Club News
31.05.11 - Club Presentation Evening.
The end of season club presenation evening will take place at The Grange, Grange Moor on Saturday the 4th of June 2011. It starts at 7.30 pm with the presentations commencing at 8.00 pm.
10.05.11 Dudley Hill v AFC Emley Reserves Saturday 14th May 2011.
The reserves final game of the season at Dudley Hill will kick off at 1.00 pm due to the FA Cup final. Tremendous results in the last few games has resulted in 13 goals scored from Bram and Ray's team. Bay Athletic comprehensively beat salts 4 -1 in their last game. Leaving the future of which league the reserves will be playing in next season in their own hands. Bay Athletic have 3 games to play, but as the club already have a team in the Premier Division they would not be allowed to progress. Ventus /Yeadon Celtic have 2 games to play, but with 2 wins can only amass 51 points, the same tally as Emley as they approach their last game.
Emley will know what they have to do by Saturday to secure promotion, as Salts who sit 1 point behind Emley from the same number of games face Ventus / Yeadon Celtic on Wednesday evening at Dam Lane in Yeadon. Hopefully I can make that game so will let Rob have the updates for facebook.
Regardless of the Salts result, Emley will know that 3 points on Saturday will secure a second successive promotion. If you can make the game on Saturday I am sure that the team would welcome your support.
The ground can be found at Newhall Park Primary School, Newhall Road, Bierley, Bradford, BD4 6AF, not far from the top of the M606.
Martin
30.05.11 - Darren Hepworths Program Notes.
Below featured in the programme prior to the game with Louth. For the information of all Supporters here is what Darren had to say.
Today's game brings to a close what has been a memorable season for all sorts of reasons. Going into this game we have an opportunity of securing a top 8 finish and considering we were 17th in the league at the end of November that is a fantastic achievement by the players and everyone associated with the running of this fantastic football club. In my mind that's almost up there with winning a cup. Anything higher than 8th would be a record for us so we have everything to play for this afternoon. Put simply that has been my mentality since taking over at the end of November.
Some of you will remember that I came in with the intention of putting out teams that were committed and those loyal supporters (yes you!) paying their hard earned cash would see that in our performances. I also impressed upon the importance of working hard to create the right environment and enjoying our football. The reality is that if we got those elements right then the results would come. Of course that is far easier to say and it takes considerable effort collectively to make that happen. But that's what we have done and believe me this is just the start.
I could pick so many games that have been memorable for me this season -beating Ponty at home, Barton (home and away!), Yorkshire Ammers away and strangely although we lost both games against Staveley I thought our performances against them were outstanding. Beating Eccleshill was a decent result and one with an edge with the return of Banger and Grant. Ian Banks was a true professional in every sense - an excellent footballer and manager and someone whom I respect greatly - he did a great job here and I know many of you still appreciate what he has done for this football club both on and off the field. Banger and I still converse regularly and I know he is desperate to finish above us in the league (they are 3 points behind us going into the final game with a slightly better goal difference!!). Of course the one I won't forget is my first game back in middle of December when we beat Shirebrook Town 2-1 after extra time in the cup - a brilliant night - especially getting one over on the highly regarded Rudy Funk (who is now at Scarborough).
You may recall the bad weather we had through the end of November and most of December - in fact it was the 3rd January before I took charge of my first league game - literally five weeks into the job. Those five weeks were a blessing in disguise as I was able to sort out our squad and spend some time working with the players - it was almost like a pseudo preseason. I fundamentally believe it was those hours of training and working hard to build a collective spirit that laid the foundation for our surge up the league.
Believe me we have a very special and talented group of players at this football club who I can proudly say wear the AFC Emley shirt on a consistent basis. Yes we have our off days but the level of commitment that these guys have shown on and off the field have transformed this football club in half a season - they are a real credit to themselves. I'm already deep into our plans for preseason and what we need for next season so watch this space - although my first priority is looking after those we want to keep here. I'm certainly not planning any holiday (although don't tell my wife!!). My priority will be to continue to attract the best local talent -players who really understand the DNA of this football club.
