their lead. Nagington's pull back found substitute Dave Tickle but he blazed over from 6 yards.

Two minutes later Tickle crossed for Dodgson but his glancing header went just wide.

The closest Emley came to finding an equaliser was in stoppage time. Chattoe's lob into the box was lunged at by Norbury but he couldn't get enough on the ball and Wilkes was able to make an easy save.

Leek then got the killer third goal. Dodgson ran clear and held off Staniforth to round Andy Woods and slot into the open net.

There was still time for Dodgson to almost complete his hat-trick as he raced clear again, but his attempted lob over the advancing Woods bounced just wide of the post.

W - Emley : Woods, Tonks, Curtis (Wood 46), Chattoe (c), Norbury, Thompson (Watts) , Abbott (Bitten-Price), Lindley, Hoyle, Muller, Staniforth. Booked : Thompson.

Leek Town : Wilkes, Yates, Brown, Woolliscroft (c), Booth, Davies, Danlynk, MacPherson, Nagington, Dodgson, Eldershaw (Tickle 71). Subs Not Used : Johnson, Hawthorne.

Referee : D P Plowright (Mansfield).

Assistant Referees : S Hawkins (Barnsley), R A Naylor (Sheffield).

Attendance : 84.

Emley defence springs Leek! 
Feb 27 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

W - Emley's run of improved UniBond League form was brought to a crashing halt by Premier Division basement side Leek Town.

And the afternoon was made even gloomier for home officials by a paltry attendance of just 84 - the lowest in a home League game this season for the cash-strapped club.

On paper, Paul David's 12th-placed side should have extended a three-match unbeaten run with ease. But a brace by Lee Dodgson and a Dave McPherson goal
gave the Staffordshire strugglers only their fifth League victory.

On-loan Morecambe man Dodgson netted after seven minutes after unselfish work by Alan Nagington presented him with an easy finish.W-Emley, who had kept three clean sheets in succession previously, hit back within 60 seconds when Richard Chattoe's corner went in off the underside of the bar.

The hosts then enjoyed a strong 20 minutes, but failed to score a second, although Billy Abbott and Matthew Hoyle both went close while Adam Wilkes produced a superb one-handed save from a wicked Marc Thompson volley.

They were left to rue those misses when McPherson fired Leek ahead on 32 minutes with a close-range finish. Leek claimed their third with seconds remaining when Dodgson broke clear of Simon Wood then rounded both Paul Staniforth and goalkeeper Andy Woods to slot into an empty net.

Team: Woods, Tonks, Curtis (Wood, HT), Chattoe, Norbury, Thompson (Watts, 58mins), Abbott (Bitton-Price, 78mins), Lindley, Hoyle, Muller, Staniforth.

* W - Emley will host South Kirby Colliery in the quarter-finals of the Sheffield Senior Cup a week on Wednesday, March 8.

Report by Phil Rann

Confidence should have been high going into this game after W-Emley have collected seven points from three games so far in February as well as keeping three clean sheets in those games.

It was therefore surprising that the home side were almost behind within two minutes but Dave Macpherson let them off the hook by blazing wide from six yards when it seemed easier to score.

Adam Muller and Matthew Hoyle combined well down the right wing for W-Emley and Hoyle's cross found Staniforth steaming in at the back post but the left-sided defender scuffed his shot and the ball was cleared.

Leek took the lead on eight minutes when another cross was not properly dealt with by W-Emley and Dodgson made no mistake, coolly slotting the ball home giving Andy Woods no chance.

Straight from the kick off, W-Emley won a corner. Captain Richard Chattoe took the corner, and the ball came back off the far post and into the net without anyone touching it. W-Emley had equalised within a minute of going behind.

This equalising goal seemed to wake W-Emley up and they would control the next twenty minutes. Mick Norbury's weak shot though gave a comfortable save to Adam Wilkes.

Billy Abbott shot straight at the keeper on 14 minutes as W-Emley began to run the game.

Wilkes was fortunate not to be punished for fumbling a Robert Tonks cross but his defenders helped him out by hoofing the ball away before Hoyle could get his foot to it.

Hoyle headed another effort at goal which was smartly held by Wilkes as he was backtracking over the line. Phil Lindley shot well over from the next attack.

The best move of the game including Chattoe and Staniforth set up Hoyle, whose goalbound shot was well parried by Wilkes and the ball drifted out for a corner.

From this corner, Chattoe found Marc Thompson unmarked at the edge of the area; his volley was very well tipped over again by Wilkes.

Leek then took the lead against the run of play. Thompson's attempted clearance saw his foot catch Alan Nagington in the face in what was an accident, but a high foot. The referee gave an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area, which was charged down by Tonks, but Macpherson was free at the back post and he beat Woods at the near post.

Hoyle then set up Muller one-on-one with Wilkes but the 'keeper stood tall and Muller's shot struck him on the chest and bounced away for a corner.

Simon Wood replaced the injured Lennie Curtis at the start of the second half.

Hoyle again set Muller away down the right hand side into the penalty area but his shot flew high and wide into the terracing behind the goal.

Substitute Dave Watts, who replaced Thompson after he also limped off, crossed in for Norbury but his header was at a comfortable height for Wilkes to save.

The new referee (the first one was injured at half time) had his first big decision to make on 61 minutes when Muller was fouled in the box. The linesman on the far side was flagging for a penalty but the stand-in ref baffled everyone by giving a corner.

From the corner, Hoyle's header clearly struck the defender on the forearm but the penalty appeals were once again waved away as the referee said it struck the defender on the chest.

Norbury's goalbound shot soon after was deflected wide for a corner.

The next attack saw the ball strike Leek's number 2 clearly on the hand half way inside their own half. Free kick this time, but no card despite no defender covering behind him, and therefore being the last man.

Abbott had the ball in the net on 75 minutes but the crowd were once again left surprised by the official's decision, as Abbott was adjudged to be offside even though the header from Norbury came backwards to him and a Leek player was on the goalside of Norbury, playing them both on.

Abbott was then replaced by Curtis Bitton-Price who barely had a touch in the ten minutes he played.

