Report

Aug 5 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

NEIL REDFEARN will make his debut for AFC Emley in tonight’s friendly against Rotherham United at the Welfare Ground (7.30). The 43-year-old midfielder will play for the Northern Counties East League Division I side whenever his duties as youth coach at York City allow.

He makes his bow for Ian Banks’ team in their final preparation for Saturday’s League opener at Barton.

ITV Local and ITV.com team up with FA to show early rounds of FA Cup

For the first time in history FA Cup matches involving non-League clubs will be filmed and available to a large audience thanks to a partnership between ITV Local, ITV.com and The Football Association.

ITV and FA camera crews will capture early round FA Cup action on camera from the first weekend of the E.ON sponsored competition when over 400 clubs begin their bid for glory.

A number of matches have been selected for filming on each FA Cup weekend during August, September and October. Highlight packages will be made available to watch on ITVlocal.com, itv.com and TheFA.com.

Clubs that aren't covered by an ITV Local camera will be given access to an exclusive area on ITV Local's Grassroots Sport website where they can upload their own club videos for all to see.

ITV Local's Director of Content, Lindsay Charlton, said: "For the first time in the history of the FA Cup, dozens of Preliminary and qualifying round matches will be captured on camera, thanks to ITV Local. What makes the FA Cup exciting is those small clubs that manage to smash their way through from the early rounds to face Premier League giants. With a little luck ITV Local will be able to follow some of this year's giant killers all the way."

Head of Content at ITV.com, Marc Webber, said: "With this development, we're bringing the big match atmosphere to the smallest of clubs. Everyone that plays in the FA Cup should have their day in the sun and we're proud to be the first broadcaster to cover the FA Cup from the very first kick."

The Editor of TheFA.com website, Jamie Bradbury, said: "The FA Cup is such a unique competition and the early rounds can really inspire the players and fans involved, with a chance to meet the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool a possibility. Last season TheFA.com featured highlights of games in every round of the competition, but the link with ITV.com and ITV Local means we'll be going even further this time around."

This 2008-09 FA Cup season sees a record 762 enter the world's greatest domestic cup competition. It all kicks off on 16th August with the Extra Preliminary Round.

Jul 24 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Emley delight at Town ‘lifeline’

AFC Emley are delighted with the financial ‘lifeline’ thrown to them by Town.

Tuesday’s Welfare Ground friendly against Stan Ternent’s League I squad attracted a crowd of 1,927 to boost the coffers of the Northern Counties East Division I club.

And AFC secretary Richard Poulain explained how valuable that support is to the re-launched village organisation, who have former favourite Ian Banks back in charge this season. “The ground-sharing with the cricket club (Emley Clarence of the Drakes League) means we can’t play a home league game until September 20,” said Poulain, who was car park attendant, programme seller and announcer in addition to his other duties on Tuesday when AFC were soundly beaten 8-0.

“It means we’ve got seven away games to kick off the campaign – which in turn means we’ve got no-one coming through the gate or to use our bar – so the revenue from the Town game is an absolute lifeline for us to get the season under way. “We have to rely on the generosity of clubs like Town to come and put on a pre-season friendly – and bring their fans with them – just to exist until we can stage our first home game of the season. “Everyone at the club is working very hard but it can be tough, because if playing seven away games to start means we aren’t as far up the table as we might have been, then people are less likely to come and watch us when we are at home.

“It’s a bit of a Catch 22 situation, really, but we are hoping people will get behind us as much as they can and, if supporters are not travelling everywhere to watch Town, they will come up and support us and give us their backing as much as they can.”

AFC finished 11th in the NCE Division I last season but are hoping for a big improvement under Banks this time, especially as he’s signed experienced Neil Redfearn to play midfield when time allows (he’s youth coach at York) in a season which opens at Barton Town Old Boys on August 9.

Emley have a friendly at Colne this Saturday and their next big home pre-season friendly is against Rotherham United on Tuesday, August 5 (7.30).  The temporary fence which AFC have to erect on matchdays (to enclose their playing area and separate it from the cricket ground) will have to go up again for that match.