Clearly AFC Emley is steeped in history and tradition and whilst you can fall into the trap of collapsing under the expectation I'd rather focus on writing new chapters.....and that is what we have started to do. It will take time however I've seen enough from the performances this season to know we are on the right track and with the right additions we will be areal challenger for promotion next season.
I mentioned earlier that it takes considerable effort collectively to be successful. We have a fantastic committee (Graeme Dodgson, Rob Dixon, Allan Hird, Richard Hazelden, John Mason & Nicky Bramald) who together with Chairman Graham Roys and Secretary John Whitehead have given everything to this football club over the past few years. I hope we can add to this hard working group over the summer to help share some of the responsibility and of course enjoy our future success!
Our committee is backed by so many wonderful volunteers without whom we just would not be able to function. These people give up their own time to wash the kit, work the turnstiles, help out in the bar, make tea and coffee....the list goes on. At the risk of genuinely missing off someone take it from me even if it was just for one game - thank you. One person who just keeps going is Ray Chappell. One of the reasons that we are respected widely as a football club is the facilities and playing surface - that is a testimony to Ray's continuing effort and that is truly appreciated. I have promised Ray that we will warm up in different parts of the pitch next season!!!
A special thanks to Martin Wharam & Rob Dixon who provide such graphic summaries of our performances and I have to add take a very balanced view - even if sometimes I'd rather not be reminded!!
Someone once said to me that you are judged by the company you keep. Well I'm privileged to work with an excellent management team and they have been outstanding in their support of me and their contribution to this football club. Micky Reid is a class act, a top player in his day, he is a first class coach and we are fortunate to have his knowledge and experience here. John Mason is an AFC Emley man through and through. Despite his allegiance to Leeds United (!) he is someone I trust implicitly and his football insight and observation is priceless to me. Annette Tindsley is a first class physio - the lads absolutely love "Janet" and she is destined for a great career in sports therapy. Nicky Bramald, Ray Dennis & Danny Murphy have done a superb job with the Reserves this season and at the time of writing still have a real chance of promotion up to the West Riding County Premier Division. I could not have taken this opportunity running the first team without their support and I for one will not forget that.
So when you put all these pieces together at the core are you - our very loyal supporters. You have no idea how proud it makes me feel to see such fantastic support both home and away. I would like to personally thank you for your wonderful support since day one and even on the rare occasions where we have fallen short you have been considerate. I speak to many of you and I hope you will continue to let me know your thoughts and opinions and most importantly keep supporting the players. Your support and encouragement have been a major factor in the players understanding what playing for this football club means - more of that next season and I'm confident we will deliver real success in terms of promotions and cups.
I have saved my final word for my predecessor Darren Bland. Darren is a true gentleman and someone who really impressed me during the relatively short time I worked with him - he has an excellent football brain which is why he was offered the position at Sheffield United Academy. He worked tirelessly and take it from me he deeply wanted to succeed - and he wasn't far away. Darren and I have stayed in touch - he remains a true follower of this football club and I very much hope we will see him up at the Welfare Ground next season.
So after reading all of that you have probably missed most of what I hope is an absorbing and exciting game with us coming away with another great win.....the way this season has gone I wouldn't rule out 6-5!
Thank you again for your fantastic support and look forward to seeing you all next season.
Cheers
Daz
28.04.11 - Louth Town Match Preview.
Emley entertain 6th placed Louth Town at the Welfare Ground on Saturday (3.00pm) in their final game of the season.
Darren Hepworth's side are currently 8th in the table and need a point to consolidate that position and whilst the visitors are just 3 points ahead of them in the table Emley would need an unlikely 7 goal victory margin to leapfrog them. Emley go into the game inspired by a 3-1 win at 3rd placed Barton last saturday courtesy of a Dean Wharam hat trick whilst Louth are unbeaten in their last six.
