Report

It looked like one of those afternoons when on twelve minutes Richard Patterson was luck only to see yellow from Mr Holroyd.

On 17 minutes Ryan Johnson made a good move down the right crossed the ball over the top to Caine Cheetham he lobbed the keeper only to see it hit the cross bar.

It was hand bags at dawn on 20 minutes which saw Parkgate’s Darren Green booked and Emley’s Joe Washington sent off for his second caution in the game.

A throw on the left on 23 minutes saw Caine Cheetham meet Brian Cusworth’s header and hit the post.

Parkgate were forced to make their first change early in the game on 27 minutes When Richard Haigh replaced Darren Green.

The break through came for the Steelmen on 33 minutes a good flowing move saw Brian Cusworth cross to the back post and a waiting Richard Patterson  put away the first of his hat trick. It was nearly two three minutes later from Adam Fretwell’s corner Brian Cusworth headed only inches over the cross bar.

39 minutes into the game and it was 2-1 to the visitors. From another Adam Fretwell free kick came a goalmouth scramble where Richard Patterson finished the victor when he volleyed home from short range.

A blow was dished to Parkgate on 44 minutes when work horse Ryan Johnson picked up an injury and was taken off. He was replaced by Matthew Outram back after a three week spell.

The last say of the half was to Emley, as Emley were awarded a free kick inside the “D”. Bonnington dove to his left and collected.

Half Time: AFC Emley 1 Parkgate 2

After a scrappy first period the second was building up to the same until on 51minutes yet another defensive error allowed Emley back into the game when Paul Eastwood took advantage and made it 2 - 2.

Things deteriorated for Parkgate on 65 minutes Mark Cooper was beaten and tussled with Allan Laud, he went down on the edge of the box and was adjudged to be the last man. Mr Holroyd gave Cooper his marching orders,

Parkgate should have gone in front on 71 minutes when Kyle Nix instead of attacking the ball waited for it to bounce and with a clear chance the Emley defence cleared, and again on 76 minute Parkgate were close as Matthew Outram crossed to Brian Cusworth, his header hit the top of the netting.

Another change for Parkgate on 78 minutes Michael Baker replacing Kyle Nix.Adam Fretwell was booked on 85 minutes but the game was sealed by Richard Patterson on 87 minutes when he struck a delightful shot into the net for his hat trick

Final Score:  AFC Emley 2 Parkgate 3

Teams

AFC Emley : Green, Mann, Clarke, Robinson, Hazeldon, Hirst, Washington, Manousious, Laud, Wood, Eastwood.
Subs: Dennis, Wayne, Prasher

Parkgate:; Bonnington, Green, Brailsford, Fretwell, Moorwood, Cooper, Johnson, Patterson, Cusworth, Cheetham, Nix Kyle.
Subs:  Baker, Haigh, Outram,

It was a 15th Northern Counties East League Division I defeat for Ray Dennis and Nicky Bramald's side and their heaviest of the campaign so far.

A first-half 21-minute hat trick from Marc Scott saw them take control of the game before Allan Laud got Emley off the mark from the penalty spot.

However, Scott added his fourth just before the interval to give them an unassailable 4-1 interval lead.

Four goals then came in the final 11 minutes as Liam O'Brien and Anthony Shaw (2) completed the rout for Staveley while Adam Day also found the net for the visitors.

Emley have now suffered back-to-back defeats and the dip in form leaves the side 12th in the 17-team section with 27 points from 24 games.

Result: Staveley MW 7 - 2 AFC Emley

But they will be aiming to halt the slump on Saturday when they host Nostell MW at the Welfare Ground (3.00).

From Staveley website
Great Scott puts Welfare in seventh heaven
Steve Durcan, 24 February 2007 19:55

A first half wonder show from midfielder Marc Scott in which he netted four times in the opening 38 minutes set Staveley on their way to an astounding victory. Two decisive headers and a 25-yard shot from Scott put Welfare 3-0 up by the 24th minute, before a disputed penalty was tucked away by Laud on the half-hour to give Emley hope. Hope became no-hope as Scott got down low to nod Cam's cross beyond the stricken visiting keeper several minutes before the interval.

Half-time 4 - 1.

Liam O'Brien grabbed Staveley's fifth on 79 minutes, just two minutes after taking the field, when he took advantage of a spilled ball by the Emley keeper. Then came three goals in as many minutes as Anthony Shaw netted twice, either side of a shot from Day which dropped under the Staveley crossbar in the 83rd minute. Shaw's second came after a Cam penalty had been saved and the Welfare striker nipped in to score Staveley's seventh.

Result: Staveley MW 7 - 2 AFC Emley

Fact: The last time we scored seven? 12th March 1994, a 7-0 victory at Rossington in the Central Midlands League.

Fact: Today's win was the biggest since we won 6-0 at Harrogate Railway to win the Wilkinson Sword Trophy in 1998. Now isn't that an astonishing fact....are you reading this Parkgate?