“If we can get a team of six or seven people together then it takes us about an hour and a half to put the fence up,” said Poulain. “It doesn’t quite take so long to take it down again, but it does belong to us and it’s another of those team efforts which keeps us going.”

Emley have reverted to their traditional claret and blue colours, with sponsorship from Holmfirth-based estate agents and valuers Wm.Sykes & Son.

Jul 23 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

POWER PLAY!

MEAN defending and sharp finishing helped Town overpower AFC Emley 8-0 in front of almost 2,000 at the Welfare Ground last night.

Stan Ternent’s strong side were three up inside 15 minutes, five up at the break and – after seven changes at half time and 19 players used in all – added three more in the second half.

Northern Counties East League Emley worked hard to force a few late efforts, Ash Flynn hitting a post and having another shot cleared from the line, but they were rocked by an injury to centre-back Kyle Benton, who was later taken to hospital by ambulance with a suspected broken ankle.

Town’s only injury problem was a twisted right ankle for midfielder James Berrett, who had already found the net by the time he was replaced by Tom Clarke on 16 minutes, although he’s expected to be fit for the next pre-season assignment against Hamilton Academical at Hartlepool on Saturday (noon).

Town’s other scorers last night were Nathan Clarke (2), Phil Jevons (2), Andy Butler, Keigan Parker and Robbie Williams as they produced some decent entertainment in a 4-4-2 system for a crowd of 1,927.

Receipts will provide a solid platform for Ian Banks’ side in Division I of the NCE, and he’ll be pleased with the spirit and attitude of his side to try and bridge a big gulf in class on a Welfare Ground surface superbly prepared by ex-Galpharm groundsman Raymond Chappell.

Nathan Clarke opened the scoring with a cracking downward header on five minutes after Berrett had swung in a short corner from Michael Collins, while Berrett swept home the second three minutes later after an initial save from keeper Matt Clarke and a challenge by Danny Cadamarteri.

Jevons’ first was the result of a brilliant chip after the impressive Shane Killock – who played left-back in the first half and switched to the right in the second – beat the Emley defence with a fine long pass in the 15th minute.

Butler, who again looked strong and dominant at the back, started the move for Town’s fourth on 31 minutes with a raking pass to Malvin Kamara, and Jevons pounced at the second attempt after Cadamarteri had again caused problems in the box. Town were in full flow by the time the unfortunate Benton was carried off just before half time and Butler struck with his first goal for the club in added time, heading home at the back post following a cross from the right by Kamara.

Butler deserved his goal and was one of those rested in the second half when Alex Smithies replaced Matt Glennon, Williams and David Mirfin joined the defence, Danny Codman and Danny Broadbent went into midfield and Parker and Luke Beckett led the attack.

It took Parker only seven minutes to find the net with a neat flick after outpacing two defenders to a ball over the top and, inside the hour, Williams posted No7 from a 20-yard free-kick driven unerringly past the wall and the unsighted Clarke.

The scoring was completed by the man who started it, Nathan Clarke, who again showed his determination to challenge the new signings for a starting slot with a firm header from a corner.

It came just after Flynn had twice gone close to scoring – firstly being denied by Killock’s excellent clearance from the line and then by Smithies’ touch onto the post – and there was a shot just wide in the closing stages from Oliver Banks (the manager’s 16-year-old son) who showed some neat touches.

AFC Emley – Clarke (Morpeth 66), Howson, Leech (O Banks 58), Townsend, Benton (Neesam 39), Fullerton, Quinn (Higginbottom 58), Washington (Davies 66), Berry, Farrell, Flynn.

Town – Glennon (Smithies HT), Holdsworth (Williams HT), Killock, Collins (Codman HT), N Clarke, Butler (Mirfin HT), Skarz (Parker HT), Berrett (T Clarke 16), Cadamarteri (Beckett HT), Jevons (Broadbent HT), Kamara.

Jul 22 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN fans seem certain to have to wait to get a first glimpse of new midfield signing Jim Goodwin.

While summer arrivals Chris Lucketti, Andy Butler and Keigan Parker all played in the 1-1 draw at Bury, the 26-year-old Irishman Goodwin was sidelined by a thigh strain.