Since taking over as manager in November Hepworth has turned the fortunes of his side around, elevating them from 17th place and speaking ahead of the game he has heaped praise upon his players.
"We have a very special and talented group of players at this football club who I can proudly say wear the AFC Emley shirt on a consistent basis. Yes we have our off days but the level of commitment that these guys have shown on and off the field have transformed this football club in half a season - they are a real credit to themselves."
"The support and encouragement of the fans has been a major factor in the players understanding what playing for this football club means - more of that next season and I'm confident we will deliver real success in terms of promotions and cups."
"Looking ahead, I'm already deep into our plans for preseason and what we need for next season so watch this space - although my first priority is looking after those we want to keep here. My priority will be to continue to attract the best local talent -players who really understand the DNA of this football club."
Hepworth has no injury concerns ahead of the game and names a full strength squad with Mark Stuart and Teo Ringrose returning to the side.
Squad: Clark, Reid, Ingham, Tayo, Washington, Colley, Hazelden, Stuart, Wharam, Kenworthy, Ringrose, Amos, Townsend, Dowling, Roberts, Horton, Cyrus, Irving, Wheelton.
31.03.11 - Brodsworth Match Preview.
Emley host basement side Brodsworth at the Welfare Ground on Saturday (3.00pm kick off) as they look to extend their fine unbeaten run to 9 games.
Darren Hepworth’s men have won 6 of their last 8 league games which has propelled them to 9th in the table and the manager has his sights set on a higher finish.
“The last two seasons under Ian Banks we finished in 8th place both times. We want to beat this and I don’t think a top 5 finish is out of the question if we carry on playing the way we have been and other results go our way.”
This would be a huge achievement for Hepworth who took over a side struggling for form and 3rd from bottom of the table in November.
Brodsworth, however have found life difficult after they were relegated from the NCEL Premier last season. They have picked up just 2 points from 33 games and conceded 119 goals in the process.
When the two sides met in the reverse fixture back in October Emley were 4-0 winners with Steve Kenworthy scoring two of the goals. Kenworthy has rediscovered his scoring form under Hepworth and has contributed 10 goals in the last 8 games and he will no doubt be looking to add to that total on Saturday.
Hepworth will welcome captain Judd Colley back into the centre of defence after he missed last Saturday’s victory over second placed Yorkshire Amateur. Full backs Antony Leech and Nathan Tayo are both still doubtful due to rib and hand injuries respectively.
Meanwhile, Emley’s reserve team are away at WRCL division 1 bottom club Heckmondwike Town on Saturday (2.30pm) as they aim to cement their 7 point lead at the top of the table. Nicky Bramald’s team have won their last 6 games on the trot plundering 20 goals in the process.
26.03.11 - Reserves Put In a Commanding Performance.
Nicky Brameld and Ray Dennis saw their side put in an excellent performance with a 4 goal victory over a Ventu Yeadon side. Goals frm Curtis Roberts (2), Max Joice and Ash Brothers will see Emley stay top of the League. Well Done lads.
20.03.11 - New Disabled Access Officially Opened.
AFC Emley are proud to announce the completion of the disabled access to the Sports Bar. Chairman Graham Roys is pictured below with Jack Taylor, and pictures also show other loyal supporters and established members of the mining community that the Welfare Ground was built to support. The club for a long time has been able to allow access to the main stand and all the other viewing areas in the ground for supporters with disabilities. Importantly the new ramp will allow access to the sports bar and facilities outside of match days.
Graham stated "We are very proud of the new ramp and also the addition of the 3 disabled parking bays near to the entrance to the ground. A great deal of time and effort and club funds have been invested into making the ground and its facilities more accessible." He also wished to thank committee member Richard Hazelden for his tireless effort into ensuring that the project went ahead and was completed to a very high standard.
16.03.11 - Busy Weekend -Both Teams in Action.
Emley's NCEL clash with Glasshougton was postponed due to fog on Wednesday evening but they will have the opportunity to extend their 6 game unbeaten run when they entertain Teversal on Saturday (3.00pm kick off).