               Brave Emley go down fighting with late salvo

               AFC EMLEY v –  Winterton Rangers
               NCEL Division One
              

                AFC Emley suffered a setback in their attempt to move away from the relegation 
               zone, losing 3-2 despite a gutsy effort at home to promotion-chasing Winterton 
               Rangers last night.
      

Goal        Goals either side of half time put the skids under AFC and they were three down 
               before Alan Laud (penalty) and Chris Prasher inspired late hopes of earning a draw.

               In a quiet opening period, Emley had the better opportunities to take the lead.

               First the impressive Dave Wallace had a left-foot effort turned wide and, from the 
               resulting corner, centre-back Joe Pinnock headed against the woodwork.

               Emley paid two minutes before the break when, from a short corner, they allowed 
               Andy Catton to sneak in and drill a firm shot past Graham McLachlan.

                The second half began the same way as inside two minutes Rob Northern collected 
               a hopeful long ball and, after a clever turn, coolly fired home.

               After 65 minutes Emley looked buried when Northern struck again, heading in from
                a yard, but five minutes later they were awarded a penalty when Prasher was brought
               down, Laud doing the honours and then, with 15 minutes to go, Prasher scored
               himself, pouncing in the area.

               Emley pushed hard for an equaliser towards the end, but it wouldn't come.

               Result: AFC Emley 2 - 3 Winterton Rangers

               Emley - McLachlan; Dennis (Prasher 48), Pinnock (Bramald 74), Hazelden, Clarke; 
               Mann, Laud, Robinson, Wallace; James (Green 82), Wood.

Report from Lincoln Moorlands website

MOORS CONCEDE WITH 2 MINUTES TO GO

            Parkgate v AFC EMLEY
            NCEL Division One
            

            A tremendous rearguard action from a depleted AFC Emley side almost reaped all 
            three points at runaway league leaders Parkgate this evening.
            Only a 90th minute equaliser from Parkgate skipper Adam Fretwell stopped AFC
            upsetting the form book.

             Emley weathered the expected early onslaught from Parkgate but try as they might
            the home side could not break down a stubborn Emley defence brilliantly

            marshalled from goal by stand in skipper Jamie Green. In fact it was man-of the
            match Green who pulled of a string of superb saves which inspired the team around 
            him.

             Emley went ahead in the second half when James was put through by debutant 
            Wood and he made no mistake with a first time shot. AFC even survived a penalty 
    aken by Fretwell which was ballooned over the bar.
            However, the defence was breached in the last minute when Fretwell coolly beat 
            two desparate tackles to pick his spot just inside Green's left hand post.  

            Result: Parkgate 1 - 1 AFC Emley

            Team: Green, Dennis, Clarke, Pinnock, Robinson, Taylor, Moore, James
            (Bramald 87), Laud, Manousios, Wood (Prasher 70)

In the first twenty minutes play was end to end, and in the 21st minute Emley should have taken the lead through Alan Laud, but brave goalkeeping by Darren Bonnington who scooped the ball up from his feet to prevent him scoring.

Neither side were able to score after good keeping from both goalkeepers.

Parkgate started the second half piling the pressure on Emley but good defending kept the Steelmen out.

In the 59th minute Jamie Green saved a shot from Adam Fretwell.

In the 62nd minute Parkgate made a double substitution with Brian Cusworth and Kyle Nix being replaced by David Taylor and Caine Cheetham.

In the 68th minute a Parkgate defender missed a ball in the box and Wayne James latched onto it and put Emley ahead.

In the 70th minute Parkgate made their final substitution with Andy Battersby replacing Mark Cooper.

In the 72nd minute Matt Outram was brought down in the box, up stepped regular penalty taker Adam Fretwell who skied his shot over the bar.

In the 86th minute Andy Battersby had a shot on goal, which hit the upright.

In the 90th minute Adam Fretwell made amends and fired a shot past Jamie Green to secure a point for the Steelmen.

TEAMS

PARKGATE

Bonnington, Cooper, Hill, Fretwell, Moorwood, Haigh, Johnson, Patterson, Cusworth, Outram, Nix.

SUBS Cheetham, Battersby, Taylor.

AFC EMLEY

Green, Dennis, Clarke, Pinnock, Robinson,Taylor, Moore, James, Laud, Manousios, Wood.

SUBS Bramald, Prasher, Lackie

REFEREE Simon Hunter from Oughtibridge 
ATTENDANCE 66

Yorkshire Amateurs needed a performance and points from a home game against Emley after the heavy defeat against high flyers Parkgate. Beck, Ibbetson, Spurr and Hainsworth all started as Cusic shuffled the pack, Grainger was dropped to the bench.

