Match Reports - 2008 - 2009 Season

Glasshoughton Welfare  0 - AFC Emley 3 Saturday 11th of April 2009

Cricket Season Has Started But No Cricket Score - Report By Martin Wharam.

Emley made the short trip to Glasshoughton looking for 3 points from the team at the foot of the table. Emley captain Sean Hazelden found himself shaking hands with his brother Nathen prior to the coin toss.

The home side again fielded many youngsters amongst their ranks, many being the ex students of the Glasshoughton club captain.The opening was fairly cagey from both sides, Emley were although making good progress down both flanks with Matt Neesam and Josh Nodder finding space.

Emley took the lead after 17 minutes, a Nodder corner found the run of Neesam to the back post, his volley was blocked by the keeper and rebounded to the same player. This time his shot went wide of the keeper and into the net. Emley continued to pile on the pressure, Kenworthy was working hard coming deep into the midfield to receive the ball, working well with Hill laying the ball off and creating space for those moving onto the ball.Nodder was playing well and his dead ball delivery was again first rate.
 
It was Nodder who was to double the lead in to the last 10 minutes of the half. The ever impressive Joice won the ball in defence and played the ball out to Neesam on the wing. He spread the ball on to the left wing perfectly for the onrushing Nodder, who with the outside of his foot lifted the ball past the advancing keeper and into the corner of the net. It was an excellent finish from a very composed and professional young man.

Neesam was showing great strength and resolve and was fed well by Kenworthy but his shot in the dying minutes of the half went just wide. A further Nodder corner wasn’t cleared convincingly, and a lovely flick from Kenworthy in the box found Hill through on the keeper but his shot was well saved. The ball rebounded to the edge of the box and Stuart struck the ball sweetly and the keepr parried the ball over the bar. Neesam had the last effort of the first half, Kenworthy collected the bar well in the centre of the field, his pass found Hill whose cross was well met by Neesam’s head who was unable to keep the ball down

.Into the second half the game lapsed in to long periods of wasted balls and loss of possession from both sides. Indiscipline was also creeping into the home side’s game. Joice was subject of second late challenge on him from the Glasshoughton 11 who was subsequently booked. Stuart became involved with his counterpart no 8 off the ball and both received a caution as a result.Kenworthy brought a good save from the keeper on 54 minutes. Hill was linking up well with his striking partner and good one touches between them both found Kenworthy at the edge of the box. His shot heading for the bottom corner when the keeper dived across and held onto the ball well.

Max Joice was called into action just before the hour mark clearing a long shot off the line in what was to be Glasshoughton’s best chance of the game. Into the last 5 minutes Emley scored through a penalty from the Keeper Jamie Green. Hill did well to put Kenworthy behind the defensive line. Hill controlled the ball and nutmegged a defender to put Kenworthy with just the keeper to beat. As he approached the penalty box a combination of 3 home players felled the Emley attacker. I don’t think many of the travelling Emley supporters would have complained had the freekick been given outside the box. The referee who had contributed positively to the game pointed to the spot. Green made his way forward and confidently with power put the ball in the bottom left corner.

Glasshoughton finished the game with 10 men following a late challenge on Tomlinson in the centre circle their number 8 received his marching orders with a second yellow card.All credit to Glasshoughton after a difficult season, they made Emley work for the points today. Emley: Green , Joice,  Leech, Fulton, Hazelden, Nodder, Tomlinson, Neesam, Stuart, Kenworthy, Hill,  Subs: Armitage ( 75 minutes for Nodder), Banks,  Townsend.


AFC Emley 1 – Hemsworth Miners Welfare 1. Wednesday 8th of April 2009

Anything But a Bore Draw. - Report By Martin Wharam.

Emley battled to secure a point with Hemsworth having yet again gone a goal behind. In a game that was played in a good spirit both sides played attractive attacking football.Green returned between the sticks, Nodder justified his place in midfield having impressed in the previous 3 games. Max Joice who has won many fans this season returned to the defensive line up. Barrick and Kenworthy resumed up front.

From the kick off it was obvious that both sides wanted to play passing football. Hemsworth cheered on by their travelling supporters were awarded top marks for effort in their singing, unfortunately the tune and diction were severely lacking.In the early exchanges Emley came out slightly on top, on 8 minutes Nodder challenged for the arial ball which he won, the ball fell nicely to his feet and with one touch he rounded the defender. He took another touch and from 25 yards his shot went just over the bar.

Emley’s best chance came on 19 minutes Joice picked up the loose ball in defence after making good ground he played in the hard running Townsend down the right wing. He took the ball well and made himself a yard, his direct centre found Kenworthy’s chest.  Emley’s top scorer chested the ball well into space and on the volley his shot was well saved by McHarg in the Hemsworth goal with his feet away for a corner.Only minutes later Green in the home goal was called into action. Hemsworth’s Liddle would prove to be an ever present danger to the Emley defence. On this occasion he was fed in by a long ball out of defence down the Emley right wing. Advancing on the goal Green did well to save with his legs to concede a corner.

Kenworthy really should have opened the scoring just after the half hour mark. The ball fell kindly for him in the 6 yard box and inexplicably he lifted the ball over the bar.On 37 minutes Max Joice showed great vision by half volleying a clearance from midfield to play Kenworthy in the far side of the Hemsworth Defence. Kenworthy controlled the ball well a broke to edge of the box, all the time being hindered by Hemsworth central defender. He attempted to lob the advancing keeper only to see the ball go over the bar. Honest player that he his Kenworthy did not go down under the pressure, had he done so he would have had a good shout at a penalty.