The niggle is highly likely to keep him out of tonight’s 7.00 kick-off against AFC Emley at the Welfare Ground, too, as manager Stan Ternent adopts a ‘no risks’ policy to selection.

On that basis, Jon Worthington and trialist Tony Grant (both hamstring) and striker Andy Booth (back) are unlikely to figure against Ian Banks’ Northern Counties East League side.

And trialist goalkeeper Paul Gerrard, who played the second half at Gigg Lane on Saturday, has suffered a groin niggle in training and will have to come through a late-afternoon fitness test to prove he’s okay.

Ternent has put England age-group keeper Alex Smithies on standby to play and is again planning to use as many of those on duty as possible after fielding 20 in the opening friendly.

“We do have a few injury niggles kicking around and there is absolutely no point in risking any of them tonight – it’s a no risk deal,” said Ternent today. “If we set anyone back a week in their training then we are just creating unnecessary problems, so everyone will have to be 100%.

“All the lads who were carrying niggles from Saturday worked with Ian Liversedge (the new physio) yesterday and we will have a look at them before we go up to Emley, but no-one will be risked when we’ve got the Hartlepool tournament coming up this weekend and the opportunity to play behind closed doors as well before we play Sheffield United at home a week on Saturday.”

Ternent, who was attending today’s club board meeting, has refused to comment on reports linking Town with a £700,000 move for Ipswich duo Alan Lee and Gary Roberts.

Lee, the striker whose goal relegated Leeds, played for Ternent at Burnley, but he has just signed a new two-year deal and has indicated he has no intention of leaving Portman Road. Ipswich also turned down a £700,000 bid for him from Hull last season.

Roberts is valued at up to £200,000 on his own.

Jul 22 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

VETERAN midfielder Neil Redfearn has signed for AFC Emley.

The 43-year-old midfielder is currently youth coach at York City but is going to play at the Welfare Ground when time allows for Northern Counties East League Division I action.

It’s a coup for Emley manager Ian Banks, although the Holmfirth-based Redfearn will not be available for tonight’s Welfare Ground friendly against Town (7.00).

“Neil is obviously heavily involved at York and they are in the middle of their pre-season as well, but he’s going to play for us whenever he can,” explained Banks.

“His experience will be very useful, but I’ve been very happy with all the lads in pre-season training because their attitude has been superb.

“The sessions we’ve put on have basically been about coaching rather than fitness, because I expect them to get and maintain their own fitness.

“When we’ve been together it’s been about how we are going to play, that’s what the game against Town is all about tonight.

“Whatever side Town send up, it’s going to be a test, but it’s still an opportunity for us to play when we get the ball and defend as a unit when we haven’t – and that’s what we’ve been working on.”

Banks’ son Oliver, who is on Rotherham’s books, is likely to be in the squad tonight alongside two other youngsters from South Yorkshire, Carl Benson and Andre Gordon (who is only 16).

The squad will also include Sean Hazelden, Matt Illingworth, Steve Kenworthy, Marc Townsend, Tony Leech, Joe Washington, Ash Flynn, Joe Howson and former Ossett Town man Andy Farrell. The club also have a new keeper in Michael Clarke.

Gates will open around 5.30 tonight and it’s £6 for adults, £3 concessions and £1 for 14s and under.

The club’s bar will be open and, on the field, fans will see a return to the traditional Emley colours of claret shirts with blue sleeves, blue shorts and claret socks.

AFC’s next home friendly is against Rotherham United on Tuesday, August 5 (7.30), while this coming Saturday (3.00) they will visit the re-formed Colne club, 20 years on from when the two original clubs met at Wembley in the FA Vase Final.

Jul 18 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

FANS have the chance on Sunday to pay tribute to the man who put such a positive stamp on Town’s run-in to last season – Gerry Murphy. The club’s youth development chief stepped in as caretaker manager and guided his charges to an unbeaten finale of six matches, finishing with four straight wins.