A windy first half on a difficult surface was never going to be easy for either side and both  started slow. Tackles and headers were mistimed throughout as the winds were stronger as the game progressed. The first halves decisions from the officials changed the course of the game. Ibbetson left the field with a bloody nose before he returned wearing number 16, a freekick found him which the keeper saved well, Hainsworth shot and his effort was handled on the line by Emley’s No 5, he was sent off the referee had no option. Beck converted well and this settled the Ammers down. Emley were creditable and tough tackles followed as they tried to battle their way into the game. Britten brushed off Wash in the middle with his arm and he was clear of the midfield but the referee pulled him back. The strong efforts of Micky Hawes also did not go unnoticed of the referee as the game could have easily had more players leaving the field in the first game .Before the break the Emley keeper pulled off two great saves from firstly Ward and then a follow up header from Britten to deny the Ammers further.

The interval game and Emley tried to re-organise, Cusic and Fieldhouse told the players that they could not take the points for granted and the boys quickly responded. The impressive Britten played a one two with Beck who fired home from 20 yards into the bottom corner a great strike. Emley huffed and puffed with the back four of Ammers playing really well, Spurr was excellent on his return and played most of the game with a knock to his foot. All the subs were introduced and Dempsey Smith made the most of his half and hour run out, he played wide and added to Emley’s problems. Smith’s pace was a strong attacking option again in the latter minutes but he could not find a third for his efforts and missed the target along with Britten from close range.

2 nil a deserved win in front of a strong crowd, the early sending off changed the game but the Ammers were far too strong and looked comfortable throughout.

Team: Whaley, Mattison, Hudson ,Hainsworth, Spurr, Hawes, Leech, Ward, Beck, Ibbetson

Subs Smith, Grainger, Wray

This was Colls first visit back to the Welfare Ground to face the re-incarnated AFC Emley, newcomers to the NCE this season.  The exposed venue in the Pennines is famed for its inclement weather, but, after leaving Pomfret in bright sunshine, on arrival it was only cold and wet with a biting wind – not bad for the time of year! 

There were a few changes in the Ponte line-up, with Andy Smith and Jon Forsyth switching positions on the right side, and Joe Rossiter making a rare appearance in the centre of defence in place of Paul Mullooly.  Target man John Forrest was missing up front, with Kevin Duckworth returning to partner Chris Coupe in a pacey but lightweight-looking attacking force.  Glen Shelley was still absent in midfield.  Paul Eastwood, having transferred to Emley earlier in the season, was in action against his old team-mates.

Kevin Duckworth got in an early strike to test Emley’s keeper, and the same player was also seen in good combination with Mike Rossiter and Chris Coupe in another promising move.  But it was Emley who might have opened their account when Karl Slater lost his footing at the back to allow Kieran Ryan through the defences to crash a shot just over the crossbar from 20 yards.

In another move down Emley’s right, Wayne James got past Joe Rossiter and put in a perfect pass for ex-Coll Paul Eastwood, who looked almost certain to score until a great stop by Matt Herschell-Smith prevented him.  The danger was not cleared, however, and another move down the right saw Wayne James get through again to slot home low past the keeper for 1-0 after just 11 minutes.

The lively Chris Coupe got in a shot on the turn for Ponte in response, but it was a simple save for keeper Jamie Green.  Even so, he partially spilled the effort, as he did again seconds later with a fairly innocuous Duckworth curler.  Chris Shaw hit a “grasscutter” free-kick to again test him, but he held this on the line.  Another Shaw free-kick effort was also cleared off the line at the far post, but Ponte could not find the breakthrough as they tried to follow up these scares for the home defence.

Then, somewhat against the run of play, Collieries conceded a second on 26 minutes.  Wayne James carved himself a way through the middle and into the box, before going down, perhaps looking for a penalty, but it was irrelevant as the ball ended up with Kieran Ryan, who gratefully found the net. 

Kieran Ryan got another effort on target, before Colls hit back with a somewhat fortunate reply.  Another Chris Shaw free-kick, wide out on the left, was floated in towards the far post.  It evaded all who attempted to make a connection, took one high bounce and flew past a deceived goalkeeper, to nestle in the back of the net.  With just 7 minutes to go to half-time, Pontefract had grabbed a life line in a game that was in danger of drifting away.

If the substantial Collieries following had been hoping for a distinct change round in the second half, they got it.  Ponte had been somewhat static in key areas of the field in the first half, in particular central midfield, clearly missing the running and persistence of Shelley, and lacking the ability to keep a foot on the ball and find their own players with a simple pass.

Joe Rossiter, perhaps wasted in central defence, showed his skills with a run all the way from the back to the edge of Emley area, before being stopped, a feat he had also nearly pulled off before the break.  Chris Shaw, sensing some uncertainty between the sticks for Emley, hit another wide free-kick onto the crossbar. 

And after 65 minutes, Colls found the equaliser.  An Andy Smith run down the right saw the player beat his man and put over an inch-prefect pass behind the defence for the timely run of Kevin Duckworth.  His effort was smothered by keeper Green but only as far as Chris Coupe who was delighted to finish things off.

Three minutes later and the goal of the game from Kevin Duckworth saw Pontefract claim the three points.  He picked up the ball from just inside the opponent’s half and showed his pace and deception in carving a way straight towards goal, slipping the ball between one defender’s legs and then between the keeper’s.  It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and the whole side showed their delight with the celebrations.