A breakaway Leek attack set up Dodgson for a second but Chattoe tracked back with him all the way as the open goal was blocked at the last minute by Chattoe as the score remained 2-1.

Norbury had another shot in the 88th minute but it lacked any power and was easy for Wilkes to save.

Another breakaway counter attack in stoppage time saw Paul Staniforth get a foot in on the Leek striker that was one-on-one with Woods. He managed to play it past the keeper with a slight deflection, kept the ball in and placed the ball into the empty net from less than a yard out to wrap up the game in the 93rd minute.


Team: Woods, Tonks, Curtis (S.Wood 46), Chattoe, Norbury, Thompson (Watts 55), Abbott (Bitton-Price 79), Lindley, Hoyle, Muller, Staniforth.

Attendance: 84

very very poor attendance but it did look to be more than this especially in the bar at half time and in the stand in the second half. Definitely a day to forget, the pitch was poor compared to its usual high standard now the egg chasers have played one game on it.

Tonks, Staniforth, Chattoe and Abbott all gave 100% today but all the others could have done a lot better. Hoyle and Muller were given lots of service in the first half, and both should have scored with the chances they were given. Rumours are rife that today was Muller's last game, who knows. Lindley was too lightweight and barely passed a ball forwards in the entire game. Thompson looked like he had been brought back from injury too soon and limped off early in the second half. Norbury battled hard too, but the commitment and performance was no-where near what it has been for the previous three games, especially the performances at Guiseley and Marine on the last two Saturdays.

No league game for three weeks, it will give a chance to the other teams to catch up on their fixtures. Only Leek, AFC Telford Utd and Ossett (who were playing another bottom half team) won in the bottom half today so another five points will guarantee our safety in the league.

              Marine v W Emley

              MARINE v  W - EMLEY
              February 18^th Report by Dan Brownhill

                   W - Emley put in a superb performance to come away with a point from title chasing
              Marine from a game in which they had chances which could have given them all
              three points.

              Emley looked by far the better side for long periods of the game but somehow
              couldn't get the ball into the back of the net.

              Marine were the first to threaten on 4 minutes. Danny Byre nipped in on goal but
              poked the ball well wide from 8 yards.

              Emley went straight up the other end and went close themselves. Christian Fox's
              curling drive from 25 yards whistled inches wide of the post.

              On 7 minutes the ball broke to Adam Muller who was left clean through on goal. His
              finish was unfortunately too weak though and comfortable for Andy Ralph in the
              Marine goal.

              Excellent work by Muller and the lively, ever improving, Matthew Hoyle set up Billy
              Abbott on 15 minutes. His drive under pressure flew well wide from 15 yards.

              Marine creasted a rare chance themselves on 18 minutes. Darren Brookfield put in
              Byrne but he blazed well over the cross bar from the edge of the area.

              On 22 minutes an inch perfect cross by Paul Staniforth fell to Hoyle who rattled the
              Marine post with a powerful effort. The rebound fell to Abbott who slid the ball into
             Hoyle again. His skillful, curling effort from 15 yards crashed back out off the cross
              bar. The ball this time fell to Staniforth but his first time effort flew over the bar.

              On 27 minutes Muller laid the ball off to Abbott. He attempted a first time drive from
              20 yards out but dragged the ball a couple of feet wide of the post.

              Byrne burst through down the left for Marine on 32 minutes. His shot was well held
              by Andy Woods but was going wide of the goal anyway.

              On 33 minutes a Fox free kick found Phil Lindley at the far post. He fired over from
              6 yards out when it seemed easier to score.

              Two minutes later it was another Fox free kick that created the danger for Marine.
              His curling shot from 25 yards was superbly saved by Ralph low to his left. Ralph
              couldn't hold the ball, however, and it fell to Muller who chipped it back in towards
              goal, over the stranded keeper. Adam Farley flung himself at the ball and hacked it
              clear from underneath his own cross bar to keep the score goalless.

              Lee Mulvaney got in a rare strike for Marine on 41 minutes after Byrne's lay off. His
              drive went into the side netting after he was well pressurised by Lindley.

              Marine had slightly more possesion in the second half without creating many
              chances.

              Byrne put the ball wide on 58 minutes from a tight angle after Marine had broke clear
              from an Emley corner which Dave Watts, Mick Norbury and Lennie Curtis had all
              pushed forward for.

              Good work by Hoyle on the hour left Abbott with an excellent opportunity to have a
              shot on goal. His half volley from the edge of the area flew just wide.

A po       A poor Emley clearance on 65 minutes left Nicky Young with a chance on goal but
              he fired wide of the target.

               A deep cross found Marine substitute Gary Jensen's head on 68 minutes. His
              powerful header from point blank range was magnificently saved by Woods, who held
              the ball at the second attempt.

              It was Abbott again who came close to scoring for Emley on 72 minutes, His dipping
              30 yard volley was tipped over the cross bar by Ralph.

              The resulting Fox corner was punched out by Ralph but straight to Emley substitute
              Curtis Bitten-Price who was stood 20 yards out. He took the ball down and thrashed
              it back towards goal but it went just over the cross bar.

              On 75 minutes it was substitute Jensen who again threatened to score for Marine.
              He attempted a chip from the edge of the area but Woods was equally to it, pushing
              the ball over the cross bar.

              Abbott again tried his luck from long range for Emley on 77 minutes with a 20 yard
              chip.The ball again went just over the bar.

              Marine had the ball in the net on 80 minutes but the referee's assistant had clearly
              signalled offside, with Woods making no attempt to make a save.
 
T            The score remained goalless. Emley would have been happy to walk away with a
              point before the game started but left Rossett Park knowing that on another day
              they would have had all three.

              Marine : Ralph, Murphy, Latham, Farley, Connolly (c), Brookfield, Nesbitt, Dawes,
              Young, Byrne, Mulvaney (Jensen 62). Subs Not Used : Mullin, Dever.

              W - Emley : Woods, Wood, Staniforth (c), Watts (Bitten-Price 66), Curtis, Norbury,
              Fox, Lindley, Hoyle, Muller, Abbott. Subs Not Used : Kenworthy, Kettlewell.