At the break the game was goalless, with Emley just shading the goal scoring opportunities.In what was a bright start from the home team, McHarg made regulation saves from both Higginbottom and Kenworthy in the first ten minutes of the half.

Emley came under pressure just after the hour mark. Hazelden was booked for an innocuous challenge and from the resultant free kick a shot flashed across the face of goal. Just minutes later the visitors did take the lead. Poor defending was again the order of the day. Emley failed to clear the ball which fell to the back post, Swift made no mistake to prod the ball home with the defence stranded in no man’s land.

All credit to Emley who have shown greater resolve this season under Banks. Higginbottom displayed his long throw skills finding Hill at the near post, his flicked header found Nodder at the back post. His volley unfortunately went the wrong side of the bar. Kenworthy had another shot well smothered by Mcharg minutes later.

Hemsworth were unlucky on 68 minutes following a quick break out of defence, the ball fell to the right edge of the box, the resulting shot cannoned of the Emley bar and wide. On 70 minutes Emley were rewarded for the pressure, Barrick had done well to win a corner against the odds. The deadball kick was partially cleared to Higginbottom on the edge of the box, his shot was hit hard and deflected into the net by Kenworthy in the 6 yard box.

Hemsworth had been composed on the ball all evening, having been allowed too much time far too often. Into the last quarter of the match a well structured attack was mounted down the right. The shot from the edge of the box smashed into the post and went wide.With the teams tiring into the last 5 minutes Nodder saw his half volley tipped over the bar by the Hemsworth keeper. Into the last minute Green saved smartly to his left pushing the ball dead following another good break down the wing.

On reflection this was probably a fair result for both sides. I share the comments of Rob Dixon in that the two teams played some good football. All credit to the Hemsworth fans for their efforts in generating an atmosphere – be mindful of X factor auditions though – that Cowell can be vicious in his comments.

Max Joice should be extremely proud of his efforts this evening, his performance stood out head and shoulders amongst his team mates. As Emley signed off their home campaign, there has been a massive improvement and I am certainly looking forward to next year.

Emley: Green, Joice,  Higginbottom, Fulton, Hazelden, Leech, Hill, Townsend, Kenworthy, Barrick,  Nodder, Subs: Neesam (89 minutes for Townsend), Thomlinson (80 for Leech),  Stuart.Attendance 109.

Yorkshire Amateurs  1 - AFC Emley 1 Saturday 4th of April 2009

Draw In The Dust - Match Report by Martin Wharam.

Emley’s poor away form continued with a draw at Yorkshire Amateurs. On what had to be the worst playing surface of the current campaign the visitors failed to adapt to the rutted, rock hard lightly grassed surface.Lee Hill returned to the midfield with a knee support in evidence. Young Josh Nodder was given his full debut after impressive performances from substitute in the last 2 games. Barrick continued up front with Kenworthy, Clarke remained between the posts.

After a cagey opening the home side created the first opportunity, the ball played into the centre of the box and headed down well near the penalty spot. Fortunately the ball was blasted well wide of the post.Emley’s first chance fell to Kenworthy; a Nodder corner was well placed and flicked on by Hill to the leading scorer at the back post. The bounce was awkward and the ball spooned over the bar from his shot. Emley were doing well down the right flank with Kenworthy, Clapham and the forward runs of Leech causing danger.

A corner on 12 minutes was again well delivered by Nodder, the ball this time fell for Barrick whose header was well saved one handed by the keeper at the far post. The home keeper made another brave important save at the legs of Barrick on 22 minutes following a clever triangle from Kenworthy and Clapham who put the final ball in.Just one minute later Emley were a goal down. Clarke came for a cross from a corner and was unable to get any meaningful contact. The ball dropped nicely in the area and was poked into the corner of the net. The goal gave the home side the impetus, with the remainder of the half Emley being restricted to shots from the edge of the box which failed to threaten the Amateurs goal.

Into the second half those who stopped in the bar to watch the Grand National will have missed Emley’s equaliser within 60 seconds of the restart. The impressive Nodder made good progress down the left wing. His pin point cross put the ball on to Hill’s head at the far post. His header took a slight deflection but nestled into the far corner of the net with the keeper rooted.

On 53 minutes Nodder yet again put in Kenworthy at the far post beating the offside trap. Kenworthy was caught in two minds as to whether to shoot or square the ball for Barrick, in the end he did neither and the keeper collected the ball easily.On the hour mark Yorkshire Amateurs were denied by the bar, their big number 10 did well to get the wrong side of the Emley defence. With the goal wide open the ball struck the bar and went over.

With Emley appearing to be tired the home team were again denied by the cross bar with 10 minutes to go. Hazelden was put under pressure following an uncontested ball in midfield. With Clarke committed and off his line the hooked half volley again struck the bar and went over.

It was the home team who had the only remaining chance of the game two minutes into stoppage time. A cross from the wing went agonisingly across the face of the Emley goal untouched.

Emley’s style of football was always going to be hindered on this surface, when the ball went through the centre it was like the dust created when buffalo are on a charge. The ball bobbled, jinked and squirted everywhere. In the end Emley were lucky to get a point.

Emley: Clarke, Armitage, Leech, Fulton, Hazelden, Nodder, Townsend, Clapham, Kenworthy, Barrick,  Subs: Clayton, Thomas,  Stuart (all subs used at 89 minutes for Barrick, Armitage and Hill)Attendance 58.