It was an unusual way to celebrate part of his testimonial year. But Murphy, who has served the club for 20 years, took it all in his stride and did a terrific job. The latest event on his testimonial calendar is at AFC Emley’s Welfare Ground on Sunday, when a mini soccer tournament will be played from 11.00, around a host of family attractions. Then, at 3.00, members of Town’s first team squad will take on the current academy in a challenge match (£8 adults and £2 concessions).

Murphy’s testimonial committee hope many fans will make it a big weekend of supporting the club following tomorrow’s friendly at Bury, and the players are certainly looking forward to taking part.Midfielder Michael Collins said: “Gerry is a real football man and he has always been there for the young players coming through at the club.

Clitheroe 2 - 1 AFC Emley Scorer Townsend.
Team

Mick Clark (Ben Roebuck), Matt Higginbottom, Antony Leech, Joe Washington (Marc Townsend), Matt Neesam, Sean Hazelden (Nick Handley), Paul Quinn, Gregg Davies (Scott Fullerton), Andy Farrell (Liam Berry), Steve Kenworthy, Levan Brown (Ashley Flynn)

Subs in (Brackets) 

A good workout for the players against Unibond Division One side Clitheroe. Marc Townsend scored after good build up play early in the second period but two gifts from defensive errors gave away a penalty and another soft goal to give the home side an undeserved victory.

Jul 15 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

SUPPORTERS will get the chance to assess Town’s future prospects, both short and long term, on Sunday.

That’s when the first team take on the academy in an exhibition match as part of director of football development Gerry Murphy’s testimonial gala at AFC Emley’s Welfare Ground. The game kicks off at 3.00, with admission £8 adults and £2 concessions, but the event gets under way at 11.00 with a mini soccer tournament.

“The future of Huddersfield Town will be on display at Emley, and I see it as a bright one,” said the popular Murphy, who had a second successful stint as caretaker manager last season. “There are some really exciting prospects at youth level, for instance lads like Lewis Nightingale, Spencer Harris and Jimmy Spencer. “In addition, our fans will get the chance to see some of our new signings, and I’m grateful to (manager) Stan Ternent, who has squeezed this game into a busy schedule (Town go to Bury on Saturday and play AFC Emley at the Welfare Ground a week tonight).”

Emley, who will host some Town reserve matches this season, head for Clitheroe tonight (7.30) after kicking off their pre-season build-up with a 1-1 draw against York at the Blue Square club’s training ground on Saturday. Former Town player Ian Banks’ side go to West Willoughby on Saturday (3.00).

Emley’s opening Northern Counties East League First Division game is at Barton Old Boys on Saturday, August 9 (3.00), the first of six straight away games for the club whose ground also hosts Drakes Huddersfield Cricket League side Emley Clarence.

York City (1) 1 AFC Emley (1) 1

A fantastic performance from all concerned with AFC Emley, the players did Ian, Ash & Grant proud with a display that should see them as one of the favourites to win the NECL1 title. AFC Emley scored 1st on 20 mins from the right. New signing Andre Gordon took his goal well, slotting under the York City keeper from about 8 yards out. On 26 mins York city made it 1 - 1.
The 2nd half should have been out of sight of York City as AFC had numerous chances to put the game out of reach of their hosts. Ash Flynn doing all the hard work and beating 3 defenders only to see his shot hit the foot of the right hand post.

A great performance by all 16 players used in this 1st warm up game. If I was to pick a MOM it would be a joint MOM:-

Andy Farrell & marc Townsend with 2 outstanding performances.

AFC Emley
1: Carl Auckland 2: Joe Howson 3: Anthony Leech 4: Marc Townsend 5: Scott Fulton 6: Kyle Benton 7: Andre Gordon 8: Joe Washington 9: (Capt) Andy Farrell 10: Liam Berry 11: Ashley Flynn.
Subs Ollie Banks (for 11), Sean Hazleden (for 6), Nathan Hazleden (for 5), Steve Kenworthy (for 10), Matt Higginbotom (for 3)

Jul 10 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

ACADEMY stars of the future are gearing up to pit their skills against Town’s first team in the high-spot of the Gerry Murphy Testimonial Gala Day at AFC Emley on Sunday, July 20 (3.00).