              Referee : B Law (Kirkby Stephen).

              Assistant Referees : J Dowd (Ellesmere Port), W Gresty (Blacon).

              Attendance : 285.

              Interesting reading the report and the comments on the Marine official
              website and fans' forum saying that we thoroughly deserved three points
              today, that Hoyle caused their defence more problems than any other striker
              this season and that we played much better than Farsley did on Tuesday
              night when they lost 1-0 there. Also encouraging to see both Steve
              Kenworthy and Richard Kettlewell on the bench today after lengthy spells out
              injured. Also nice to have a full three substitutes available again today.

             
               Very very encouraging! - especially without three midfield players, Chattoe,
              Thompson and Tonks.


              Match report from Marine official website (www.marinefc.com):

               If the visitors had brought their shooting boots with them this game would have been
              over by half time. Throughout the game they created and missed a host of chances
              whereas Marine were restricted to a few spasmodic efforts. It was the Mariners
              however who nearly made the early breakthrough when Danny Byrne latched onto a
              Nicky Young flick but turned the ball just wide. A minute later Emley showed their
              intent when Christian Fox whistled a 25 yard shot just over the bar. On 6 minutes
              Matthew Hoyle was through on goal but shot weakly straight at Andy Ralph.
              15 minutes later Marine’s goal lived a charmed life as a shot hit the post, from the
              rebound the ball hit the bar and then Billy Abbott blasted over from a few yards out.
             Marine were continually being pushed back with Hoyle giving Marine’s defensive duo
           f Farley and Connolly more problems than any team this season. On the half hour mark
              Marine mounted a rare attack but Byrne’s shot was comfortably saved at his near
              post by Andy Woods. Emley continued to push forward and from a Fox free kick
              Ralph was forced into a magnificent double save with Farley clearing the ball off his
              own line. Possibly the miss of the match came on 34 minutes when Phil Lindley
              contrived to shoot over the bar from 3 yards. Marine could have made Emley pay for
              their wastefulness just on half time when Nick Young set up Lee Mulvaney but the
              latter shot just wide.
 0-0

              Emley must have wondered at half time if they had lost the opportunity to create a
              shock result as Byrne picked up a long ball to shoot just over from a wide angle.
              Marine were content to hit Emley on the break and this was demonstrated when
              Byrne headed just wide after a move that started with an Emley free kick. On the
              hour mark it was more of the same with Abbott flashing a shot that went just wide.
              Woods was then brought into action for the first time as he made a smart save low
              down from a Young shot. The introduction of Gary Jensen brought new life into
              Marine and it was Jensen who was on the end of a Murphy cross to bring the best
              out of Woods. It was now end to end as Abbott hitting a dipping volley that Ralph
              just turned over his own bar. The final chance of what was an absorbing game fell to
              Marine. Byrne wriggled past a couple of defenders and slid the ball across Emley’s
              six yard box but Emley scrambled the ball away.

              At the start of the game Marine would have been looking to pick up all three points.
              At the end they were relieved to get one

GUISELEY 0 W - EMLEY 1

February 11th 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill

W - Emley beat local rivals Guiseley by a single goal at Nethermoor after an excellent first half performance.

Emley dominated the opening period of the game. Robert Tonks was the first to go close on 4 minutes but his half volley from the edge of the area was well pushed wide by Matt Taylor in the Guiseley goal.

The Pewits were awarded a penalty on 6 minutes. The lively Adam Muller was tripped by Sam Denton in the area. Mick Norbury stepped up to coolly send Taylor the wrong way and open the scoring.

Emley should have doubled their advantage on 9 minutes. Muller got past the full back to squeeze in a cross which was headed out. The ball fell to Tonks who stabbed it inches wide from close range.

Guiseley nearly snatched an equaliser on 12 minutes. Scott Jackson was left with an excellent opportunity from point blank range but missed his kick and the ball fell staright into Andy Woods' arms.

On 14 minutes it was Christian Fox's turn to get in on the action. The ball fell to his feet 20 yards out after Richard Chattoe's corner had been headed out but he drove over the cross bar.

On 28 minutes the ever improving Matthew Hoyle laid the ball off to Billy Abbott but his drive from the edge of the area flew just over the bar.

Emley were gifted another chance on 37 minutes. A Guiseley defender completely miskicked the ball straight to Hoyle who volleyed it first time from the edge of the area. The ball flew inches wide of the post to leave the Emley lead at a single goal at half time.

Guiseley came back into the game in the second half and enjoyed a lot more possesion but failed to create many clear cut chances and Emley always looked dangerous on the break.

On 49 minutes poor defending let in David Cooke but he blazed well over the cross bar from just 6 yards out.

Scott Jackson came close for the visitors two minutes later. He turned Norbury well and fired just wide from a tight angle.

Emley went straight up the other end and almost extended their lead. A brilliant through ball by Abbott put in Hoyle but Taylor pulled off an excellent one handed save.

On 55 minutes Fox's long range drive struck Muller but the ball trickled just wide of the far post.

Hoyle found himself in space on 63 minutes and opted to try his lock with a 30 yard lob. Taylor just got his finger tips to the ball to push it over the bar for a corner.

Emley should have made the game safe in injury time. Muller fed Hoyle who was left clean through on goal, but he didn't quite get enough height on his attempted chip and Taylor just got his hands to the ball to make a good save.

Guiseley : Taylor, Hay (c), Ball (Stuart 64), Smithard, Ellis, Denton, Lee (Forrest 64), Grayston, Cooke, Jackson, Lennon. Sub Not Used : Larkins.

W - Emley : Woods, Wood, Staniforth, Chattoe (c), Curtis, Norbury, Fox, Abbott (Bitten-Price 74), Hoyle, Muller, Tonks. Booked : Fox  Only 1 sub.

Referee : P Bramley.

Assistant Referees : I Bendish, J Connolly.

Attendance : 212.

Phil Rann's report

A great win this, and fully deserved with every player giving 110% all through the game.

The scene was set in only the second minute when Adam Muller had the ball in the Guiseley net but the pass to him from Matthew Hoyle was adjudged to play Muller offside.