Grimsby Borough 0 - 0 AFC Emley Wednesday 1st April 2009 

England or Emley?

Many will have asked the question; those who stayed at home to watch the former didn’t miss any goals at Brigg as Emley played out a goalless draw.Scott Fulton returned to the side in central defence, Max Joice slotted back into right back, with Darren Barrick up front in place of Farrell.

Emley started the game brightly, Kenworthy worked himself an opening in the first two minutes he turned a defender and from the edge of the box his powerful shot went inches wide of the post. From a corner the ball was run to the edge of the box into the path of Townsend who had made the run from midfield. His shot screamed past the left hand angle of the goal in what would have been the goal of the season.Emley really should have taken the lead just one minute later. Joice lifted a freekick into the box, Barrick headed it back to Fulton who amazingly lifted the ball over the bar from within the 6 yard box. 

A Kenworthy header was saved on the line in an opening 20 minutes that was totally dominated by the visitors. Despite creating numerous good openings Emley were unable to take the lead.Into the last 10 minutes of the half Grimsby started to get a foothold in the game but failed to seriously trouble Clarke in the Emley goal.Banks was forced into a change just 5 minutes into the second half,  Higginbottom left the field due to injury.  He was replaced by Josh Nodder.

Grimsby had started the second half much brighter and after the changes in the Emley defence were finding space down both wings. On the hour mark one such break down the right wing and cross was met with a flicked header that went across the face of the Emley goal and wide.Josh Nodder created Emley’s first opening of the half, following good work on the wing and dead ball line his centre found its way back to him. His powerful shot from 10 yards was saved well by the Grimsby keeper down well to save right handed off the line.

Max Joice was involved in a heavy challenge following a Grimsby corner, he was to leave the field minutes later limping badly to be replaced by Zeph Thomas.

Barrick forced another one handed save from the Grimsby keeper with a shot from a tight angle, from the subsequent corner Hazelden had a header cleared from the line. Emley continued to press and Nodder’s smart half volley was well saved following good play between Kenworthy and Thomas.

Three minutes into injury time Emley conceded a free kick centrally on the edge of the box. Clarke did well to tip the ball over the bar for a corner from the pace kick.After a promising start Emley failed to take their chances and subsequently dropped points.Emley:

Clarke, Higginbottom, Leech, Joice, Fulton, Hazelden, Stuart, Townsend, Kenworthy, Barrick, Armitage. Subs: Nodder (51 minutes for Higginbottom), Clayton (82 minutes for Barrick), Thomas (67 minutes for Joice).


Worsbrough Bridge 3 – AFC Emley 2. Saturday 21st March 2009.

More Woe at Worsbrough.

Emley left their near neighbours without any points, down to 10 men and surely upset at a yet another poor performance. Darren Barrick returned to the team playing up front with Farrell and Kenworthy, Ian Banks played what appeared to be 5 at the back, Thomas and Townsend playing as wing backs. Strangely the pitch was rock hard, rutted and short of grass in many areas.

Playing up the slope and against the wind, Emley struggled to make any ground and were constantly getting caught by misjudging the bouncing ball. On 9 minutes following a long clearance from the Worsbrough keeper a poor back pass put Green in trouble. In what appeared to be a fifty fifty challenge the Worsbrough attacker lofted the ball over the bar and collided with the Emley keeper. The referee pointed to the spot. The penalty was easily converted with Green sent the wrong way.

Emley failed to create any scoring opportunities and the home team doubled their lead on 19 minutes. From a short corner and cross an unmarked player found the net with a strong header.On 34 minutes good work from Barrick on the wing fed Kenworthy who centred the ball for Farrell whose weak shot was easily saved. Kenworthy forced a good save from the home keeper two minutes into injury time. Finding space at the back post his strong shot was well saved by the keeper’s legs.

Emley started the second half much brighter, with only a minute gone Stuart made the most of a good interception, but from the edge of the box his shot went well wide. Emley scored on 55 minutes, a long clearance out of defence found Farrell with a bouncing ball in the box. His attempted lob was pushed high into the air by the keeper. With the ball looping towards the net, Kenworthy finished it off with a volley.

Worsbrough created their first chance of the half 2 minutes later. From a defensive free kick the ball went straight through the Emley defence and found a Worsbrough player. With just Green to beat he made a good parried save to his right.With an hour of the game gone Emley found themselves down to 10 men. Higginbottom who was having a good game was the victim of a very poor tackle on the half way line. A foul was given and then the ball was kicked at him whilst on the floor. He stood up aggressively raised his hands and was given a straight red for violent conduct. In the ensuing fracas both keepers were also booked, and 5 minutes later the game restarted.

Into the last quarter Farrell came close; he timed his run into the box perfectly but lifted his shot over the keeper and the bar. Emley drew level when Townsend adjudged to have been brought down in the box was awarded a penalty. Farrell took the spot kick, and although the keeper got his fingertips to it he could not keep it out of the corner of the net. Emley desperate for the win pushed players forward, leaving themselves vulnerable at the back. A couple of minutes into injury time a sliced clearance from Green put Leech under pressure, he was dispossessed leaving the keeper exposed in defence. The Worsbrough attacker advanced and took his chance very well finishing the ball into the far corner.

Following a dire first half performance, Emley played much better in the second. Overall a disappointing result, Emley attackers looked sharp but far too often were not getting the service from defence or midfield.