But there was still work to be done.  Emley immediately made a treble substitution with obvious ambitions of their own.  And down came the torrential rain, although the surface still held up well.

From a corner, Joe Rossiter put a header back across for brother Mike to hit a close effort on the turn. 

With Emley pushing forward at every opportunity, they were often stretched at the back, and Duckworth was still threatening to get away, being the victim of a couple of very tight offside decisions.  A back pass to Emley’s keeper was intercepted on the by-line and both Duckworth and Chris Coupe went close in the scramble that followed.

Emley had one bullet header cleared off the line by a Colls defender, and Chris Coupe showed some quick skills as he rounded a defender to get into the penalty area.

In the closing minutes, an Emley free-kick was saved by Matt Herschell-Smith, with the aid of a defender to clear for a corner, but Colls got nearest to any further score when Duckworth got away but lost his footing as he attempted to beat the last defender with the goal unguarded, and he was forced wide.

Overall, not Pontefract’s best display of the season, but this time around there are numerous good performances to pick from!  Whilst they lacked some control and stealth in midfield, they still showed enough character and no little skill to come back from two down to deservedly take three points and climb a place in the table to ninth spot.

Pontefract were due a blank Saturday next week before travelling midweek to Lincoln on the 10th January.  But a friendly fixture against Ossett Town will fill the gap at Skinner Lane with a 2pm kick-off, against the Unibond Premier Division side who have intentions of sending their first team who are otherwise also without a game.

Collieries:   Herschell-Smith , Forsyth (Davison 89), Coupe R, Slater K, Rossiter J, Smith , Lanes, Duckworth, Coupe C, Rossiter M (Seed 85) .  Unused Sub: McNeilly

Emley:  Green, Robinson, Wallace, Pinnock, Hazledean, Taylor, Washington, Ryan, Laud, James, Eastwood.  Subs:  Prasher, Maniousis, Mann.

For the visit of fourth from bottom AFC Emley, Winterton had to make a few changes to the side that were narrowly beaten at Glasshoughton in the vase last weekend. The sad retirement of Billy Green and the working James Atkinson left only Captain Steve Robinson from last week, recent signing Gavin Cooper started at centre back, Craig Sharpless returned to the side at right back and Mark Whitehouse filled in the left back roll.

It was an uneventful first ten minutes as both sides tried to lift themselves into the game on a pretty wet surface. Emley winning the first corner that Simpson held. The game sparking to life on 13mins. A ball out to Sharpless on the right with acres of space to run into made ground before feeding into Andy Holt’s feet who’s one touch and neat pass into Andy Catton’s path who neatly slotted the ball into the far corner. 1-0

Winterton continued to look most likely to score although the Emley big number ten Flynn and ex-Ranger Alan Laud looked very capable.

On 17mins. Andy Holt fed Danny Clarke to race to the by-line but his cross across the face didn’t have anyone near enough to get on the end. The game didn’t really have a great deal of spark, Rangers were unhappy with a few challenges from an Emley side keen to go to ground in the tackle, Catton and Whitehouse in particular felt the bite of Pinnock and Wallace.

On 25mins a hopeful punt up front fell between Emley centre back and keeper just inside the box, Andy Holt showing strength got between both to nick the ball only to rugby tackled to the ground by the keeper Jamie Green. The penalty was awarded but referee Mr Barraclough from Lincoln inexplicably only showed a yellow to the very fortunate Green who was clearly the last man. Dave Ricardo stepped up to convert the penalty. 2-0

Emley came back at Rangers winning a few corners around the half hour mark that Simpson came out to deal with against probably the tallest team to visit West street this season. Then on 37mins. A great defence splitting pass and offside breaking run by Flynn looked to have created a chance but Cooper read it well to concede a corner. The first ball in was cleared for another corner. The ball in was dealt with and either a goalkick or free kick to Rangers was awarded before the Assistant referee flagged the referee to him. Astonishingly a penalty was awarded to Emley for an offence only the assistant saw, no call from the players or the Emley supporters behind the goal came during play and everyone in the ground wondered why as Alan Laud calmly converted to make it 2-1.

Greg Archer nearly grabbed another for Rangers on 42mins. When he stole into the box before heading a cross from the left to what looked destined for the top corner but keeper Green made a superb full stretch save to tip it round the post. 

HALF-TIME 2-1

The controversy continued at the start of the second, a through ball had Clarke looking to cross on 47mins but the ball hit the arm of a defender, not the most convincing of penalty shouts but his arm was outstretched if not deliberately towards the ball and decisions have been given for similar.

A minute later Clarke pulled the ball back to Whitehouse who crossed to Catton at the far post but his header was easy for the keeper. Wintertons good start to the half paid off on 50mins, Whitehouse and Ricardo linked for Whitehouse to cross to the near post where Rob Northen appeared to flick the ball over the keeper. 3-1 Four minutes later another cross from the left to Holt who had come off his sick bed to play, headed goalwards only for the defender Pinnock to head clear.