There were no complaints five minutes later when Muller was fouled in the box by Sam Denton. After struggling to score a penalty in the last twelve months or so, Micky Norbury stepped forward and sent Matt Taylor the wrong way.

This lead could quite easily have been increased when, firstly, Robert Tonks' shot from ten yards was palmed away by Taylor and then when the same player's shot was inches wide from Simon Wood's cross.

Guiseley's first real chance nearly brought an equaliser but, when well placed, Scott Jackson's weak shot only found Andy Woods in the W-Emley goal.

Hoyle's volley from the edge of the area on 35 minutes curled away from goal and skimmed the post as the away side again looked the more likely to score.

The second half brought a different Guiseley side in that they kept the ball better and created more pressure, but they didn't trouble Woods with any of their efforts.

David Cooke had a glorious opportunity to level the scores but he blazed his shot well over from six yards.

W-Emley were only threatening from counter-attacks but looked like they could score with every one. Richard Chattoe put in Hoyle but his effort was well blocked by Taylor.

Another counter-attack saw Hoyle force Taylor into a smart stop with an effort from thirty yards.

Danny Ellis’s glancing free-header found only the advertisement boards at the side of the goal when he really should have done better.

Just as stoppage time was starting, Muller broke clear and put in Hoyle one-on-one with Taylor but the 'keeper again made a fine save.

W-Emley: Woods, S.Wood, Staniforth, Chattoe, Curtis, Norbury, Fox, Abbott (Bitton-Price 76), Hoyle, Muller, Tonks.

Attendance: 212

W - EMLEY 1 PRESCOT CABLES 0
February 4th 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill


W - Emley won for the first time since December 17th after victory over Prescot Cables at Belle Vue.

Emley welcomed Adam Muller back from a loan spell at Ilkeston Town to replace Steve Woolford in the starting eleven. One other change from the side that lost at Burscough saw Lennie Curtis replacing Simon Wood in the starting eleven.

In a poor first half Prescot were the first to come close to scoring in the 18th minute. Mark Duffy's deep cross sailed over Andy Woods in the Emley goal and came back out off the face of the crossbar.

Emley were given an excellent opportunity to score on 26 minutes. Muller was brought down in the area by Prescot goalkeeper Ryan McMahon and the referee pointed straight to the spot. Marc Thompson's penalty was weak, however, and McMahon was able to redeem himself with an easy save down to his right.

Three minutes later Prescot were reduced to ten men. Steve O'Hara was shown a straight red card after a poor challenge on Muller.

On 33 minutes the visitors were gifted an great chance to score after Thompson sent a poor pass straight to Carl Rendell who was left clean through on goal. Emley heaved a sigh of relief as he dragged his effort wide of the post and the game remained goalless.

Prescot again came close right on half time. Jason Massie's free kick was met by Steve McEwen on the stretch at the far post but he put the ball wide when it seemed easier to score.

Emley went straight up the other end where Christian Fox's lopping cross in was met by the head of Robert Tonks at the far post. McMahon pulled off a great save to keep the score at 0-0 at half time.

Emley had the better of the chances in the second half. Fox's powerful half volley after Paul Staniforth's long throw had only been half cleared was well pushed wide by McMahon on 54 minutes.

Richard Chattoe was the next to threaten the Prescot goal. His dipping 20 yard volley on 64 minutes was well saved by McMahon.

Matthew Hoyle then came close for Emley on 67 minutes. He turned inside 15 yards out but fired well over the cross bar.

Emley then introduced Curtis Bitten-Price who had an immediate effect on the game. He took the ball past the full back to get to the byline and squeeze in a low cross. Adam Muller got in front of the defender at the near post to direct the ball into the net and give Emley a 73rd minute lead.

Prescot almost snatched an equaliser in injury time. Substitute Dean Thurston was put through on goal but Woods came out well to make a good block and seal the Emley victory.

W - Emley : Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Tonks, Curtis, Thompson (Wood 45), Abbott (Bitten-Price 72), Chattoe (c), Norbury, Hoyle, Muller. Booked : Muller (84).

Prescot Cables : McMahon, Molyneux, O'Hara, McEwen, O'Donnell, Flynn (c), Duffy, Prescott, Connolly, Rendell (Thurston 61), Massie (Noon 7. Sub Not Used : Clarke. Sent Off : O'Hara (29). Booked : McMahon (25).

Referee : P I Thompson (Chesterfield).

Assistant Referees : J D Abey (Sheffield), P Booker (Sheffield).

Attendance : 98.

Muller fires Emley to first win of year
Feb 6 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


ADAM MULLER returned from a month's loan at Ilkeston Town to fire W - Emley to their first win of 2006, 1-0 against 10-man Prescot Cables in front of just 98 supporters.

Boss Paul David had described this as a `must win game,' and his cash-strapped side didn't let him down.

Substitute Curtis Bitton-Price, who had been on the field only a minute, turned provider for Muller down the left on 73 minutes, pulling the ball back from the goalline for the striker to slot home.

Earlier, Prescot's Carl Rendell struck the crossbar with an attempted cross on 18 minutes while Mark Duffy, in time and space, shot wide of the far post soon after.

Prescot goalkeeper Ryan McMahon breathed a huge sigh of relief on 24 minutes when he received only a booking after bringing Muller down in the area after being the last player covering.

Emley's Marc Thompson struck the penalty but McMahon guessed correctly, diving to his right to pull off the save.

On 28 minutes Steve O'Hara received a straight red for a two-footed challenge on Muller and was possibly the victim of the referee's earlier misjudgement in not sending-off the keeper.

Prescot were left to rue Rendell's misdirected header on 31 and two minutes later Thompson's mis-kick fell kindly to the same striker who, with only the keeper to beat, screwed his shot past the far post.

Emley: Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Tonks, Curtis, Thompson (S.Wood 45), Abbott (Bitton-Price 72), Chattoe, Norbury, Hoyle, Muller.