My apologies for no names of the opposition, in my defence there were no programmes, team sheets or announcements.


Emley: Green, Joice, Higginbottom, Barrick, Hazeldean, Leech, Stuart, Townsend, Kennyworthy, Farrell, Thomas. Subs: Armitage (90 mins for Thomas), Wilson, ?

AFC Emley 0 – Staveley Miners Welfare 4. Saturday 14th of March 2009.

Any Hopes Blown Away

Emley put in their worst performance of the season and were comprehensively beaten by a Staveley side that could obviously be seen to want the win more than Emley.

Emley started the game with Burgin back in the centre of the defence, Farrell started along with Kenworthy and Clapham in attacking positions. Playing with a strong wind blowing diagonally down the ground, Emley were guilty of not allowing for the conditions as many balls went harmlessly out of play.

Farrell had a shot saved on 12 minutes from the impressive Kearney in the Staveley goal. A minute later it was Staveley who opened the scoring, a long ball out of defence saw Gregory cut inside Hazelden and calmly finished into the bottom corner of the net. Worse was yet to come, another defensive error on the dead ball line saw the ball centred again to Gregory whose well struck shot found the same corner of the net.

A minute later a Danny Clapham half volley forced into the net was ruled offside, this was to be the first of 3 goals all ruled offside for Emley. Farrell forced the ball in from inside the 6 yard box on 25 minutes, followed 6 minutes later by a Hazelden header at the far post. He was adjudged to have left the field of play and come back on and thus offside.

At half time it was always going to be a struggle for Emley to get anything out of this game.Emley’s inability to create any chances was demonstrated by the fact that the Staveley keeper did not touch the ball once for any reason in the first 31 minutes of the second half. In contrast Green was forced into making save after save. 

Staveley were to score another twice on 36 minutes from Morris after poor defending, and from Colley on 41 minutes with a shot that was adjudged to have crossed the goal line.Emley’s only shot on target in the second half came from Kenworthy with a couple of minutes left of the match. His shot was tipped over the bar by Kearney, who up to that point must have been bored stupid.

All credit to Staveley, they adapted to the conditions much better and had the greater desire. I do feel that there will have to be a lot of premier grounds not up to the required grading for Emley to be playing in that league next year.

AFC Emley: Green, Joice, Higginbottom, Burgin, Hazelden, Leech, Clapham, Townsend, Kenworthy, Farrell, Armitage. Subs Wilson, Stuart, Thomas.

Attendence: 120

Rossignton Main 0 – AFC Emley 0. Saturday 7th of March 2009.

Stoppage Time Misery.

Emley started the game in South Yorkshire with a yet another changed team from the one that took all three points in midweek. The versatile Higginbottom moved into central defence to replace Burgin, Leech dropped into left back. Youngster Danny Wilson started in midfield alongside Stuart. Kenworthy in attack was partnered up front again with Zeph’ Thomas. Encouragingly Farrell started on the bench, with Clapham and Tomlinson.

In a largely dull and dour first half both sides created very few clear cut chances. Townsend lifted the ball over the bar following good work from Kenworthy and Thomas in the opening minutes. Although Rossington looked lively on the break, they failed to seriously trouble the Emley keeper. Both defences had the better of the opening exchanges. Emley yet again had cause to complain at poor officials. With 32 minutes gone Armitage took the ball in the centre circle, cleverly he forced the ball between the last 2 defenders and played the ball into the opposition half. He ran onto the ball and took the next touch – accompanied at either side by Kenworthy and Thomas. At this point the far side referees assistant raised his flag, much to the annoyance of the travelling fans and manager Ian Banks. Even the Referee’s Assessor was seen to be shaking his head and making copious notes.

The second half started much the same for both sides, prompting Emley manager Banks to make a double change after 56 minutes. Thomas and Wilson made way for Farrell and Clapham, Townsend returned to central midfield, Clapham taking his place on the wing. Farrell played up front with Kenworthy and instantly the complexion of the game changed. On 58 minutes Farrell controlled a long ball well in the last third, he played the ball out well to Clapham on the wing. His centre looked to be perfect for Kenworthy, the referee well positioned waved away the shouts for a penalty as Kenworthy was pushed in the back.

Emley continued to create chances, a weak header from Hazelden followed by a week shot from Kenworthy both brought regulation saves from Appleby in the home goal. On 65 minutes Farrell received the ball in the box adjacent to the dead ball line. With quick feet he beat three defenders and squared the ball across to Kenworthy. His shot went across the face of goal past the despairing lunge of Townsend.

Farrell again played Kenworthy through on goal with a clever flick on the half way line. The striker did well to hold off the defender but his shot was well saved by Appleby’s legs for a corner. Into the last 10 minutes of the game a deft flick from Clapham found Kenworthy, his squared ball found Armitage who made space for himself, but his shot went narrowly over the bar.Rossington were creating a few chances of their own. A brilliant back heal flick in midfield played in Nichols. Leech managed to get back well and his attention ensured that the shot from a tight angle went well over.

The referee indicated 3 minutes of injury time; the vast majority of this was taken up by the Rossington number 10 going down with cramp. With 4 minutes gone Kenworthy ran onto a punt from midfield, with just the keeper to beat he was bundled over from behind. The referee’s assistant raised his flag and the penalty was given. Kenworthy took the spot kick but his weak shot was placed wide of the left post.

With other league results going Emley’s way, the villagers missed the opportunity of going third in the league. Even with key players missing from the game, this was a poor result.