On 60 mins. Emley pumped in a free kick from deep towards the far post, Robinson cleared for a corner, Rangers looked a bit suspect as they conceded a couple more corners before Ricardo blocked another shot and then cleared upfield.

Nine minutes later Rangers won a free kick on the right that was quickly taken to Catton who raced goalwards jinxing past a couple of tackles before Wallace again brought down the Winterton midfielder in the box but escaped a card. Dave Ricardo stepped up to take the penalty stumbled in his run up but still placed the ball in the corner only for Green to fantastically palm away, and then win a free kick as he beat Ricardo to the ball.

Straight away Green pumped the ball up field, it caught Rangers cold and Alan Laud was calmness itself as he took a touch before firing across the goal and in. 3-2 Winterton then again had to defend a string of corners before entering the last ten minutes.

Steve Underwood replaced Dave Ricardo and had a shot blocked away on 80mins from another controlled header back by Andy Holt.

But the best was saved for last when Greg Archer picked up the ball around 40yards out stepped up a few before thundering a shot that rattled the underside of the bar and in for a superb Rangers fourth. 4-2 As the game came to a close Andy Holt nearly grabbed another his performance deserved but the keeper parried away.

FINAL SCORE 4-2

Hall Road moved up to ninth place following a hard-fought match at Dene Park on Saturday. Manager Steve Richards was pleased with his side’s determination: “This was a gritty performance and we just deserved to edge it. Shaun Baker has strengthened the defence and for the first time this season, we had a bit of luck with the goal”.

With top scorer Rhys Pindar back from suspension and Mark Dale making way for Ricky Foster in defence, Rangers were soon on the attack.  Jamie Barnwell skilfully made space for himself to have a clear shot at goal but hammered the ball high over the bar and Pindar raced clear but slipped his shot inches wide of the post.

Paul Farley conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area and was relieved to see Eastwood blast the kick straight at Paul Sharp.

Prasher caused problems for Rangers as the midfields battled for supremacy and Hazelden and James both came close to scoring for the visitors.

Farley had a powerful free-kick well saved by Green just before the break and the first-half ended goalless.

On 50 minutes Eastwood had a fine shot well tipped over by Paul Sharp and tempers became frayed after Adam Walker’s challenge on goalkeeper Green. Walker and Pindar were booked together with Emley skipper Hirst.

With 20 minutes remaining, Darren Wilson and Alex Bishop replaced Leon Rudd and Glenn Kaveney and Rangers piled on the pressure.

NCE League Cup 1st Round

But the home side weathered these attacks and then caused the AFC defence problems of their own. Staveley went ahead on 36 minutes when Scott benefited from a missed handball decision and slotted home a tap in with the AFC defence waiting for the expected whistle.

On 52 minutes the same two officials contrived to miss another blatant handball and Wharton this time slotted home.

Five minutes later Staveley went further ahead when Cam shot home.

Emley's consolation was scored in the 82nd minute by Paul Quinn following good work by substitute Bramald.

Report from Staveley website

Staveley MW 3 AFC Emley 1 Match Report

Steve Durcan, 3 October 2006 23:03

STAVELEY MW 3 AFC EMLEY 1 (League Cup 1st Round)

Staveley picked themselves up following the 5-0 hammering at Nostell to earn a League Cup 2nd Round tie at home to Premier Division Glasshoughton Welfare. Manager Kenny Geelan made just one change to the XI which began the Nostell nightmare with Mark Harrison replacing Jamie Smith and regular keeper Joel Armstrong being available once again despite being in the middle of a league match suspension. Anthony Shaw was pushed out wide to allow youngster Scott Wharton a place in the starting line-up with Matthew Ellis unavailable.

Staveley’s Robert Cam shot wide of the far post within 90 seconds of the start. The home keeper then made a decisive run out of his goal to nick the ball off Maturine wide on the right. Staveley forward Nathan Styles was carried off, first on a stretcher, and then by ambulance after sustaining a serious leg injury in the 24th minute. Three minutes later Staveley’s Cam cut through on goal but was forced wide and his resulting shot from an acute angle was palmed to safety by McLachlan. Cam continued to impress and made a storming run through defence in the 37th minute but the visiting keeper once again pushed the end shot to safety. Back came Emley with Maturine nodding wide from Storer’s deep corner. The Emley keeper then continued his fine form with stops from Wesley Pierce and James Baker. Tom Rowlands, sat in the stand, predicted a Staveley goal and it came almost immediately with MARC SCOTT tapping home following sustained pressure in the box four minutes before the interval. Then came a moment of idiocy as the visiting manager took his frustration over the goal onto the pitch and confronted the referee. If we all did that then, quite simply, football wouldn’t exist. A sending-off, league inquiry and a fine should have been the punishment but the weak referee did little. A bitter end to a sweet first half.