Phil Rann's report

W - Emley beat ten-man Prescot Cables to gain their first win (and first points) of 2006. Adam Muller was back in the side after his month's loan at Ilkeston Town, while Billy Abbott played his third successive match since joining the club. Paul David and Phil Sharpe chose to play three strikers; Muller, Mick Norbury and Matthew Hoyle.

Prescot started the game the better side, and a free-kick was shot straight at Andy Woods in the W-Emley goal at a comfortable height.

W-Emley had their first chance after 14 minutes but Mick Norbury's weak shot was well wide.

The away side won another free-kick close to the W-Emley penalty area and it was lifted above everyone and hit the bar before been cleared by Christian Fox.

Good play in midfield by Abbott and Richard Chattoe set up Muller one-on-one with Ryan McMahon but as Muller just managed to touch the ball past him, he was brought down. Penalty, surely a red card. The referee thought otherwise and only booked him despite him been the last man.

Marc Thompson stepped forward to take the penalty after scoring from the spot at Burscough last week, but his shot was saved by McMahon much to the annoyance of the home fans.

Muller was again soon amongst the action when Prescot's number 3 challenged him with a two-footed tackle with the ball no-where in sight. Red card this time thought the referee and Prescot were down to ten men.

Prescot were continuing to be the better side however, and Carl Rendell headed well over from a free header when he should have done better.

A dreadul backpass by Thompson soon after let in Rendell again, this time one-on-one with Woods but he shot well wide with the far corner gaping.

Prescot should have gone ahead on 41 minutes when a free kick out wide was sidefooted wide at the back post by number 4.

Great build up by Muller and Hoyle just before half-time led to Robert Tonks heading towards the corner but it was brilliantly saved by McMahon.

Simon Wood replaced the injured Thompson at half time, and now it was W-Emley's turn to have the best of the play. A cross from the left wing let in Fox at the edge of the area and his goalbound shot was headed clear by the sprawling defender.

Chattoe then had a shot from 25 yards which tested the keeper but it was too close to him to trouble him too much.

Abbott was replaced on 71 minutes by Curtis Bitton-Price, and almost with his first touch, his right-wing cross found Muller who made no mistake in scoring his 7th W-Emley goal of the season.

Prescot also made some substitutions and Dean Thurston found a way past Woods but not Paul Staniforth who got in a very good challenge to put the ball out for a corner.

At the start of stoppage time, Muller was booked for a late challenge, and the last chance of the game fell to Thurston again, but it was smuggled away by W-Emley, who held on to the three points.

W-Emley: Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Tonks, Curtis, Thompson (S.Wood 46), Abbott (Bitton-Price 71), Chattoe, Norbury, Hoyle, Muller.

Attendance: 98

Muller was the difference today, fantastic effort and glad to see him back where he belongs. I think everyone deserves a mention for some hard work but it was Gerd that produced that edge.

BURSCOUGH 3 W - EMLEY 2

January 28th 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill

W - Emley lost for the fifth match in a row at Victoria Park in a game from which they deserved at least a point and had the better of the play.

Emley were without centre backs Lennie Curtis and Greg Pearce who were both out injured for the match but welcomed into the team Marc Thompson after suspension and new signing Steve Woolford. Mick Norbury and Paul Staniforth were the two centre backs with Woolford, Thompson, Christian Fox and Richard Chattoe in midfield, Simon Wood and Rob Tonks at full back and the impressive Billy Abbott partnering Matthew Hoyle up front.

Emley were the first to threaten to score in the second minute. Hoyle ran clear down the right but rushed his effort on goal and pulled the ball well wide.

Matthew Parry burst into the penalty area for Burscough in the fifth minute to create their first chance but dragged his shot wide from a good position.

Burscough took the lead against the run of play in the 13th minute after Emley had had much more of the possesion and had always been first to the second ball. A low ball across the edge of the 18 yard area found Paul Gedman who smashed it into the net.

A minute later Emley were given a penalty by the very poor, inconsistent referee. Hoyle ran clear down the left and tried to round the goalkeeper who cleanly took the ball from his feet. No Emley players even appealed but Mr Rose pointed to the spot much to the astonishment of both the supporters and players from both sides. Marc Thompson sent Matthew Boswell the wrong way to equalise.

Emley should have taken the lead on 19 minutes. Hoyle raced clear of the defence after a long ball over the top but drove the ball just wide of the post from 15 yards.

Hoyles persistency earned Emley their second goal four minutes before half time. He battled well to force the ball through to Thompson who thundered a vicious right foot volley into the bottom corner from 25 yards leaving Boswell with no chance.

Burscough upped the tempo at the start of the second half. A Parry lay-off saw Gedman place the ball just wide from the edge of the area on 48 minutes before Gedman again saw his effort go just wide, this time with a 20 yard curler on 50 minutes.

Emley came back at Burscough however. The lively Abbott got to the byline and drove the ball against the top of the post from an acute angle on 59 minutes.

Parry almost equalised for Burscough two minutes later. His curling effort from 20 yards was magnificently tipped over the cross bar by Andy Woods with what was easily the save of the match.

Burscough however equalised from the resulting corner kick. The ball went all the way over to the opposite flank where it was driven back in hard and low and cannoned into the net off a crowd of players.

Four minutes later Burscough took the lead after the referee evened up the penalty count. An attempted cross struck Staniforth on the arm and he had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Tony Gray sent Andy Woods the wrong way with the kick.

Emley bombarded the Burscough goal for the remaining 25 minutes but clearly their luck had changed. On 69 minutes Tonks ran the length of the pitch to get to the byline and get in a cross. Abbott found the ball at his feet but his low curling shot was hacked clear off the goalline.

Five minutes later Chattoe sent in a cross which Norbury flicked up and then volleyed towards goal first time. The shot crashed back off the post and fell straight into Boswell's arms.

Emley thought they had found the equaliser with twelve minutes remaining. Norbury rose highest to head home from Fox's corner, but the referee again made a mistake, adjudging that Boswell had been fouled and disallowing the goal, when clearly no Emley man had impeded him.

On 82 minutes Norbury pumped the ball forward resulting in an almighty scramble in the Burscough penalty area involving Thompson and Hoyle. Eventually the ball was hacked clear three yards from the net.