Darren Hepworth's side have moved up to 10th in the table since he took over whilst Teversal have dropped to 17th after a poor run of form. When the two sides met back in October, Emley, then managed by Darren Bland recorded their first league victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win.
Hepworth goes into the tie with regular full backs Nathan Tayo (hand) and Anthony Leech (ribs) due to injury, so Max Joice and Brad Dowling are again likely to fill the roles that they carried out at Worsborough last Saturday. Marc Townsend is back in the squad however after missing a game through suspension.
Emley's second XI travel to Dewsbury based Overthorpe as they attempt to keep hold of their place at the top of the WRCL first division. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
11.02.11 Reserves Beat Westbrook YMCA 2 - 1.
Goals from Scott Hargreaves and Ashley Brothers secure 3 points that keep the reserves top of the division - well done to Bram, Ray and the lads on an excellent Result.
10.03.11 - Worsbrough Match Preview.
Emley make the short journey to Worsbrough Bridge on Saturday (3.00pm) as they look to extend their unbeaten run to six games.
Darren Hepworth’s men were held to a frustrating goalless draw at Grimsby Borough in midweek after a controversial decision to rule a Steven Kenworthy goal offside.
Hepworth commented after the game:
“I was pleased by the performance and commitment shown by the team on Tuesday night. It was a long journey to make after a full day at work but the lads went into the game with a great attitude and should really have taken all three points. The linesman’s decision to rule out the goal was a frustrating one as the keeper had clearly saved the ball before Kenny touched it. We must move on now and look to put in another good performance at Worsborough on Saturday.”
Worsborough ran out 3-1 winners when the two sides met back in January but since then Emley have enjoyed an impressive run of form which has elevated them to 11th in the table. Bridge are two places and one point behind them in the table.
Hepworth will be without Antony Leech for at least a couple of weeks after he sustained serious bruising to his ribs during the Grimsby game. The full back left the field just before half time struggling with his breathing and with suspected cracked ribs. Fortunately tests showed that the injury was not as bad as first expected.
Midfielder Marc Townsend is also struggling with an ankle injury sustained in last Saturday’s victory over Eccleshill.
Meanwhile Emley’s reserve team have a vital clash with Westbrook YMCA at the Welfare Ground on Friday evening. Nicky Bramald’s team are currently top of the table whilst Westbrook (who won promotion with Emley last year) are 4th in the table.
24.02.11 - Your Club Needs You.
It is with great disappointment that I have to announce that our Chairman Graham Roys will be stepping down from his role at the end of the season. Graham has been forced into this decision by in order to fulfil his work commitments.
Graham, along with Adrian Wright was instrumental in the formation of the club 5 years ago and without out him it’s doubtful that we’d all be standing here today. Along with his wife Pamela and daughter Salina, the Roys family put in countless hours of work at the club to ensure that things run smoothly.
It is also the intention of club Secretary John Whitehead and Richard Hazelden to take a less involved role so there are obviously going to be some large holes to fill next season.
Sustaining a club at our level takes an amazing amount of hard work, money and when money is not easy to come by, more and more hard work. Being on the committee for the last two years has been a real eye-opener for me seeing the efforts put in by my colleagues to ensure we get to enjoy 90 minutes of football on a Saturday afternoon.
So without wanting to scare everybody off with the last couple of paragraphs we are appealing for more people to get involved in the club at all levels. Whether it be at committee level, helping out around the ground on maintenance, in the tea bar, sponsorship or even just as a ball boy we need your help.
Look around you at the ground, this was in danger of becoming derelict before the club was formed, now it’s once again a facility that other clubs envy and relish coming to play at. We have a great manager who is brimming with enthusiasm and desire to take us forward and a squad of players who appear willing to run through walls for the club.
It’s not all hard work of course and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the ground buzzing with fans... seeing the reaction of fellow supporters at the end of the game as the team leaves the field... going away to far flung places like Morpeth and Dunston in the cup on the coach and that great feeling of being part of a club that has a special place in all of our hearts.