HALF-TIME: STAVELEY MW 1 AFC EMLEY 0

Another scramble in the goalmouth brought Staveley’s second as SCOTT WHARTON’S overhead kick found the net from close range in the 52nd minute. Six minutes later CAM sealed the win for Staveley with a good run finished off with a shot beyond the keeper. Neil Cluxton came close a minute later with a long-range effort which sailed narrowly over the Emley crossbar. Haselden then side-footed Storer’s free-kick over in a rare foray from the visitors. Shaw sprung the offside trap before clipping the Emley post, while Cam saw a shot saved and Shaw headed wide. AFC gained a consolation when QUINN tucked home in the 83rd minute and on the stroke of full-time Armstrong saved a low 30-yard effort from defender Clarke.

An important confidence booster for Staveley who deserved to progress. Not the prettiest of games but a very welcome improvement following the dreadful display at Nostell.

STAVELEY MW: ARMSTRONG, WHARTON, AUSTIN, BAKER, COLLEY, SCOTT, HARRISON, CLUXTON (Smith 70), STYLES (Pierce 24), CAM (Whitehead 70), SHAW.

AFC EMLEY: McLACHLAN, DENNIS (Smith 73), CLARKE, QUINN, HASELDEN, HIRST, WASHINGTON (Bramald 45), TOMLINSON, MATURINE, ROBINSON, STORER.

STAVELEY MAN OF THE MATCH: SCOTT WHARTON

Emley Comeback Hit By A Post

FA Vase Preliminary Round

But the Northern Counties East League Division I side conceded two second-half goals to go out of the competition.

The first half of the match was fairly even with Poulton having the best of the possession.

But Emley striker John Paul Flynn had the best chance of the half when he was put through after a defensive error and, despite beating the keeper he poked his shot wide of the target.

Veteran winger Chris Prasher provided his usual speedy runs, creating some opportunities for Emley.

But injuries took their toll and at half time Emley managers Ray Dennis and Nicky Bramald had to replace Joe Pinnock and Scott Needham.

Poulton upped their game after the break and on 60 minutes they went ahead when a through ball beat a square Emley defence.

Soon after, the game was put out of Emley's reach when the hosts added a second direct from a corner.

Emley can have no complaints at the result, with their only attempt on target in the second half being a speculative lob from striker Lee Maturine.

AFC Emley return to league action on Saturday hosting Hall Road Rangers at the Welfare Ground (3.00).

AFC EMLEY have recorded their first win since joining the Northern Counties East League at the start of this season.

A Tim Clarke penalty on 46 minutes and a goal by John Paul Flynn on 75, gave Ray Dennis's 15th-placed Division I side a 2-1 win against Borrowash Victoria, who are 16th, with Jamie Pawley bagging a late consolation for the visitors in the last minute

Emley are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Poulton Victoria (3.00) in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.

Places are still available on the coach which will leave the Welfare Ground at 9.45.

Harvey, Berry, Atkinson, Baxter, Murdock, Whiley, Crabtree,  Adams, Newton (Sub: Saxton 66 mins), Powell (Sub: Blair 76 mins), Foster (Sub: Mellors 81 mins).

AFC Emley.

Mclachlan, Mann (Sub: Storrer 76 mns) Clarke, Quinn, Pinnock, Hirst, Washminton, Tomloinson, Laud, Maturine (Sub: Flynn 49 mins), Prasher. 

Referee:

Mr J  Hermuzi  (Rotherham) 

Assistants:

Mr R Woodard

Mr G Skiffington

Shiners Man of the Match: Dean Whiley

The Shiners went into this match a Lees Lane, against the other newcomers to NCEL Div 1 without Nick Ghuislanzoni who had transferred to the Unibond Outfit, Gresley Rovers, within a week of missing a penalty against them in the FA Cup replay. Also missing were a number of players through injury and work commitments. Mark Harvey was again included in goal and debutants Jourdan Blair and Ryan Mellors were included on the bench.

In a lack-lust first half, against a team, which will no doubt struggle to maintain NCEL status, the Shiners attack were finding it hard to penetrate through their defence. The strength of their attacking was confirmed to two half chances.  In the 11^th min Adam Newton was put through the Emley defence only to be intercepted by the goalkeeper Graham McLachlan and in the 36^th  min Damien Powell did well on the left beating two defenders before crossing the ball weakly.  Just before the interval, Powell was so frustrated he shot from all of 30 yards which went well over the crossbar. Whenever Emley moved forward the Shiners rearguard of Chris Murdock, Dean Whiley and Joe Atkinson intercepted any danger.

Half Time:   South Normanton 0 – 0 AFC Emley

South Normanton came out for the second period and appeared totally revitalised, obviously not wanting a repeat of Saturday’s second half against Nostel.  They pushed forward with some urgency and in the 49^th min an incident occurred on the half way line which left the Shiners skipper, Atkinson sprawling in agony.  Following consultation with his assistants referee Mr Hermuzi ordered Emley’s centre forward Alan Laud from the pitch.

It was all in the hands of the Shiners now as they pushed forward.  In the 55^th min they went ahead from a bizarre goal.   From a corner on the left  the ball was met by Emley winger Joe Wasminton  who headed straight into the far top corner of his own net past Mclachlan. 