AFC Emley: Green, Joice, Leech, Higginbottom, Hazelden (C), Wilson, Stuart, Townsend, Kenworthy, Thomas, Armitage.  Subs: Farrell (56mins - for Thomas), Clapham (56 for Wilson), Tomlinson (74 mins - for Stuart).

AFC Emley 1 –0 Rainworth Miners Welfare. Wednesday 4th March 2009. 

Battling Performance Secures the Points. 

Forced into changes Emley manager Ian Banks started with new signing Zephanian Thomas up front, replacing club captain Andy Farrell out of the side with a groin injury.  Anthony Leech returned to the side, playing in midfield alongside Lee Hill, Marc Townsend and Mark Stuart.  

Rainworth buoyant after their impressive home win on Saturday started the game well, knocking the ball around well. Emley created the first scoring chance of the game, from a Stuart corner a powerful Thomas header was cleared off the line by a Rainworth defender. Rainworth’s Bignall was the next to test a keeper, Green forced to parry a shot on the turn from inside the box. A minute later Emley should have taken the lead when Kenworthy seizing on a mistake in the box dribbled the ball and was brought down from behind for a penalty. Thomas took charge of the ball, but his resulting spot kick was spooned over the bar.

Emley not deterred, continued to press and from a Higginbottom free kick, the ball was flicked on by stand in captain Hazelden. The ball finding the impressive Hill at the far post, his effort going just wide.  Just before the half hour mark, dangerous Rainworth striker Lynam was presented with his first opportunity.

A cross from the dead ball line was palmed out by Green to the penalty spot, fortunately his snap shot went well wide of the goal. Emley took a deserved leave with Kenworthy scoring a scrappy goal, his 20th of the season. Emley were a constant threat down the right wing, Max Joice again having an excellent game providing quality ball for Townsend. The ball was eventually forced across the goal with Kenworthy getting the decisive touch at the far post. 

At half time Emley would have been the happier of the two sides, but the goal deficit should have been greater. Making two substitutions at the break, Rainworth started the second half much the brighter and dominated for large periods. Green was called into action a number of times, making two excellent saves at the feet of attackers.

Rainworth were taking full advantage of needless free kicks in midfield, the resultant long balls causing the Emley defence problems in the air. Green was the busier of the 2 keepers in the Emley goal.  Into the last quarter with Rainworth pressing for the equaliser, a quick ball out of defence was flicked on for the advancing Townsend. His speed took him past the defender and found him with just the keeper to beat.

Hales in the visitor’s goal made an excellent stop and held the shot well. From an innocuous foul on the half line way, a melee developed and Rainworth’s Bainbridge was given a straight red for pushing Leech in the face. Townsend also received a yellow card in the same incident. 

Despite being down to 10 men Rainworth were still pressing hard, into the last 10 minutes Green fumbled a high cross after a dubious challenge on him. The ball ran free and a combination of Emley defenders cleared the shot of the line.  

In a match played in a fair competitive manner, Rainworth found themselves down another player. Smith who had been on the pitch for only a few minutes was shown a red card for a lunging challenge on Leech. Into the 6 minutes of added time Emley again should have scored, the impressive Kenworthy latching onto a long ball played an inch perfect cross to the advancing Townsend. His powerful header went well wide of the goal with just the keeper to beat. 

A battling committed performance from a recently much changed Emley team. Although remaining in fifth position in the league this was an important game, a result the team should be proud of. 

AFC Emley: Green, Joice, Higginbottom, Burgin, Hazelden, Leech, Stuart, Townsend, Kenworthy, Thomas, Hill.  Subs:  Armitage, Wilson, Clayton (64 mins for Thomas).

AFC Emley 1 – 1 Leeds Carnegie. Saturday 28th February 2009.

Points Shared With The Students.
 
Emley welcomed back Marc Townsend to the midfield and club Captain Andy Farrell who started up front with Danny Clapham, Steven Kenworthy dropped back into midfield. With both Anthony Leech and Matt Neesam unavailable, Lee Hill played at left back. Matt Higginbottom played centre half for the injured Burgin alongside Sean Hazelden. New signing Darren Barrick started on the bench alongside Rotherham United youngster Danny Wilson.

After a cagey opening 5 minutes Emley had the first real chance of the game. Farrell made himself an opening and passing two defenders he fed in Clapham whose shot went wide of the goal. A minute later a first touch triangle between Farrell, Clapham and Kenworthy saw the latter’s shot deflect off the outside of the post for a dead ball. Emley continued to play well and on 11 minutes Clapham beat the offside trap down the right wing. His looping cross just evaded the lunging foot of Farrell who looked odds on to score had he made contact.

Minutes later Emley had a goal disallowed for offside, Kenworthy and Clapham again combining well worked the ball to Quinn who lifted the ball over the keeper from the edge of the box. Emley’s best chance came on 25 minutes – Farrell found himself one on one with the keeper. As he shot the Carnegie keeper Giles got down well to his left to push the ball away from danger.

A shocking backpass just after the half hour led to Green conceding a corner, from this corner Carnegie had a powerful header blocked by Hazelden, the ball was cleared long and controlled well by Quinn who flicked the ball past the defender on the by line. Quinn then delivered an excellent centre to Farrell, his shot on the turn was partially blocked and Farrell went down injured. Minutes later and almost text book copy of the previous move saw Quinn’s cross fall to Clapham whose shot was pulled across the goal to go dead. A couple of minutes before half time Emley were lucky not to go behind, from a corner Carnegies Cooper was left unmarked at the far post and his looped header went over the bar.