Abbott should have scored for Emley with four minutes left. He challenged Boswell at the edge of the area to win the ball but drove it straight back at Boswell's foot with the goal gaping.

Burscough almost found a fourth goal on the counter attack in the last minute. David Eaton rounded Woods but saw his effort from point blank range miraculously cleared off the line by Staniforth.

Thompson was then sent off for Emley for a second bookable offence just before the whistle after a poor challenge in midfield.

Despite the result, Emley can take a lot of positives from the game and should be confident of winning three points against Prescot Cables in the next match.

Burscough : Boswell, Underwood (Crowder 33), Dames, Bell, White, Hussey, Parry (Booth 76), Gray, Gedman (Owens 86), Eaton, Bowen.

W - Emley : Woods, Wood (Bitten-Price 76), Tonks, Chattoe (c), Norbury, Staniforth, Abbott, Thompson, Hoyle, Woolford, Fox. Subs Not Used : Chapman, Kenworthy. Sent-Off : Thompson (90). Booked : Thompson (75, 90).

Referee : I A Rose (Blackpool).

Assistant Referees : J P Corkhill (Egremont), R A Denton (Kendal).

Attendance : 224.

              RADCLIFFE BOROUGH 3 W - EMLEY 0
              January 21st 2006 Report by Dan Brownhill

              W - Emley failed to score for the fifth match in a row after they were well beaten by
              Radcliffe Borough at Stainton Park.

              Radcliffe first threatened the Emley goal in the 8th minute. McGuire stole in
              unmarked following a deep free kick but the impressive Woods got down well to 
              make a good save. Woods again rescued Emley two minutes later with a fantastic 
              double save, keeping out a rasping drive and the looping follow up header.

              Emley then had a slightly better spell. On 12 minutes Fox went on a mazy run but
              in the end he could only drive the ball against the defender and it deflected out for a 
              corner. Fox's corner on 18 minutes made its way right over to Wood on the opposite
              wing but he sliced his half volley harmlessly wide.

              On 26 minutes Foster got the better of Curtis but his powerful shot from a tight angle
              was well tipped over by Woods.

              Emley had the ball in the net on 32 minutes. Fox burst into the area and drove at
              goal from 15 yards. Johnston got down well to palm the ball away, but Tonks picked
              up the loose ball and pulled it back for Hoyle to hook into the net from six yards. 
              Unfortunately for Emley though the referee's assistant was signalling offside and the
              goal was disallowed, although it was difficult to see who the offending player was.

              Radcliffe went straight down the other end and almost scored themselves. A deep 
              cross found Foster at the far post but he placed his header just wide of the target.
              On 41 minutes it was McNeil's turn to test Woods. His low drive from 20 yards out
              was well saved by the Emley stopper diving low to his left. Woods pulled off another
              great save on 43 minutes. McNeil's cross was met by Heald with a powerful header,
              but Woods did superbly to throw himself back across goal to keep the ball out. 

              Radcliffe dominated the second half even more than the first. On 46 minutes Wilson
              drove just over from 20 yards. Then on 53 minutes Wilson found McNeil who turned 
              inside before firing past Woods into the net via the underside of the crossbar to 
              give Radcliffe the lead.

              A minute later, McNeil put Wilson through. Woods again came to Emley's rescue
              palming the ball away in superb fashion for a corner. On 55 minutes Heald's long
              range drive was well saved by Woods away to his left. Three minutes later Woods 
              had no chance from preventing Radcliffe from doubling their advantage however. 
              Foster had time to take the ball down on his chest at the far post before slotting it
              into the bottom corner from six yards.

              On 62 minutes Emley had their first half chance of the second half. Abbott's 30 yard 
        rive flew well wide of the target though. Then on 68 minutes substitute Davies came
              close with a curling 20 yard shot that went a couple of yards wide.

              On 70 minutes Hill tried his luck from all of 35 yards for Radcliffe. The ball flew
              inches wide of Woods' right hand post. Two minutes later a low drive from Forrest
              was deflected over for Radcliffe, before Woods performed more heroics on 73 
              minutes, pushing Foster's diving header round the post. Radcliffe made it 3-0 on 
              74 minutes. Foster's looping overhead kick was pushed onto the underside of the
              bar by Woods. The ball bounced down on the goal line for captain Kelly to force it in.

              Emley's best chance of the half fell to Mick Norbury with fifteen minutes left to play.
              Davies played the ball into him and he turned and shot from 15 yards out but
              unfortunately for Emley the ball went straight at Johnston.

              On 76 minutes Foster was put through on goal for Radcliffe, but Woods continued to
              keep the score down with another good save. On 82 minutes McNeil tried his luck 
              with an 18 yard drive but it was deflected just over on out for a corner.

              With four minutes left Hoyle was put through down the left for Emley. His 18 yard

              volley from a tight angle flew straight into the arms of Johnston.

              On 88 minutes a 25 yard drive by the ever dangerous Foster flew inches wide, 
     whilst at the other end on 90 minutes Fox drove just wide for Emley from a similar distance
              but the score remained 3-0 at the whistle.

              Radcliffe Borough : 1 - Andy Johnston, 2 - Lee Duffy, 3 - Phil Salt
             (14 - Gary Sampson 77), 4 - Simon Kelly (c), 5 - Paul McGuire, 6 - Steve Hill, 
              7 - Scott Wilson, 8 - Martyn Forrest, 9 - Matty McNeil, 10 - Steve Foster, 
              11 - Andy Heald (12 - Tony Whealing 61). Sub Not Used : 15 - Chris Paul.

              W - Emley : 1 - Andy Woods, 2 - Simon Wood, 3 - Robert Tonks (c), 
           - Richard Chattoe (14 - Chris Davies 61), 5 - Lennie Curtis (12 - Curtis Bitten-Price 71),
              6 - Gregg Pearce, 7 - Christian Fox, 8 - Billy Abbott, 9 - Mickey Norbury,
              10 - Matthew Hoyle, 11 - Paul Staniforth. Sub Not Used : 15 - Steve Kenworthy.