The Shiners continued to pile on the pressure and in the 60^th  min they went further ahead.. The ball was centred from the right to Powell who headed the ball down from only 4 yards out, which managed to get deflected over the crossbar by Emley’s Tim Clarke.  From the corner on the left hand  side the ball was met by unmarked Matt Baxter  who headed home from close.

Just before time, the Shiners scored what appeared to be their best goal of the night.  From a cross into the box by Murdock,  Man of the Match Whiley headed across the goalmouth for substitute Keiron Saxton to head home. Saxton was adjudged offside by Mr Hermuzi.to the amazement of all in the ground.

 Final word:   A game of two halves – The  Shiners must be congratulated on a near perfect defensive display but they must learn to punish teams of inferior quality when attacking.

Gedling could not stop scoring in their 6-2 win over visitors AFC Emley with 3 goals in each half and there should of been more.

Gedling hit the net after only 2 minutes but was ruled offside. So from the first of many long reaching balls from the back by Mellon S reached A JONES head over Emley's keeper Wright. Again only 4 minutes later S Mellon and A JONES connected for Gedling's second this time from the left of the pitch with a fine strike.

Emley had their chances when Laud lob over Beattie hit the cross bar being the only goal bound shot the others were good crosses and runs but little to bother Gedling's defence. On 28, S Mellon and A Jones connected again but S Mellon went one step to far in his run and was tackled just near the 6 yard box and the injury sustained ruled him out of the game and Richardson came in his place.

This time Jepson provided the timely pass, despite being brought down by scathing tackle from the back, the pass set RICHARDSON on his way with only Wright to beat and neatly paid Emley back for the terrible tackle on Jepson.

Half Time: 3 - 0

Emley came back out fighting in the second half with Beattie having to make a fine save to keep a clean sheet on 47, but Emley had to wait until the 70th minute to get a goal back through LAUD after Gedling lost possession easily in their own half.

But the balance was restored when sub D Jones was too nippy for Hirst who could only try shirt pulling to slow Jones down but was spotted by the referee who gave the penalty, This was promptly put away by TURNER to the low right corner of the goal. Gedling should have had more as Horder took too long in the 6 yd box from a great pass but was promptly tackled.

JEPSON showed Horder how it should be done when D Jones again proving difficult to stop pushed the balled through to JEPSON who struck ball first time to get Gedling's 5th. Emley get their second goal with a minute to go from a fine strike by HIRST, but they were repaid this cheek by some great play from Spiers who intercepted Emley's throw in and got D Jones on his way who then selflessly put ball to better positioned TURNER who got his second and Gedling's 6th in the last touch of the game!

Full Time: 6 - 2

Report by Tony White

Team: Beattie, Pratt, S Mellon, Hogg, Green, Evans, Horder, L Mellon, A Jones, Turner, Jepson.

Subs: Spiers, Richardson, D Jones.

                Franklin,Mann, O’Reilly, Quinn, Robinson, Hirst, Prasher, Washington, Bramald, 
                Wilson (M), King
                Subs: Clarke, Flynn, Maturine

                Worsborough Bridge 
                Stainthorpe, Scully, Hilton, Boreman, Neesam, Elson, Garside, Poskitt, 
                Wilkinson, Hirst, Walton,
               Subs: Forgione, Shirt, Jackson

               Scorers: 

This came at a critical time of the game; made worse when Rossington went straight back down the field and Fraser scored to give the home side a two goal cushion. Lee Maturine then brought the score back to 3 - 2 and several more chances went begging.

In injury time, Emley had a further two strong penalty claims turned down when firstly a Rossington player clearly handled the ball in the area and then secondly when the Rossington keeper again clearly upended one of our players. 

As one Emley fan quipped "I can't do with this every week, my heart won't stand it"!

Team: Franklin, Clarke, Mann, Quinn, Robinson, Hirst, Washington, Prasher, Laud, Bramald, O'Reilly
Subs:  Maturine (for Clarke), Storer (for Bramald), Thomlinson (not used)

Despite a spirited show by Ray Dennis's side, the home team from Sutton-in-Ashfield, near Mansfield, ensured there was to be no dream start after AFC's elevation from the West Yorkshire League.

It's certain to be a tough introduction to the NCEL for AFC, because their opening three league games are all away due to cricket matches at the Welfare Ground.

AFC also return to Teversal in the first round of the league's Wilkinson Sword Trophy a week tonight (7.45).

The club have made five new signings to add to the squad who did battle in the West Yorkshire League last time around.

Barnsley-based Portuguese Joaquim Samedo, who comes from Setubal and has played for Farense, is a midfielder.

So is Holmfirth-based Paul Storer, who was previously with Glossop North End.

Wakefield-based Alan Lord, who was among the goals for Beverley last term, is a striker.

Centre-back Ben Traynor has joined from local football and goalkeeper Mark Franklin from Wetherby Athletic.

Franklin, Traynor and Samedo all figured on Saturday, when AFC were without Max Joice, Joe Pinnock, Joe Washington and Paul Quinn, a key quartet from last season.

