Match Reports - v Handsworth Away Date: NCEL Division 1. 25.08.10

Handsworth FC 4 – 0 AFC Emley.

Emley fell to a very disappointing defeat at Handsworth, following a dismal first half performance they were trailing by three. The introduction of new signings for the second half did little to Improve Emley’s attacking menace, who went on to concede a fourth.

In a very start stop opening ten minutes the exchanges were fairly even, Matt Thorpe coming close  with a shot comfortably saved by Naylor following a quick Emley break.  It was Handsworth who took full opportunity of a deep free kick on 11 minutes to open the scoring. A deep ball floated across the box and to the back post was met by Andrew Battersby to head in unopposed.

Virtually from the kick off the Sheffield based club could have extended their lead, a deflected Tyrone Crapper shot from the edge of the box had the Emley Keeper scrambling as the ball went narrowly wide of the upright.

On 20 minutes the 2nd goal did arrive. Emley yet again failed to clear their lines following a right wing corner. Crappers shot from within the box took a heavy deflection and nestled in the left hand corner of the net.

Emley finally realised that hoofing long ball to Kenworthy, marked closely by 2 central defenders was never going to work. Playing the ball through midfield found Thorpe on the edge of the box, dancing round 3 defenders his centred ball  was cleared with Townsend threatening.

At the other end poor communication lead to yet another defensive slip, Kearney produced an excellent save at his right hand post at the cost of a corner kick.

Emley did create a further 2 chances in the half, Gavin Hunter menacing throughout with his pace, got down the right wing and his deep cross was met by Townsend whose shot on the volley went narrowly wide of the post. Hunter then had a shot well saved by Naylor following a good interchange between Kenworthy and Townsend.

Handsworth best goal of the game came 2 minutes from the break, Ryan Johnson picked up the ball at the right hand corner of the box. Allowed far too much time and space he picked out the far corner of the net with a low shot leaving Kearney with no chance.

At the half time break, Stuart and Broadbent made way for new signing Lewis Pearce and Mick Amos.

Handsworth started the half brightly again and were unlucky not to score from a classic goal mouth scramble following a corner. At the opposing end and good run and centre by Townsend was met by Amos at the near post. He watched as his slight touch saw the ball run along the goal mouth before being cleared.

Emley always looked likely to concede again, and the move when it came down the left wing could have seen any number of Handsworth players scoring with the visitors defence all at sea. The cross when it came in was slotted home from the penalty spot by Tom Roebuck with Kearney again left exposed at the back.

Close season signing James Tevendale replaced Kenworthy for the last quarter of the game; he was later to force a regulation tip over from Taylor from a centrally placed free kick. A poorly directed defensive header which  hit the angle of bar and upright was the only other chance Emley had in the game.

Emley got exactly what they deserved from this performance and will have to perform significantly better on Sunday against Northallerton. The only Emley players who can take any credit from the game was Gavin Hunter who’s pace, control and crossing was excellent. Antony Leech also had an exceptional game at left back. Some excellent last ditch challenges saved Emley from a real drubbing.

Emley: Kearney, Smith, Leech, Broadbent, Brownrigg, Hazelden, Hunter, Thorpe, Kenworthy, Townsend, Stuart. Subs: Flannagan, (not used) Westney, (not used), Pearce (45 mins for Stuart), Amos (45 mins for Broadbent), Tevendale (63 mins for Kenworthy).
Emley Mom: Gavin Hunter