              Referee : J Collin.

AssistantReferees : M J Parry, S Mohan.

              Attendance : 167.

              W - EMLEY 0 ASHTON UNITED 1

              January 14th 2006 by Dan Brownhill

              W - Emley failed to score for the fourth match in a row after visitors Ashton United
              deservedly beat them at Belle Vue.

              In a poor first half, Emley had the better of the few chances that were created. In the
              third minute Damien Reeves turned and volleyed from a tight angle at the edge of
              the penalty area but the ball flew just wide of the far post.

               On 20 minutes an Andy Wright left wing free kick was headed wide by Greg Pearce,
              who failed to make good contact with the ball.

              Emley's best chance came ten minutes before half time. Matthew Hoyle chipped the
              ball over from the right wing and Reeves stooped to head at goal from point blank
              range, but Ashton keeper Mark Molyneux somehow managed to make a miraculous
              save.

              Then a minute before half time it was Reeves' turn to put in Hoyle, but he took too
              long to get in a shot and a defender managed to make a block and force the ball out
          for a corner.

              In the second half the visitors looked a changed team and totally dominated the
              game.

              On 54 minutes former Emley man Steve Smith put Ciaran Kilheeney through on goal
              but Andy Woods saved well with his legs.

              Craig Dudley was the next Ashton man to threaten the Emley goal on 63 minutes.
              His bursting run into the box ended with a tame effort which was easy for Woods.

              On 71 minutes Smith had an effort on goal himself, turning inside 15 yards out and
              sending in a curling shot which was a nice height for Woods to save away to his left.

              A minute later Chris Royle laid the ball off to Phil Cooney who was left to strike at
              goal. Paul Staniforth, who was outstanding for Emley at the back, got in a good
              block, however, and deflected the ball out for a corner.

             Emley's first real chance of the second half came on 74 minutes. Hoyle found himself
              in space in the penalty area, but again took too long to get a shot in and allowed
              the defender to get back and put in a tackle.

              A minute later Ashton came very close to finding the opening goal. Kilheeney broke
              clear down the left and shot against the inside of the post from a tight angle. The ball
              rebounded to Smith 6 yards out but with Woods stranded his attempt was somehow
              blocked on the line by Staniforth and deflected over the bar for a corner.

              Terry Bowker then registered an attempt on goal with a 20 yard free kick on 78
              minutes but curled his shot just wide.

              Ashton eventually scored the winning goal on 83 minutes. Kirk Hilton's right wing
              corner found centre back Danny White who towered over the Emley defence to power
              a header into the net from point blank range.

              The closest Emley came to responding was in the last minute of the game. Reeves
              laid off to Mickey Norbury but he dragged his left foot drive a few yards wide of goal
              from the edge of the area.

              W - Emley : Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Chattoe, Pearce (Curtis 79), Norbury,
              Davies (Wood 76), Tonks (c), Hoyle, Reeves, Wright (Bitton-Price 63).
             Booked : Tonks (82).

              Ashton United : Molyneux, German, Hilton (c), Royle, White, Riordan, Dudley,
              Cooney, Kilheeney, Bowker, Smith. Subs Not Used : Foran, Tisse, Green.

              Referee : R J Wigglesworth (Rotherham).

              Assistant Referees : C Akers (Doncaster), C Unwin (Pontefract).

              Attendance : 99.

              Emley beaten as Ashton up the tempo
              Jan 16 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner


              W - Emley slumped to a second consecutive UniBond League home defeat as
              Ashton United reaped the rewards of a strong second-half display.

               Captain Danny White was Ashton's hero, heading home Kirk Hilton's 83rd minute
              corner from close range.

              Belle Vue boss Paul David was unable to field Billy Abbott, the brother of Town
              striker Pawel, because his international clearance was not forthcoming.
             
               In a dour first half, the hosts had the best chance. It came in the 35th minute,
              when Christian Fox's cross from the right was headed goalwards by Damian Reeves.
              But goalkeeper Mark Molyneaux blocked with his legs.


              After the break it was all Ashton, who were driven forward by lively former Town and
              Emley player Steve Smith. Ciaran Kilheeney was denied by a great reaction save
              from Emley's Andy Woods on 54 minutes. Then a Smith curler was well caught by
              the keeper on 71 minutes.

              Smith and Kilheeney linked well to tee up Phil Cooney on 72. But despite being well
              placed, he blasted over. Kilheeney hit the base of a post soon after, with Smith
              unable to convert the rebound due to a last-ditch block by defender Paul Staniforth.

              But then came White's winner, which was totally deserved.

              The defeat, watched by just 99, meant Emley slipped two places to 12th (Ashton are
              17th). And they now have away games at Radcliffe and Burscough.

              Team: Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Chattoe, Pearce (Bitton-Price, 78mins), Norbury,
              Davies (Wood, 75mins), Tonks, Hoyle, Reeves, Wright (Curtis, 63mins).

              Phil Rann report

                The third consecutive home match of 2006, and another 1-0 defeat to match the other
                 two.

                 10th against 19th at the start of the day - you might think it would be a fairly even
                game with perhaps the home side just edging it on paper. On paper, yes, on the
                pitch, you couldn't have been more wrong.

               There was no sign of new signing Billy Abbott, I am assuming he was not signed in
                time to play today. The starting line-up looked fairly strong, Greg Pearce was back in
                defence with Lennie Curtis and Simon Wood returning on the bench.

                Emley looked the better side early on, Damian Reeves' turn and half volley shot flew
                wide of the far post in only the third minute so the early intentions were good.

                But these intentions were soon squashed by Ashton, who didn't look too confident
                themselves, but their confidence was helped by Emley giving them the ball every
                time they got it.

                A very poor backpass by Greg Pearce let in Terry Bowker but Emley 'keeper Andy
                Woods just beat him to the ball and it went out for a throw.

               Both sides created little in the first 20 minutes as the ball hardly touched the ground
                with both sides choosing to loft it forward which was meat and drink to
                both defence's.

                Reeves spurned a good chance when we headed well wide from Andy Wright's
                 free-kick.