Town Academy guru Murphy is thrilled at the prospect of seeing his young charges in competitive action against the club’s senior squad, many of whom have graduated through the much-vaunted youth policy.

And he believes the occasion, which kicks off at 11.00 with a two-hour mini soccer tournament involving 80 youngsters, is a great opportunity for fans to savour what promises to be an intriguing 90-minute spectacle.

“There’s no doubt about it, the future of Huddersfield Town will be on display at Emley, and I see it as a bright future at the start of the club’s centenary season,” said Murphy.

“There are some really exciting prospects at youth level with people like midfielder Lewis Nightingale and centre-back Spencer Harris having a great future ahead of them.”

Murphy is also enthusiastic about striker Jimmy Spencer, for whom the club are believed to have turned down a near six-figure offer from Premiership Manchester City, and he is confident his young charges will acquit themselves well against senior opposition.

“Of course, I am grateful to our new manager, Stan Ternent, for allowing the senior squad to squeeze in this game during what is now a hectic pre-season schedule and at the same time it will be an early chance for our superb fans to see Stan’s new signings on parade.”

Popular Dubliner Murphy, who turns 65 later this month, has become a legendary figure with his grooming of home-grown talent for Football League action and international honours.

Town chairman Ken Davy has supported Murphy’s testimonial since launch when he said:

“It is impossible to think of anyone who has devoted so much time, effort and expertise, not just to Town but sport in general in Kirklees. He has had a profound impact on so many sportsmen.”

AFC Emley are delighted to stage what promises to be a fun-packed family day out with refreshments available throughout and also featuring a power-shooting competition, beat the goalkeeper, face painting and other attractions.

The new season's fixtures are out.

 Unfortunately AFC Emley seem to be particularly hard done by with the first Saturday fixture not until 4th October. We had asked the League for some early season midweek fixtures but this seems to have fallen on deaf ears.

The first six fixtures are all away and when we do have a midweek fixture it is away instead of at home as we had asked. Then over the Xmas and New Year we are at home on no less than six occasions from 20/12 until 31/01/08.

The two cup fixtures have still to be slotted in.

Jul 2 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

The West coast club play in the North West Counties League, the trans-Pennine equivalent of AFC’s Northern Counties East League.

Should Ian Banks’ side win, they would host Colne or Bolton side Daisy Hill in the preliminary round on Saturday, August 30.

FA Cup Draw
Extra Prelimiary Round Saturday 16th August Formby v AFC Emley

Preliminary Round

Saturday 30th August Formby or AFC Emley v Colne or Daisy Hill 

FA Vase Draw

Bye in 1st Round Round Qualifying 

2nd Round Qualifying

Saturday 20th September AFC Emley v Oldham Town

1^st Round

Saturday 04th October AFC Emley or Oldham Town v Flixton or Congleton or Maltby Main

Jun 30 2008 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN reserves will kick off their Central League campaign with a home derby against Leeds. The Tuesday, August 19 fixture will take place at the Galpharm, with a 7.00 kick-off.

But later in the campaign, Town will play four Wednesday afternoon fixtures, against Rotherham, Bradford, Grimsby and York at AFC Emley’s Welfare Ground.

Town have elected against playing in the cup competition, meaning they will have only 16 matches in the Central Division.

1st Round Tadcaster Albion (home)

2nd Round? Staveley MW (home)

League Cup Draw 

Today at the NCE League AGM the first 2 rounds of the League Cup were drawn. 

In the 1st Round AFC Emley were drawn at home to League newcomers Grimsby Borough

If we are successful, then in the 2nd Round AFC Emley  are again drawn at home to either Yorkshire Amateurs or Pontefract Collieries

HUDDERSFIELD TOWN HOME RESERVE GAMES SPLIT BETWEEN EMLEY AND GALPHARM

Huddersfield Town’s second string to play a number of fixtures at Welfare Ground
The Huddersfield Town Reserve side will use two different home venues in the 2008/09 season after today’s announcement that the 2pm kick-offs will be played at AFC Emley’s Welfare Ground.
The decision has been taken by Town officials for the benefit of the pitch at the Galpharm Stadium, as Director Ralph Rimmer explained to htafc.com today.
“Moving half of the home reserve team fixtures to the Welfare Ground will take pressure off the pitch at the Galpharm Stadium.
“The pitch has been fully reseeded ahead of the new season and we want to look after it as well as we can.
“We are currently putting plans in place for a full pitch refurbishment, which will take place in the summer of 2011 and cost well in excess of half a million pounds.”

