Match Reports - v Home Date:02.08.11
AFC Emley 1-2 Staveley MW. PSF 02.08.11.
Emley entertained last seasons NCEL Division One Champions Staveley and came away on the wrong side of a 2-1 scoreline. Whilst Emley boss Darren Hepworth will be disappointed that his side didn’t come away with at least a draw he will be more concerned about an injury to striker Steven Kenworthy.
Hepworth’s side matched Staveley for long periods of the game but were eventually undone by the away sides better finishing.
Curtis Roberts created the first chance of the game with a great run down the right flank drilling the ball across the box but Kenworthy was unable to force it home. At the other end of the park the prolific Ryan Damms forced a great reaction save from Mick Clarke.
Clarke was on hand soon after to make another important save this time from an angled drive from Aymen Tahar as Staveley impressed playing the entertaining brand of football that was the hallmark of their success last season.
Damms finally made the breakthrough on 25 minutes hitting an unstoppable half volley from edge of the box after getting the better of Judd Colley.
Emley responded well however and a well timed ball from Brad Dowling found new signing David Heagney who did well to get a shot off but was denied by a fine one handed save by Ayden Duffy in the Staveley goal.
Duffy also denied Kenworthy in a similar manner shortly after to preserve Staveley’s lead. Heagney and Matt Kilner both had good chances but were unable to hit the target before being punished as Staveley doubled their lead just before half time.
This time the impressive Tahar held off the attentions of 3 Emley defenders drilling a shot into the corner of the net.
Emley started the second half brightly and a drilled shot by Heagney finished a fine 4 man move but his shot was well held by Duffy. 10 minutes into the half Emley were back in the game but to the expense of losing Kenworthy.
Kenworthy darted into the box, rounding Duffy needing only to roll the ball into the net but the keeper stuck a palm out to trip him, preventing a goal but conceding a penalty in the process. Kenworthy was carried off the field with suspected ankle ligament damage and will be in doubt for the clubs opening fixtures of the new season.
Mark Stuart smashed home the resulting penalty with a confident finish hit hard and high into the roof of the net but the Emley side were visibly deflated by the loss of their leading striker.
Sean Hazelden almost brought the scores level connected well with a headed effort from a corner only to be denied by Duffy before Hepworth made a string of substitutions. Scott Holt, Kenworthy’s replacement turned well and cracked a shot from the edge of the box which forced a good save from Duffy.
Lewis Rhodes, son of the former Emley FC keeper Andy (and brother of Town’s Jordan) came on for Mick Clarke between the sticks. Staveley tested him mainly long range efforts but his 25 minute outing was a confident one, capped by a cracking reaction save at close range from Damms.
So Emley finish the pre season period with a record of 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 defeats with the highlight being the victory over a Huddersfield Town XI. They now turn their attentions to main event of the league season property with a trip to league newcomers Worksop Parramore on Saturday.