Match Reports - v Grimsby Borough Away Date:08.10.11
Grimsby Borough 0-3 AFC Emley. NCEL Division One (08/10/11)
Emley overcame a tricky trip to Grimsby with relative ease winning 3-0 despite having 7 first team regulars out through injury, illness or unavailability. Manger Darren Hepworth called upon the strength in depth in his squad and was rewarded with a strong performance which takes his team up to 6th in the table.
Emley striker David Heagney continued his scoring sequence to 13 games with his 15th goal of the season scored in the 28th minute. He finished off a fine 5 man move looping a header over the Grimsby keeper from a Mick Amos cross.
Heagney had a clear cut chance to double the lead just before half time with only the keeper to beat he fired high and wide of the target.
Emley began the second half in a dominant fashion creating chances but were unable to capitalise before the home team fought their way back into the reckoning. Stand-in goalkeeper Lee Whatmough had little to do for Emley but was called upon to make a good reflex save before Emley finally grabbed their second goal.
This time Heagney was the architect breaking down the left with the ball before dragging it back into the path of Mark Stuart who smashed it home to make it 2-0.
Substitute Arran Horton wrapped up the scoring in the final minute dispossessing a Grimsby defender who tried to get in the way of an Amos cross before slotting home.
Following the game Hepworth was delighted with his side’s performance:
“We went into the game forced to make a number of changes with a new goalkeeper and unfamiliar back four but fought hard and got an important 3 points on the board.”
“The performance shows that we have got strength in depth in all positions throughout the club with players who can come in and do a job when the regulars are missing. This is the kind of competition for places that I have been striving for. Healthy competition for places will ensure that we remain hungry. It was particularly pleasing that five of the lads out there on Saturday have progressed through the reserve team into the first team squad.”
Hepworth will need this strength in depth as his side head into a run of 6 further fixtures away from home starting with a trip to 2nd placed Glasshoughton on Tuesday evening.
“We have some massive games coming up in the next month and will need to be at our best to keep this run of form going. I have confidence in the players and we will be aiming to continue our push towards the promotion places.”
Emley:
Watmough, Reid, Dowling, Wdowczyk, Cyrus, Hazelden, Ingham, Amos, Heagney, Stuart, Roberts (Horton 60). Sub not used: Holt.
Cautions: Watmough, Reid. Emley man of the match: Josh Ingham Att: 46.