Club Secretary Ann Hough also told the club’s official website that she was pleased with the move.
“Most of the 2pm kick-offs are played in the winter months, so the move to Emley is a positive step towards preserving the pitch.”

Practically, this means that the second-string will play all 2pm kick-offs at the Welfare Ground in next season’s Reserve League, whereas the 7pm kick-offs will continue to be played at the home of Huddersfield Town.
The Reserve team fixtures are expected to be announced within the next two weeks.  

The Welfare Ground, home of the Northern Counties East League side, is 8.3 miles from the Galpharm. Directions can be found HERE, but for those with satellite navigation the postcode of the ground is HD8 9RE.

Pre-Season Friendly Matches

Arranged to date. 

Saturday 12th July  York City Away  KO 11-00am at York City Training Ground 

Tuesday 15th July Clitheroe  Away KO 7-30pm 

Saturday 19th July West Willoughby Away KO 3-00pm Postponed - waterlogged pitch 

Tuesday 22nd July Huddersfield Town HOME KO 7-00pm 

Saturday 26th July Colne FC Away KO 3-00pm 

Wednesday 30th July Liversedge Away 7-45pm 

Saturday 2nd August Selby Town Away 3-00pm 

Tuesday 5th August Rotherham United HOME KO 7-30pm

May 31 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

OFFICIALS hope a crowd of well over 2,000 will help celebrate a new era for Town and AFC Emley in July.

The clubs meet in their traditional pre-season friendly at the Welfare Ground on Tuesday, July 22 (7.00), with fresh optimism sweeping both camps.

AFC, of course, have former favourite Ian Banks back in charge for the Northern Counties East Division I campaign and are returning to their old colours of claret shirts with light blue sleeves.

Town will be preparing for their centenary season under new manager Stan Ternent with a new-look squad and probably 16,000 season-ticket holders in tow – the £100 offer re-opens on Monday for a final five-day period.

“These are exciting times for both clubs and we would hope to top last-year’s 2,000-plus attendance for the game,” said AFC secretary Richard Poulain.

“Ian Banks is already making an impact with us. We’re returning early for pre-season training, having two sessions a week and he’s keen to get us back in the traditional colours.

“Everything is being done very professionally and we are keen to show when Town come to play us that we are a club going places. We’re very optimistic.”

Town manager Ternent has already strengthened his squad with the arrival of striker Keigan Parker and is busily on the lookout for more players before his League I squad return to training in July.

“I’m not earmarking friendlies as first team or reserves because I want the option to mix and match,” said Ternent.

“Once we get nearer the season proper then, obviously, you’ve got to draw some conclusions, but it’s up to the players to show me in pre-season what they are about.”

Stars like Andy Booth, Danny Cadamarteri, Nathan Clarke and Malvin Kamara played for Town at AFC a year ago.

The AFC fixture slots between two busy weekend’s for Town. They tackle Ternent’s old club Bury at Gigg Lane on Saturday, July 19 (3.00) and the following weekend play in a four-team tournament at Hartlepool which includes Premiership Sunderland and a foreign team still to be confirmed. There are matches on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27.

Town wrap up preparations for the season – which kicks-off on August 9 – with a home friendly against Championship Sheffield United on Saturday, August 2, and the centenary match against Arsenal on Wednesday, August 6.

AFC, meanwhile, entertain York City on Thursday, July 10 (7.30) and they have Football League visitors in the shape of Rotherham United (one of Banks’s old clubs) on Tuesday, August 5.

Poulain added: “We know Town have had a fantastic response to their season-ticket offer, but any time they are away we would be more than happy to see supporters up at the Welfare Ground.

“Our new clubhouse and bar is fully operational and, in addition to new facilities off the pitch, we are very hopeful of a successful season on it.”