Match Reports - v Teversal Home Date:28.01.12

AFC Emley v Teversal FC
NCEL Division One (28/01/12)

Emley put another 3 points on the board with 2-1 home vicory over Teversal courtesy of an injury time penalty from David Heagney. Heagney, the league’s leading scorer passed a late fitness test to take a place on the bench and kept a cool head when it counted to secure the victory for his team.

The scores were level at 1-1 at the end of an even first half as both sides looked to get the ball down on the park and play attractive football.

Scott Holt was the most threatening for Emley in the opening stages as he was first denied by a well time last ditch tackle by Jamie Goodacre. He then saw two well struck drives from a tight angle go over and wide of the target.

Centre forward Greg Tobin had Teversal’s first attempt of note with a dipping shot which was dealt with well by Luke Herriott in the Emley goal. The visitors were in front on the 20 minute mark however following after Sean Hazelden conceded a free kick on the edge of the box. This was expertly converted by the Tevie captain Colin Cockerill who hit a fine curling strike which gave Herriot no chance.

Emley responded and Chris Wdowczyk hit a long range effort over the bar following a good break through the midfield. They found themselves up against a hardworking Teversal side who kept their opportunities to a minimum with Ross Henshaw and Daniel Swailes keeping Darren Barrick quiet up front.

They finally made the breakthrough on 38 minutes through captain Josh Ingham. Ingham retained the captains armband following a strong display against Appleby Frodingham last week and impressed once again today. Mark Stuart did well down the right flank before delivering a ball in to Darren Barrick who laid it off to Ingham who made some space before drilling home past Jonathan Wilson and in off the post.

Teversal should have regained their lead minutes later after Robert Collins did well to get round the back of Emley left back Nathan Tayo then hitting a tantalising ball across the face of goal to Gary Atkins who got a contact but diverted it the wrong side of the upright.

Emley also had a couple of good goalscoring opportunities. The first fell to Barrick who was played in following some determined play by Stephen Powell but the burly striker was closed down well by Swailes before Wilson blocked his strike. Wdowczyk also had a close range effort blocked after Tayo had done well to pull the ball back from the touchline and feed it into the six yard box.

The visitors were on top for long spells of the second half and tested the resolve of the Emley rearguard. Josh Ingham made a fine tackle on Tobin as he teed up a shot inside the penalty area. Collins also carved out a good opportunity with a turn and shot from close range that was expertly saved by Herriott at his near post. Henshaw too had a good opportunity in plenty of space after losing his marker at a corner but headed over the bar.

It was the introduction of Heagney with 20 minutes to go that finally sparked Emley into life again. His pace and intelligent runs into space turned the tables with the pressure falling back onto the visitors as his presence seemed to inject a greater sense of belief to his team mates.

Heagney’s first touch was a shot from the edge of the D which was relatively comfortable for Wilson to deal with. John Cyrus then saw his header cleared off the line as he rose well to a corner, Wdowczyk followed up with a shot which was saved by Wilson.

At the other end of the field Herriott continued to show safe hands and looks to have settled well into the side. He was called upon to make another good save after being tested from range by Cockerill.

His opposite number Wilson denied Barrick after Heagney headed a Curtis Roberts cross back into his path. Wilson was no match to a sublime Heagney chip from 10 yards out, which followed a deep ball in from Holt, but was saved as the ball clipped the bar and fell to safety.

Just as it looked like the game was going to end up all square Emley were gifted a spot kick as the ball struck a loose arm in the penalty area. Fittingly Heagney stepped up and sent Wilson the wrong way with just seconds of injury time remaining.

Emley:
Herriott, Joice, Tayo, Wdowczyk (Dowling 76), Hazelden, Cyrus, Ingham, Holt, Barrick, Stuart (Roberts 80). Powell (Heagney 70).
Subs (not used): Lyness, Brock. Att: 88.
Man of the Match: Josh Ingham Cautions: None.