                Bowker and ex-Emley winger Steve Smith both had shots from 18 yards that flew
                well over, into the terracing behind the goal.

                Emley's best chance of the first half fell to Reeves after 35 minutes but his point
                blank header was straight at Mark Molyneux when he should have done better.

                Matthew Hoyle had a good chance just before half-time but he waited too long
                and allowed the defender to get back and clear for a corner.

                The second half brought a better Ashton Utd side, but Emley had the first chance
                of the half but nothing was given when Reeves tumbled with the last defender
                20 yards out.

                Woods made a great save from Bowker on 54 minutes after Smith had put him
                through one-on-one.

                 Smith had two shots straight at Woods in the next ten minutes and Emley were
                beginning to be penned back in their own half.

                Woods made another fine block on 73 minutes and Phil Cooney blazed his re-bound
                shot well over when it seemed easier to score.

                A rare Emley attack saw substitute Curtis Bitton-Price feed Hoyle, but again he
                dallied too long with the ball and was tackled.

                At the other end, Steve Smith's shot beat the outstretched arm of Woods but not the
                far post, and when it looked like Bowker would put the visitors ahead, Paul Staniforth
                made a magnificent goal-line challenge as the ball went out for a corner.

                Lennie Curtis was brought on for Greg Pearce on 80 minutes, and his first touch
                was to clear off his own goal-line after another dangerous cross from Dudley.

                Emley captain Robert Tonks was booked for a late challenge on 81 minutes and the
                resulting free-kick led to a corner for the visitors. The corner was fired in and central
                defender Danny White rose above everyone and fired his header into the net
       giving Woods no chance.

                Even after this goal, Ashton were still the more dangerous team, and another shot
                from midfield ended up on the second floor balcony of the Hospitality Suite behind
                the goal.

                Mick Norbury, who had done a sterling job at the back for 82 minutes, turned striker,
                and as stoppage time was just starting, he fired in a left-foot shot from 22 yards
               which rolled inches wide of the post with Molyneux beaten.

                Team: Woods, Fox, Staniforth, Chattoe, Pearce (Curtis 79), Norbury, Davies
                (S.Wood 75), Tonks, Hoyle, Reeves, Wright (Bitton-Price 63).

                Attendance: 99.  

Phil Rann's comments

I think we just about shaded the possession and the chances, and for long periods it could easily be told which was the Unibond Premier club and which was the Unibond Division One club. But credit to Eastwood, they played well and were well up for it. They only really had one chance in the second half before they scored and that was about two yards offside but he missed anyway.
There were no real bad performances by Emley players - Chattoe was excellent, as was Staniforth on his return. Norbury filled in at centre half with no Curtis or Pearce and did well although you could say he let his man go for the goal but no blame attached for me as that isn't his position.
Only 2 subs today!! No Beardsmore, Curtis, Pearce, Wood from last week's performance. Kettlewell in the dugout but not training. Trueman out until the end of the season.
Eastwood had a stone-wall penalty turned down about five minutes from the end, but in all honesty, Emley should have been two-up by the time Eastwood scored. Thompson was just wide with a chance in each half, and both Reeves and Hoyle tested the 'keeper with decent efforts. But not enough shots. Eastwood had a shot whenever they could and even though most of them ended up in the terracing behind the goal (or the third floor of the hospitality suite!!), it only takes one to go in.
We don't score enough goals. Conceding only two goals in our last three games looks good until you see that we haven't found the net in any of those games. Reeves looks dangerous at all times but it wasn't his day today, and Hoyle is hit and miss. Wright looks good when he plays on the left but sometimes he doesn't??? and Bitton-Price looked very lively when he came on - good to see him back.
With still about ten or twelve points needed for definite safety, perhaps its a good thing that we can now concentrate on the league.

By the way, does anyone know anything about the number 7 today, Chris Davies? Had a decent debut but didn't get involved
enough.

                
                W - EMLEY 0 OSSETT TOWN 1

The best chance Emley created fell to substitute Damien Reeves, who made a big difference after he was introduced eleven minutes into the second half. Matthew Hoyle flicked on a long ball up field and Reeves managed to latch onto it and put in a shot from a tight angle, but Hood saved well low to his right.

Ossett looked more likely to add to their lead than Emley were to score in the closing stages. On 83 minutes Couborough drove against the cross bar from a tight angle after bursting through and then on 86 minutes Hurst saw his close range effort well blocked as the score remained 1-0.

Emley : Woods, Wood (Reeves 56), Tonks (c), Chattoe, Curtis, Pearce, Thompson, Fox, Norbury (Beardsmore 56), Hoyle, Wright. Sub Not Used : Kenworthy. 
Booked : Thompson (78).

Ossett Town : Hood, Price (c), Briggs, Wheeler, Allison, Staton, Couborough, Hurst, Hayward, Walshaw (Nesovic 88), Williamson (O'Brien 68). Sub Not Used : Rawson.

Referee : M J Foley (Sheffield).

Assistant Referees : N Mason (Sheffield), N Walker (Rotherham).

Attendance : 212.

               Phil Rann report

The second half brought a slightly more spritely performance by the home side but neither side were creating many chances. Andy Wright made two or three fine runs down the left which were followed by fine crosses but unfortunately for Emley, there was no-one on the other end.

Woods made another blinding save on 66 minutes from Hayward, who was again offside without Woods knowing.

Mick Norbury pulled up with a hamstring injury on 71 minutes and was substituted by Reeves, while Neil Beardsmore made his first appearance replacing Simon Wood.

And almost with his first touch, Reeves turned a nothing ball forward into a good chance and forced a good right-hand stop from Hood from a tight angle.

Ossett hit the bar when they should have made it 2-0 from close range in the 84th minute.

But a couple of late corners for Emley failed to bring an equaliser despite a couple of last ditch challenges, and they drop to 10th with a twelve day break before they play again in the league.

Team: Woods, S.Wood (Beardsmore 71), Tonks, Chattoe, Curtis, Pearce, Thompson, Fox, Norbury (Reeves 71), Hoyle, Wright.
Sub Not Used: Kenworthy.

Attendance: 212