Emley went into the half time break having had the better chances and must have been rueing the missed opportunities.

At half time the injured Farrell was replaced by Barrick and Quinn was also substituted in favour of Mark Stuart.

Carnegie started the half positively and should have gone one nil up on 50 minutes. A break down the left saw a shot crash again the post, the ball spun across the goal and Green made an excellent save down to his left on the line. The ball was partially cleared, the ball was put back into the box and a subsequent header crashed off the bar and was finally cleared. Carnegie were then disallowed a goal for offside.
It was to be Carnegie who scored first, a speculative ball down the centre went into no man’s land, indecision between the keeper and defence meant that neither were in a position to stop Carnegies Giles. He took it around Green and scored from an acute angle.

Emley replied well and Stuart had a shot from inside the box smartly saved as it looked to spin inside the post. Moments later Carnegie should have doubled their lead. Following a poor Emley corner the visitors broke again quickly down the right. Higginbottom for the second week in a row cleared the resultant shot off the line.

What followed was some very open and entertaining football from both sides. Emley were breaking well from midfield with both Joice and Townsend running hard at the Carnegie defence. It was this combination that lead to the equaliser. A strong run onto a right wing ball by Joice saw Townsend beat a defender at the dead ball line. His drilled cross was deflected in at the near post by the unfortunate Rossitter.

Into the last quarter of the match the win could have gone either way, Barrick headed just over the bar, whilst the ever dangerous Chilton got behind the defence forcing another save from Green.

Carnegie’s best chance came in the last 5 minutes of the game. Emley were caught on a fast break again, Green did well to parry a shot but could only push the ball across the 6 yard box. I won’t name the Carnegie play to spare his blushes, suffice to say the open goal was missed as he lifted his shot over the bar.

A much better performance by Emley based on last week’s performance. Special mention also to Mr Tarbatt – the referee and his team had an excellent game.

AFC Emley: Green, Joice, Hill, Higginbottom, Hazelden, Tomlinson, Quinn Townsend, Kenworthy, Farrell, Clapham. Subs: Stuart (45 mins for Quinn), Barrick (45 min for Farrell), Wilson (69 mins for Tomlinson.

Attendance 119.

Bottesford Town 2 – AFC Emley 1.   Saturday 21st of February 2009. 

Beaten at Bottesford. 

Emley started their first league game in 2 weeks with club captain Andy Farrell and influential midfielder Marc Townsend missing from the line-up. Green continued in goal with Max Joice again playing in defence.

Danny Clapham started the game up front with Steven Kenworthy. Emley started well on what looked like a good playing surface, although it did cut up quite a bit as the game went on. In the second minute a good run and through ball by Joice saw a Kenworthy half volley watched just wide by the Bottesford Keeper.

A minute later a brave header by Gavin Armitage at the back post following a good flick by Kenworthy was well saved by the keeper. Despite this good start Emley were still very tentative in defence and on 8 minutes looked all at sea as Bottesford walked through the centre of the defence culminating in a shot from Turay that keeper Jamie Green got his hands to but couldn’t keep out.

On 11 minutes Bottesford could have been two up had it not been from the crossbar. The home team again finding far too much freedom through the midfield and exposing the defence. The shot rebounded off the bar and was eventually cleared. Emley were poor, frequently relying on the long ball, which time after time ended in touch. On 16 minutes Green made his first save of the game, a scramble in the 6 yard box saw him down well to stop the shot down the centre of goal. Higginbottom had a shot go just wide on 23 minutes, and a few minutes later Lee Hill was booked for a clumsy challenge in the midfield.

Joice was playing well, but was constantly fouled in midfield and 10 minutes before half time the Bottesford number 9 was booked for one such foul on him. Armitage who had a quiet game so far delivered an excellent cross to the back post which Kenworthy met on the volley. Unfortunately it went across the face of the goal and out for dead ball. 

Emley started the second half with the slight wind advantage and within a minute had created a chance. A good interchange between Clapham and Kenworthy produced a cross to the far post. Quinn chose to head the ball and it was saved well by the keeper at his post.

On 62 minutes Joice made way for Mark Stuart. A minute later Emley were almost gifted a goal, a long hopeful ball out of defence was headed backwards by a defender towards the keeper. The pace and direction on the ball caused the keeper to dive to his left to parry the ball, just wide enough to beat the advancing Hill. The same player had another chance on 67 minutes, from a corner the ball was flicked on and fell nicely to him, but he was unable to keep the ball down and it went over the bar. 

Bottesford were still creating  chances as Emley were caught pressing forward, Higginbottom cleared off the line with 20 minutes to go.  On 73 minutes Emley drew level, following and Emley free kick, the ball was cleared long to the half way line. It was picked up by Burgin on the half way line, a lofted ball back into the box to Kenworthy who got the ball from under his feet and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom left corner. On 81 minutes Neesam came on for Clapham. With 5 minutes of normal time to play the Bottesford man of the match scored a screamer. From a throw in the ball was centred and from the edge of the box Smith volleyed the ball into the net past the rooted Green. Overall a disappointing  result for Emley.

Emley back in promotion chase! Dec 30 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner  

AFC EMLEY are right back in the promotion mix. Ian Banks’ side defeated Barton Town 1-0 thanks to a Sean Hazelden header and are piling the pressure on leading clubs in the Northern Counties East League Division I. With four home games on the trot – starting against Askern Villa at the Welfare Ground on Saturday (3.00) – Emley are now aiming to take big strides towards the top two.

A crowd of 162 watched the home victory against Barton and were rewarded with a solid all-round team performance from AFC.

The only goal came on 33 minutes, when Hazelden latched onto a cross from Josh Walsh and planted his header past visiting keeper Craig Turner.

Emley’s defence remained in control of the Barton forwards, while Steve Kenworthy, Lee Hill and Gavin Armitage caused plenty of problems for the visitors.

Max Joice also worked his socks off in midfield to ensure Emley were never threatened, and home players and fans alike felt aggrieved to be denied a second goal.

Awarded a penalty, Hill duly converted, but the referee ruled Emley players had encroached. Instead of awarding a re-take, he gave Barton a goal-kick, much to the bemusement of those involved.

29th Nov. 2008 Examiner report

Emley are outclassed.

Dec 2 2008 by Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AFC EMLEY slumped to their highest Northern Counties East League defeat of the season in front of their highest attendance of 461 as Scarborough ran out 6-1 winners.

Ian Banks’ promotion-chasing side were always second best against the East Coast club formed from the former Football League side.

And they got off to the worst possible start when David Thompson put the Seadogs ahead in the second minute and before Ryan Blott doubled their lead when he headed in a cross from the right.

Tall Emley striker Lee Hill had brought the home side back into the game on the half hour after good work by Danny Clapham who teed up Hill on the edge of the area and he nipped in before driving it under goalkeeper Arron Reid.

Hill then pulled a great chance wide as the Scarborough defence gaped wide open on 35 minutes.

And moments later striker Stephen Kenworthy was denied by great covering tackle from James Waltham, as Scarborough showed signs of weakness.

Hard-working Marc Townsend had a shot blocked while Max Joice was instrumental in setting up a great chance for an equaliser just before the break.

The tigrish midfielder drove in a cross from the left, Hill rose and flicked the header on to Kenworthy but the keeper just beat him to the ball.

But Emley were then hit by a sucker punch in first half stoppage time when Daniel Gray made it 3-1 when he slotted home a shot which cannoned back out off a post.

Scarborough’s Carl Wood was also lucky to take part in the second half when he appeared to shove Townsend to the frost-covered ground alongside the cricket field edge, but only received a booking.

Scarborough made it 4-1 on 49 minutes when Scott Phillips went down after the faintest of touches by Townsend and he picked himself up to convert from the spot.

Despite the game running away from Emley, they continued to compete but appeared just a yard slower than their Division I rivals in key areas on the pitch.

Blott added his second and Scarborough’s fifth on 77 minutes before Emley’s Hill forced a spectacular one-handed tip over the bar from Reid after Joice’s floated free-kick.

Then, in the final minutes, Scarborough added insult to injury when Emley stand-in goalkeeper James Oldroyd (Bradford Park Avenue) – drafted in when it was known Mick Clarke had been suspended – appeared to shove Phillips when he came to gather the ball and Mark Griffin added the sixth and second penalty of the match.

Emley remain fifth to Scarborough’s third while leaders Askern Villa remain ahead of Pontefract Collieries on goal difference after a 2-0 win at home to Teversal.

AFC Emley: Holroyd, Higginbottom, Leech, Fulton (Hirst, 60mins), Hazelden, Joice, Quinn, Townsend, Kenworthy (Green, 55mins), Clapham (Armitage, 60mins), Hill.

Referee: John Cunningham.

22 Nov 2008 - Officials take centre stage Pontefract Collieries 1 - 0 AFC Emley

AFC Emley may have lost this crucial top of the table fixture to Pontefract but it was the Officials and in particular the Referee who took centre stage. Although Dean Lackie latched on to a mistake by Emley keeper Clark to score the only goal of the game it was Referee Waddington who sent off both Clark and Manager Banks at half time and then crucially disallowed an injury time "equaliser" by Hill for what he described as impeding by Kenworthy.


Emley drop points against Ponty. Nov 25 2008 by Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A DEAN LACKIE strike presented Pontefract Collieries with an important three points against AFC Emley in the Northern Counties East League.Ian Banks’ Division I title-chasers, who had been second ahead of the match, lost 1-0 to Lackie’s 38th minute effort for Pontefract, who had been in third place.It was a disappointing result ahead of Saturday’s key Welfare Ground clash against Scarborough Athletic.

Replacing the Seadogs, who had a free weekend, at the top of the table are Askern Villa, while Pontefract moved second followed by Scarborough, Barton Town Old Boys – who have hauled themselves into promotion contention – then Emley, now fifth.Lackie’s strike, only his second of the campaign, was created when he took advantage of uncertainty in the Emley penalty area and he was free to tap into an open net.

At half time Emley goalkeeper Mick Clarke was sent-off after an incident in the tunnel, forcing substitute Matt Neesam to don the gloves for the second period.Ten-man Emley really chased hard for an equaliser and dominated the second half.Then, with 15 minutes to go, Pontefract striker Josh Stacey was red-carded for violent conduct, when he appeared to attempt a head-butt on Anthony Leech.Frustration then turned into disappointment in injury time when AFC felt they were robbed of a point. Lee Hill rose to head in a corner, but to most people’s surprise the referee disallowed the goal when it was alleged Steven Kenworthy had obstructed Pontefract goalkeeper Andy Joburns.Even Joburns and the Pontefract defence left the field looking bewildered they had hung on to all three points.Emley are hoping for a bumper crowd on Saturday, especially with Town not having a game, when they host Scarborough, who also have a large following of fans these days.