AFC's preparations also suffered because of their late arrival after an accident caused a traffic jam on the M1.

Teversal scored on 35 and 84 minutes, through Hall and  Fletcher respectively while AFC's best chances fell to Tim Clarke.

"We failed to convert our bright pre-season form into a league success, but there's plenty to be positive about," said club secretary Richard Poulain.

Goals from Lee Maturie,Tim Clarke (pen) and Tommo in this entertaining pre season friendly.
Down to the real stuff on Saturday away at Teversal kick off 3.00pm.

TOWN dominated the show but it was Emley keeper Tim Stephenson who got the standing ovation.

The 18-year-old from Dalton produced a catalogue of tremendous saves to prevent Town from at least trebling their tally.

In front of 1,280 at the Welfare Ground, a record crowd for the new club, Stephenson - who has come through the youth ranks - could do nothing to stop goals from Andy Booth, John McAliskey and Michael Collins (late on) sealing a comfortable Town win.

But his heroic display rewarded a battling effort from the Northern Counties East League side, who massed men behind the ball and provided Peter Jackson's side with an ideal opening workout.

The only hiccups were injuries which forced off right-back Tom Clarke and central midfielder Adnan Ahmed and neither of them will be involved at Harrogate Town tomorrow night (7.45).

AFC bosses Ray Dennis and Nicky Bramald, preparing for a League opener at Nottinghamshire club Teversal on August 12, will be happy with the application of their side, even though they gave the ball away needlessly at times.

It was one such mistake which led to Booth's neatly taken opener in the 22nd minute, cutting inside before placing a clever left-foot shot wide of Stephenson's dive.

At that stage Town were building patiently, with Tom Clarke and Matthew Young linking well down the right, with a constant supply of ball from Mark Hudson and Ahmed in the centre, although it was from a left-wing raid between Chris Brandon and Danny Adams (who supplied a perfect cross) that McAliskey headed Town two ahead in the 33rd minute.

A firm drive straight at Paul Rachubka by AFC striker Alan Laud was the home side's only effort on goal in the first half, although Richard Hirst sent a header just over in their opening attack of the second.

Stephenson, who made a super save to deny Ahmed just before the break, made even better stops to keep out McAliskey, Brandon and Young in the space of just two second-half minutes.

He followed up by touching Booth's fine volley over the top, blocking brilliantly from McAliskey and Brandon at close range and then palming away a John McCombe header.

Hudson was also frustrated in terrific style as Stephenson took the man-of-the-match award, but Collins' late goal came from the best move of the match and left the keeper, for once, stranded in his six-yard box.

AFC Emley - Stephenson, Robinson, O'Reilly, Hazeldine, Hirst, Quinn, Prasher, Tomlinson, Laud, Mugadza, Clarke.

Town - Rachubka, T Clarke (Mirfin 65), Adams, Hudson, McCombe, N Clarke, Brandon, Ahmed (Collins 79), Booth (Hand 72), McAliskey, Young.

Jackson watched Andy Booth, John McAliskey and Michael Collins seal a 3-0 friendly win at AFC Emley last night in which Tom Clarke (knee) and Adnan Ahmed (ankle) suffered minor knocks.

Town now head to the Conference North side Harrogate Town in 24 hours with Glennon in goal and Beckett aiming to build on his successful loan spell with the club and Jackson explained:

"I was pleased with our performance last night and the attitude of the players summed up how it's been all pre-season: excellent.

"If it hadn't been for a great performance by Emley's keeper (Tim Stephenson) then we would have scored a lot more, but it was a very good workout and the knocks we got to Tom Clarke and Adnan Ahmed weren't serious.

"I'm delighted for AFC, too, that they got almost 1,300 up because they always look after us well and I think the fans went home happy with what they saw.

"Now, our supporters can look forward to seeing Luke Beckett and Matt Glennon at Harrogate and I'll be looking for another solid run from the lads."

HUDDERSFIELD-born Cardiff striker Cameron Jerome (son of former Emley player Hansome Jerome) will fly back from Miami this week to conclude a £3.5m transfer to Birmingham.

The 19-year-old former Royds Hall High School and Huddersfield New College pupil, who bagged 20 goals in the Championship last season and earned England Under 21 recognition, is viewed by St Andrews chief Steve Bruce as the man to help fire them straight back into the Premiership.

Birmingham have agreed the fee with Cardiff for the 6ft powerhouse, who played junior football for Huddersfield clubs West End and Stile Common, and confirmed on their website that managing director Karren Brady met Jerome's agent and agreed contract terms.

All that's needed now is Jerome's signature on the dotted line to complete a remarkable rise to prominence for the son of former Emley player Hanson, who has 27 goals to his credit in just 79 senior appearances. Having had trials with various Northern clubs, Jerome joined Cardiff as a trainee in October 2003 and signed as a professional a year later. He scored seven goals in 32 games in his first season, and burst through last term as one of the most dangerous frontmen outside the Premiership.