Match Reports - v Liversdge Away Date:24.09.11

Liversedge 2-3 AFC Emley (AET) FA Vase 2nd Qualifying Round (24/09/11)

Emley recorded a fine win at higher level opponents Liversedge to progress in the FA Vase. A close fought tie was finally settled in extra time as Emley’s superior fitness and will to win proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Both sides started the tie cagily with neither able to create any serious chances at goal in the opening stages. David Heagney was the first to have a crack at goal after making space on the edge of the box he unleashed a well hit dipping shot which clipped the bar much to the relief of the home keeper James Waggett.

Emley were then hit with the blow of losing in form striker Scott Holt to a hamstring injury. Holt, who was replaced by Mick Amos had been the star of his sides midweek penalty shoot out victory over Handsworth and appeared to be feeling the after effects of 120 minutes of football on Tuesday night.

The visitors broke the deadlock on 17 minutes however as Sean Hazelden stole in at the far post to head home a fine Heagney free kick to record his second goal in 3 games.

Emley then found themselves on the rack with Nathan Cartman and Brook Newton the main instigators for Liversedge. First Newton blasted over after Cartman hit a dangerous pass across the face of goal. Then Cartman himself fired wide after finding himself in a fortunate position in front of goal as a result of a collision with the Emley captain Judd Colley.

Nathan Tayo, who was back in the Emley side after being unavailable for the last two weeks had a decent game both defensively and as a creative outlet. The left back hit a fine through ball to Heagney who showed good close control before setting up John Cyrus who was unable to keep his shot down.

Liversedge captain Damian Hopkins had a good chance to put his side level but powered a header over the bar after a pinpoint cross by Dave Boardman. As the home side pushed forward all of Emley’s back four were called upon to display some last ditch defending as they looked to preserve their lead.

They then had goalkeeper Mick Clark to thank as Alex Hallam took advantage of a mistake in midfield. The keeper was quick to come of his line to make a vital block from close range.

Liversege finally made a breakthrough well into injury time at the end of the half. Firstly Hallam smashed a volleyed effort at goal which evaded Clark but was blocked as Josh Ingham flung himself at the ball on the line. The ball was cleared but only as far as Andy Shuttleworth who made no mistake with a composed finish from the edge of the box.

Full credit must go to Emley who came out in the second half looking the stronger side. Heagney finished a good team move with shot from distance which was dealt with comfortably by Waggett. Waggett was then called upon to deny Amos at his near post and John Cyrus with a header to keep the scores level.

Cartman remained ‘Sedge’s most dangerous outlet and he went close from long range after receiving the ball with his back to goal before turning and lashing in a vicious effort which went just wide.

The diminutive striker then almost forced an error from Emley’s Nathan Tayo who in attempting to cut a cross out diverted the ball goalbound. Tayo had his keeper Clark to thank however as he made a good reaction save.

Emley finished the half strongest and had calls for a penalty turned down by referee Wayne Grunhill after Amos was felled in the box with five minutes to go. Stuart then came agonisingly close to grabbing a last gasp winner hitting a shot from a tight angle which bent just round the upright with Waggett beaten.

So, Emley went into extra time for the second time in 5 days and any fears that they might be suffering from fatigue were allayed as they Stuart put them back in the lead on 93 minutes. David Heagney once again was the provider playing an intelligent layoff into the path of Stuart who placed an angled shot past Waggett.

Cartman soon had Liversedge back on level terms with a cool finish past Clark from just inside the box on 97 minutes.

Emley regained their lead on 103 minutes as Heagney recorded his tenth goal of the season (and 9th in consecutive games) in a slightly unconventional fashion. His corner kick deceived Waggett curling back down in front of the keeper who frantically tried to the parry the ball back into play after it had crossed the line.

The Emley defence held firm as both sides tired towards the end of the game. ‘Sedge pushed men forward to try and force an equaliser but failed to create any clear cut chances, whilst Emley were happy enough to launch raids up the field and hold onto the ball in their opponents half to keep things tight.

This was another strong showing from Emley who seem to be growing in belief in every game. They continue to look more convincing in defence too with Judd Colley leading the back four magnificently in his best performance of the season. Every man played their part in the victory and which sets up an away trip to league rivals Glasshoughton in the next round.

Emley:
Clark, Leech, Tayo (Horton 80), Cyrus, Colley, Hazelden, Ingham, Stuart, Heagney, Holt (Amos 14), Reid (Armitage 66).
Sub not used: Ryan. Emley man of the Match: Judd Colley Att: