Club News 2008 to 2009
Reserve Team Manager Required
As the club look to improve upon last season’s league position of 8th place it is our intention to form a reserve team in order to bolster the first team squad and bring new players into the club. An application has been made to enter the West Riding County Amateur League and we are now looking for a manager for this side. For further information and to apply for the post please contact club secretary John Whitehead on 07754714023 or email: johnrwhitehead@uwclub.net
03/06/09 Pre-season Training Information
Pre-season training starts on Wednesday 1st July (meet 6.45pm for 7pm start) at Shelley College, Huddersfield. Training will be held each Monday and Wednesday evening up to the start of the season. All players both old and new are welcome to attend.
02/06/09 Ground Improvements
We are extremely grateful to Kirklees MC for their recent contribution towards improvements to the Welfare Ground. We have received a grant to enable the purchase of a new storage container for the groundsmans equipment and installation of replacement seats in the main stand. The seats were purchased from league rivals Brighouse Town who had in turn acquired a larger quantity from Scunthorpe United. Volunteers are invited to the ground each Thursday throughout the season for maintenance works starting from 6.00pm.
17/05/09. Player of the Season Awards
The end of season player of the year awards were held last night at the AFC Emley Sports Bar. All three awards were closely contested and were won by three different players.
The Supporters Player of the Year award was won by leading goalscorer Steve Kenworthy. Centre forward Steve was the clubs leading goalscorer this season weighing in with 23 goals in all competitions.
Centre half Sean Hazelden picked up the players player of the year. Sean missed just 2 games all season and deputised as team captain throughout most of the season.
The chairman’s player of the year award picked by Graham Roys went to Max Joice. Max was by far the clubs most improved player this season and was asked play in a number of positions finishing the season at right back he won the admiration of both players and supporters alike.
Emley Boosted By Town Friendly
AFC Emley will host Huddersfield Town in a pre-season friendly on Friday 17th July at the Welfare Ground (Kick off 7.00pm). This is a huge boost to the club in the current financial climate and we are hoping for a good turnout from both Emley and Town Fans.
The match will be the first visit of new Town manager Lee Clarke to the Welfare Ground and Emley will be looking to improve on last season’s heavy 8-0 defeat. More friendly dates will be announced here on the website in due course.
Help Required!!
Enthusiastic volunteers are required to carry out some routine ground maintenance throughout the close season. We invite all interested parties come up to the Welfare Ground each Thursday Evening from 6.00pm. The bar will open afterwards!
18/04/09. Emley close season with a draw
Emley closed their account for the season with a 2-2 draw at Appleby Frodingham. The result leaves Emley in 6th place in the league but they could slip as low as 8th if Bottesford Town and Leeds Carnegie win their final games in hand. Bottesford recorded the biggest victory of the day with an 8-0 win over lowly Glasshoughton which has done their goal difference the world of good.
Our congratulations go out today to Rainworth MW made certain of the second automatic promotion place with a comfortable 0 - 3 win at Worsborough Bridge.
11/04/09 Glasshoughton Welfare 0 - AFC Emley 3.
Emley took all 3 points away from their visit to Glasshoughton. Goals from Matt Neesam, Josh Nodder and a Jamie Green penalty! See match reports page for full write up.
08/04/09AFC
Emley 1 - 1 Hemsworth MW
Emley recorded their third successive draw at home to Hemsworth this evening in front of a crowd of 109. The game set off at a great pace with both sides playing entertaining end to end football.
Emley just about edged the first half and Steve Kenworthy was unlucky not to put away one of at least three good chances. In the second half Hemsworth tested the Emley defence and some slack defending let Lee Smith in on 65 minutes to put the visitors a goal up.
Emley fought back as Kenworthy made amends for his earlier misses stabbing home from close range with his 23rd goal of the season on 73 minutes. Both sides had good chances to snatch a winner late on. Emley's most notable effort came from a long range effort from Josh Nodder.
Nodder put in another impressive performance on the left wing creating a number of chances for the strikers. Also worthy of a mention was Max Joice who had an excellent game at right back, tackling back and providing the frontline with some great through balls.
An entertaining game from start to finish by two good footballing sides who should certainly push for better things next season.
04/04/09. Yorkshire Amateur 1 - 1 AFC Emley
AFC Emley drew their second consecutive game on the road at Yorkshire Amateur. Their hosts took the lead in the first half after some poor Emley defending. Emley equalised early in the second half through a Lee Hill header after an excellent cross by Josh Nodder.
The result leaves Emley in 6th place.
03/04/09. Match Preview - Yorkshire Amateurs V AFC Emley.
Manager Ian Banks has more selection headaches ahead of Saturday's fixture at Chapeltown based Yorkshire Amateur (Kick off 3.00pm). Matt Higginbothom, Max Joice and captain Andy Farrell are all out after picking up injuries against Grimsby on Wednesday evening.Striker Danny Clapham will be back in contention after being ruled out of Wednesday's game due to work commitments. Lee Hill also returns to the squad after injury.Winger Josh Nodder is in line for a full debut after appearing as sub in the last two games as is new signing Danny Frost.
Squad: Clark, Leech, Fulton, Hazelden, Frost, Townsend, Hill, Nodder, Barrick, Kenworthy, Stuart, Thomlinson, Thomas, Clayton.
01/04/09. Emley held by Grimsby
AFC Emley and Grimsby Borough fought out a goalless draw tonight at Brigg Town's The Hawthorns ground. The result leaves Emley in 6th place a point behind Staveley MW and Barton Town OB with both sides having games in hand and better goal difference. Emley dominated the first half of the game with the Grimsby keeper pulling off a number of good saves. Emley lost Matt Higginbottom and Max Joice to injuries forcing them to shuffle their side in the second half.
Josh Nodder came off the bench and put in an impressive performance but Emley were unable to break down a stubborn Grimsby defence.
Manager Ian Banks has more selection headaches ahead of Saturday's fixture with Higginbottom and Joice both serious doubts.
Captain Andy Farrell is also facing a battle with fitness after suffering a groin strain. Danny Clapham will be back in contention after being ruled out of tonight’s game due to work commitments.
31/03/09 Match Preview - Grimsby Borough FC V AFC Emley.
Emley travel to The Hawthorns, home of Brigg Town tomorrow evening to face 15th place Grimsby Borough. Emley manager Ian Banks will be looking to build on Saturdays 4-2 home victory over Teversal which he described as his sides "best and worst display of the season so far". Two nil down within half an hour and not looking like threatening the Teversal goal Emley were inspired by a lethal Andy Farrell who notched two goals and sparked an Emley fightback.
Banks will be looking for a similar performance to the second half display but once again will be forced to shuffle his squad. Lee Hill misses once again after sustaining an injury and Danny Clapham is unavailable due to work commitments. Mark Stuart and Scott Fulton return to the squad as does Darren Barrick who is back from suspension.
Emley recorded a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Grimsby earlier at the home fixture back in August. They will be hoping for more of the same on Wednesday evening in their quest to secure a top four finish and guarantee a place in next seasons FA Cup.
Squad: Clarke, Leech, Armitage, Higginbottom, Fulton, Hazelden, Townsend, Kenworthy, Farrell, Thomas, Banks, Nodder, Clayton, Barrick, Stuart.
Many thanks in advance to the Emley fans who intend to make the journey to the game - your loyal support is as always hugely appreciated.
28/03/09. Emley bounce back with 4 goal comeback
Emley produced a stirring second half performance to bounce back from a 0-2 first half deficit to beat Teversal 4-2 for the second time this season. Emley conceded straight from a corner after just 4 minutes and some more slack defending led to another Teversal goal soon after.
Whatever manager Ian Banks said to the players at half time obviously had the desired effect as they began the second half playing with much more composure and confidence.
Captain Andy Farrell scored Emley's first with a chip over the oncoming keeper from about 15 yards out. He then notched an equaliser with a great first time finish from close range.
Emley went in front when leading scorer Steve Kenworthy slotted the ball past Teversal’s keeper after good work from Farrell. Kenworthy then turned provider for Ollie Banks who powered home a stunning 4th goal from the edge of the box.
Well done lads - a stunning comeback and a well-deserved victory.
27/03/09 Banks Looks for Improvements
AFC Emley go into Saturdays home fixture with Teversal (Kick off 3.00pm) hoping to improve on two consecutive defeats. Their Nottinghamshire based opponents are also going through a disappointing spell also defeats in their last two games.
Emley will be looking to complete a double over Teversal after recording a 4-2 victory at their Carnarvon Road ground back in November when the goals came from Mark Stuart and a Steve Kenworthy hat trick.
Emley manager Ian Banks has a depleted squad with most of his back line injured or unavailable. Young centre back Tom Burgin has returned to Rotherham, Matt Neesham has a broken foot and Max Joice and Scott Fulton are both unavailable. Also missing from the squad is striker Darren Barrick who is suspended.
Coming back into the side however is the versatile Lee Hill who has missed the last 3 games through suspension and a broken toe. Banks also includes two new names in the squad. Ex-Thackley centre half Jermaine Springer and Josh Nodder a left winger formerly a
Rotherham junior may well get a run out as Banks looks to add to his squad for next season.
Squad: Green Higginbottom, Hazeldean, Leech, Stuart, Townsend, Kennworthy, Farrell, Thomas, Armitage Thomas, Wilson, Clapham, Springer, Nodder,
21/03/09. Worsbrough Bridge Ath 3-2 AFC Emley.
Emley slumped to their second consecutive defeat today at Worsbrough. They went in two goals down at half time only to fight back in the second half with goals from Steve Kenworthy and a Andy Farrell penalty won by Marc Townsend.
Bridge however managed to force a winner in the dying minutes of the game. Emley stay in fifth place with but with the clubs behind them starting to gain points on them a top five finish might now be slipping away from them.
In today’s other games Scarborough finally clinched promotion with a 1-2 victory at Teversal. Congratulations to them from all at AFC Emley.
20/03/09. Match Preview: Worsbrough Bridge Ath V AFC Emley
AFC Emley make a short trip to Barnsley based Worsbrough Bridge Athletic on Saturday (kick off 3.00pm). They will be looking to bounce back from a heavy 4-0 reversal against Staveley last Saturday. Manager Ian Banks brings back towering striker Darren Barrick and midfielder James Tomlinson with Rotherham youngsters Tom Burgin and Danny Wilson unavailable.
The last league meeting between the two sides in November ended in a 0-0 stalemate with Emley loosing influential captain Andy Farrell with a broken jaw. Farrell is back leading the line on Saturday partnering 20 goal striker Steven Kenworthy and both will be out looking for goals on Saturday.Emley are currently in fifth place and will be looking to consolidate that position with a number of other clubs behind them now catching up on points.
Worsbrough are currently 16th in the table and come into the fixture after defeats at Scarborough and Leeds Carnegie over the last seven days.
Emley Squad: Green, Joice, Higginbottom, Hazeleden, Leech, Clapham, Townsend, Kenworthy, Farrell, Armitage, Stuart, Thomas, Barrick, Thomlinson.
16/03/09. Promotion Relegation Latest from NCEL
The following statement has been released by the NCEL. This pretty much confirms that it will only be the top two clubs from the NCEL Division 1 who will be promoted this season. Promotion/Relegation Update Following a meeting of the FA's Leagues Committee earlier this month, this is the situation now regarding promotion and relegation within the KoolSport NCEL.
Two teams will be relegated from the Premier Division into Division One.
If there are two or more teams in the Premier Division without an F grade for their ground at the end of this month then the two lowest placed of those teams when the season finishes will be relegated.
If there is only one team without an F grade then they will be relegated along with the bottom placed team with an F grade.
If all teams have an F grade then the bottom two sides in the table will be relegated as normal.
The relegated sides will be replaced in the top flight by the two highest placed teams in Division One with a G grade.
These promoted sides will then have a year to achieve an F grade - failure to do so would mean relegation back into Division One.
14/03/09. AFC Emley 0-4 Staveley MW
Emley suffered a heavy home defeat against a much improved Staveley side although the game was much less one-sided than the scoreline suggests.
Emley had three goals disallowed within the first half hour of the game by the linesman. Playing down the slope with a strong wind at their backs they had the bulk of the first half posession and created a number of chances which when not ruled out for offside was well dealt with by the Staveley keeper. Staveley made the best of their limited opportunities and striker Lee Gregory put away two well taken goals to make the score at half time 0-2.
To their credit Emley continued to play good football after the break and pushed forward to try claw back the deficit. Their efforts were to no avail as Staveley notched two more goals through Morris and Colley. The latter of which looked to have been cleared off the line by Max Joice but on this occasion the linesman flagged for a goal. The result leaves Emley in fifth place in the NCEL First Division.
13/03/09 AFC Emley v Staveley MW Match Preview
AFC Emley goes into Saturdays home fixture with Staveley MW (Kick Off 3.00pm) with hopes of promotion to the NCEL Premier still hanging in the balance. The NCEL committee have announced that a number of teams from premier division could face relegation to the first division if their grounds are not up to standard by the end of March. This could open the door for teams outside the top two places (including Emley) for promotion. Runaway leaders Scarborough are virtually assured of top spot and Askern Villa look strong contenders for second place with Rainworth, Pontefract and Emley occupying the next three places.
Emley are currently in 5th place and will be looking to improve on their goalless draw at Rossington last Saturday. Staveley are on a long unbeaten run of 12 games in the league and are in 10th place. Staveley recorded an impressive 5-0 victory over Bottesford Town to put them through to the final of the Wilkinson Sword Trophy. Leading scorer Lee Gregory notching a hat trick in the first 18 minutes of the game.
Manager Ian Banks is still without centre back Tom Burgin and utility man Lee Hill. Young striker Jamie Clayton gets a recall back into the squad.
Squad: Green, Joice, Leech, Higginbottom, Hazeleden, Wilson (D), Stuart, Townsend, Kenworthy, Thomas, Armitage, Tomlinson, Farrell, Clapham, Clayton.
07/03/09 Emley Held at Rossington
Emley were held to a disappointing 0-0 at Rossington and missed out on a great chance to move up the league table. After a poor first half showing strikers Danny Clapham and Andy Farrell were brought on to add more firepower but were unable to break down a stubborn Rossington defence.
Steve Kenworthy missed a penalty after being brought down in the box on 94 mins.
Emley stay in fifth place on 50 points level with Pontefract who today drew with Worsborough Bridge. In the result of the day Rainworth were held to a 1-1 draw by bottom club Glasshoughton. Hemsworth lost to Scarborough, Bottesford triumphed over Barton and Askern had no game so the top five remain the same.
04/04/09 Emley Earn Impressive Victory
AFC Emley ground out an impressive 1-0 victory at home to third place Rainworth MW. Striker Steve Kenworthy bundled home the winning goal (his 20th of the season) from close range towards the end of the first half. Emley dominated much of the first half and could easily have gone in with a greater margin with new signing Zeph Thomas missing a penalty.
Rainworth pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half but Emley's defence stayed firm as Sean Hazelden and Tom Burgin put in solid performances. Jamie Green also made some important saves.
Rainworth had two men deservedly sent off towards the end of the half in what hadn't before been a particularly dirty game. All in all a well deserved win after a real team effort.
Emley stay in fifth place but draw level on points with Pontefract with a game in hand.
03/03/09 Emley’s Tough Test. Emley V Rainworth MW – Wednesday 3rd March (Kick of 7.45pm)
Emley face a tough test on Wednesday evening when they entertain 3rd placed Rainworth MW in a Northern Counties East League first division clash. Emley who drew 1-1 with Leeds Carnegie on Saturday are without strikers Andy Farrell, Danny Clapham and Darren Barrick. Steve Kenworthy the clubs leading scorer (19 goals) is likely to be paired with versatile Lee Hill up front.
New signing Zeph Thomas, a striker goes into the squad and Anthony Leech and Tom Burgin are available once again. Rainworth recorded an impressive 7-2 victory over Rossington Main on Saturday with striker Ant Lynam notching 5 goals.
Squad: Green, Higginbottom, Burgin, Hazelden, Armitage, Hill, Joice, Quinn, Leech, Neesam, Wilson,Townsend, Kenworthy, Tomlinson, Stuart, Clayton, Thomas.
28/02/09 Emley Remain in Fifth
AFC Emley were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds Carnegie. Emley didn't make the best of a series of early chances and went behind midway through the second back. They hit back after a Carnegie defender turned in Marc Townsends shot. At the top of the table Scarborough edged closer to the title with a 1-0 victory over Rossington.
Askern stay second winning comfortably 3-0 at home against Glasshoughton. Rainworth who visit the Welfare Ground on Wednesday evening move up to third place with a crushing 7-2 victory at home to Tadcaster.
26/02/09. AFC Emley v Leeds Carnegie Team Match Preview
AFC Emley are in action at the Welfare Ground on Saturday against Leeds Carnegie (kick off 3.00pm). They will be looking to improve on last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Bottesford Town which saw them drop to 5th place in the Northern Counties East League First Division. Carnegie who currently occupy 8th in the league and are predominantly made up of students from Leeds Met university featuring ex-Emley winger Kyle Hawthorne among their numbers.
Emley manager has a strong squad for the fixture with captain Andy Farrell and midfielder Marc Townsend returning to the squad. Darren Barrick a powerful forward just signed from Wakefield starts on the bench. Anthony Leech is unavailable.
Squad: Green, Higginbottom, Burgin, Hazelden, Armitage, Hill, Joice, Quinn, Neesam, Townsend, Farrell Kenworthy, Clapham, Tomlinson, Stuart, Clayton, Barrick.
BOTTESFORD TOWN V AFC EMLEY 21/2/2009
AFC Emley face an away trip to Bottesford Town this Saturday (3pm) and are hoping to keep their promotion chase on target. The Scunthorpe based club are currently in 9th place in the Northern Counties East First Division with Emley occupying 4th. This is Emley’s first game for two weeks after their last three fixtures were postponed due to the recent weather whilst Bottesford are looking to bounce back from a 6-0 defeat at runaway leaders Scarborough last weekend.
17/02/09. Promotion and Relegation from the NCEL
The following statement is taken from the NCEL website:
The KoolSport Northern Counties East League has explained the situation, as far as is possible, regarding promotion and relegation this summer.
The Football Association have confirmed that only one club will be promoted from NCEL to the UniBond League this season and one club will be relagated from the UniBond League to the Premier Division of the NCEL.
The bottom two clubs in the Premier Division will be relegated to Division One and the top two clubs in Division One will be promoted to the Premier Division.
All Premier Division clubs must have achieved FA ground grading Grade F by 31st March 2009.
Any club failing to achieve this grading will be relegated to Divison One, irrespective of final league placing. This would be in addition to the bottom two placed clubs.
Should any club(s) be relegated from the Premier Division because of ground grading issues then the equivalent number of extra clubs will be promoted from Division One based on final league placings. This will be irrespective of current ground grading.
All clubs promoted from Division One will have until 31st March 2010 to achieve FA ground grading Grade F.
Failure to achieve this will result in relegation back to Division One at the end of season 2009/10.
The FA have deferred the requirement for Step 6 clubs (Division One) to achieve Grade G until 31st March 2010.
This means that the new clubs into the League this season, four of whom at the time of entry were not up to Grade G standard, now have a further year to achieve this standard.
The League are in discussions with the Football Association Leagues Manager regarding the possibility of "Feeder Leagues" at Step 7 and have met five leagues who are interested in becoming feeder leagues to the NCEL.
The League have received a number of serious enquiries from clubs wishing to join the NCEL.
16/02/09. Our home fixture against Hemsworth MW has now been rescheduled for Wednesday 8th April at 7.45pm.
14/02/09. Following a pitch inspection at 9.30am this afternoon’s game V Hemsworth MW has been postponed. Details of the re-arranged fixture will be published as soon as we have them.
11/02/09. Tonight’s game at Grimsby Borough has been cancelled due to a frozen pitch. The fixture will now be played on Wednesday 1st of April.
18/01/09. Huddersfield Irish to play FA Sunday Cup at Emley
Huddersfield Irish, who, were due to play Shropshire side Dawley Bank at AFC Telford's ground on Sunday had a wasted journey.
Having reached Kiele Services on the M6 they were told by the home club that the field was waterlogged.
As this was the second time the game had been postponed it can be transferred to Huddersfield. The "Irish" club officials acted quickly to put the game on at The Welfare Ground Emley on Sunday 25th January Kick Off 2pm.
AFC Emley's Paul Quinn is Player/Manager of The Huddersfield Irish side who have reached the last 16 of this Carlsberg FA National Sunday Cup competition and are eager to reach the next round with an away tie awaiting the winners.A good crowd is hoped to spur on the "home" side.