Emley striker and club captain Andy Farrell was today seeing a specialist for an update on his injury. He had surgery after suffering a double break of the jaw earlier this month.

AFC miss chance to close gap. Nov 13 2008 by Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AFC EMLEY missed out on the chance to pile pressure on Northern Counties East League leaders Scarborough when they lost 1-0 at Tadcaster.Ian Banks’ injury-ravished squad, second in Division I, lost out to a Tadcaster side who belied their third-from-bottom position.A wickedly-deflected goal from experienced striker Douglas Goodwin cost Emley three points and they remain four behind Scarborough and are now level on 15 games played.Sean Hazelden and Max Joice were the key men once again for Emley, who were without five first-team regulars through injuries.

And there is some concern that Joice, who may have suffered a recurrence of an old back injury, will be available for Saturday’s Welfare Ground clash against Yorkshire Amateur (3.00).Victory on Saturday would provide a welcome platform ahead of two key matches against third-placed Pontefract Collieries (away, Nov 22) and leaders Scarborough Athletic at home on November 29.

Emley hold on to second place. Nov 11 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

STEVE KENWORTHY scored a cracking hat trick as AFC Emley established themselves in second place in the Northern Counties East League Division I table.In-form Kenworthy notched on 29 and 45 minutes, but it wasn’t until five minutes from time that he completed his hat trick as Ian Banks’ side scored a 4-2 win at Teversal.Mark Stuart was the other Emley marksman, although the game turned sour for him when he was sent-off for a second successive match for a rash challenge 14 minutes from time.

Emley had earlier lost defender Anthony Leach to a suspected cracked shin bone, Jamie Clayton going on and playing up front in a re-jig. Teversal’s scorers were Kyle Gee-Pemberton and Colin Cockerill.

AFC are back in action tonight at Tadcaster Albion and then entertain Yorkshire Amateurs at the Welfare Ground on Saturday (3.00).


Points dropped by AFC Emley

Nov 4 2008 by Linzi Nicholson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TITLE-CHASING AFC Emley dropped two points when they were held to a goalless draw at home by Worsbrough Bridge Athletic in the Northern Counties East League.Ian Banks’ side now trail Division I leaders Scarborough Athletic by four points, but have a game in hand, while Pontefract Collieries are level with Emley on 29 points.

Emley did everything but score during an entertaining match in which Worsbrough, in the bottom half of the table, could also have stolen the points.Worsbrough’s Peter Hirst was guilty of squandering a gilt-edged chance on 53 minutes when substitute Ryan Pleasants’ precision corner was headed straight to grateful goalkeeper Mick Clarke.And Lee Hill should have won it for Emley on 83 minutes but his downward header, from Max Joice’s floated free-kick, was saved on the line by keeper Andy Brooke.Worsbrough had the best of the opening exchanges with Emley allowing them too much time and space to run at them.

But, after they made the corrections, and with livewire Joice increasing the midfield tempo, Emley created enough chances to have won the game themselves.Hill, supporting strikers Steve Kenworthy and Andy Farrell, went close on 18 minutes when his header from Paul Quinn’s long ball went straight to the keeper.And soon after Joice picked out Farrell who laid it off for Kenworthy, but the keeper made a good save.Quinn was also denied before Marc Townsend tested the keeper again, but Brooke did well as the winter sun hampered his vision.

The match continued in similar style after the break, Farrell creating a chance for Townsend on 50 minutes but he pulled it wide of the left post.

As Emley were piling on the pressure late on Farrell appeared to be struck in the face by a defender and was carried off on a stretcher, but the referee did not give a penalty much to the astonishment of the supporters.Worsbrough’s Martin Scully was sent off for a second yellow card deep in stoppage time and Hill was denied a last-gasp winner yet again by the keeper.

Emley face Worsbrough again tomorrow night (7.45) at the Welfare Ground in the second round of the Sheffield Senior Cup.

AFC Emley: Mick Clark, Matt Higginbottom, Antony Leech (Matt Neesam, 61mins), Scott Fulton, Sean Hazelden, Max Joice, Paul Quinn, Marc Townsend, Steve Kenworthy, Andy Farrell (Jamie Bramald, 80mins), Lee Hill. Sub not used: Richard Hirst.

Attendance: 106.

Kenworthy hat-trick for AFCOct 21 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

STEVE KENWORTHY bagged a fine hat trick as AFC scored a 4-1 home win against Rossington Main in the Northern Counties East Division I at the Welfare Ground on Saturday.

Rossington were the better team in the first half and led through Michael Macdonald, but the game turned before the break when visiting keeper Lee Appleby and captain Matthew Lodge were both sent off.Anthony Leech levelled for Ian Banks’s side seven minutes after the break but they had to be patient for Kenworthy’s hat trick, with the goals coming on 77, 80 and 87 minutes.
Last night, Kenworthy bagged another two goals as AFC beat Leeds Carnegie 3-2 in the league over at Throstle Nest.Kenworthy notched after three minutes but AFC went behind to a Sean Hazelden own goal and a strike by Andy Cooper, who was later sent off. Marc Townsend equalised and Kenworthy’s winner came on 78.AFC have been drawn against Worsbrough Bridge Athletic in the Sheffield Senior Challenge Cup and will play at the Welfare Ground on Wednesday, November 5 (7.45)