So if anybody is interested in lending a hand and getting involved for a few hours every week please feel free to speak to Graham, John, Richard, myself or any of our committee members. We would also appreciate any feedback and take on board suggestions on how to improve the club.
Thanks for listening
Rob
Tel: 07714293301 / email rob@wmsykes.co.uk
23.02.11 Handsworth Match Preview.
AFC Emley were frustrated a flurry of snow on Saturday saw their fixture with Glasshoughton cancelled. They are back in action on Wednesday evening when they entertain Handsworth at the Welfare Ground (7.45pm kick off).
The fixture will be subject to a pitch inspection as the pitch was still quite soggy on Tuesday afternoon. Supporters are advised to check the clubs forum and facebook site for news before travelling to the game.
Emley go into the fixture on the back of two successive defeats to league leaders Staveley whilst Handsworth have lost just one game in their last 6 league outings but have been frustrated by postponements since January.
Handsworth are in their first season in the NCEL after making the step up from junior status and have raised a few eyebrows with a string of good results. When the two sides met back in August Handsworth ran out deserved 4-0 victors over a toothless Emley side.
Emley manager Darren Hepworth names striker Dean Wharam back in his squad as he looks to add more firepower to the side.
Squad:
Clark, Washington, Colley, Hazelden, Kenworthy, Townsend, Ingham, Cyrus, Roberts, Leech, Joice, Dowling, Hargreaves, Wharam, Barnes, Ringrose, Tayo.
15.02.11 Emley Make Permanent Appointment - Staveley Match Preview.
Emley have moved to appoint caretaker manager Darren Hepworth in the role on a permanent basis after an impressive run of results since taking over from Darren Bland in November. Hepworth has a quick opportunity to avenge a 2-0 defeat inflicted on his side by Staveley Miners Welfare last week when they entertain the league leaders on Wednesday (7.45pm).
The charismatic Hepworth has lead his side to 6 wins from 10 league games since being appointed in the caretaker role and in doing so dragged his side out of the bottom three of the NCEL First Division table. These victories included impressive wins over promotion hopefuls Pontefract Collieries and Barton Town OB.
After a 3 year spell with District league side Cumberworth, Hepworth made the step up to manage Emley’s newly formed reserve side and won them promotion to the WRCL First Division at their first attempt.
Club secretary John Whitehead declared: “We are delighted that Darren has accepted the post on a full time basis. He has brought stability and belief back to the side starting from the training sessions right through to matchday.”
“Darren has a good knowledge of players in the local area and we feel that he can harness this talent and bring the players through to a higher standard. He has worked on a tight budget and got the results. The turnaround in form is no coincidence and we believe that we have the right man to take us forward.”
Hepworth names a strong squad for the game and includes two ex-Staveley men in his squad in the shape of captain Judd Colley and Maltese winger Teo Ringrose. Staveley also feature two ex-Emley men with Lee Hill and Callum Westney amongst their numbers.
Squad:
Clark, Leech, Washington, Dowling, Haigh, Kenworthy, Hazelden, Colley, Tayo, Townsend, Joice, Barnes, Ringrose, Roberts, Hewitt, Stuart, Ingham.
10.02.11 Grimsby Borough Match Preview.
Emley make their visit to Grimsby Borough’s new Bradley Road Sports Development Stadium on Saturday (Kick off 3.00pm). Manager Darren Hepworth is keen to see his side bounce back from a 2-0 defeat at league leaders Staveley on Tuesday.
Hepworth felt his side had put in a good showing despite falling to a defeat in midweek.
“We caused them some problems and had them on the back foot for long spells of the game. Based on the chances created we could easily have won the game – Staveley scored with their first shot on goal half an hour into the game and their second came from a mix up when we were chasing an equaliser in injury time.”
“Overall I was pleased with the attitude shown by the lads who never gave up battling until the final whistle. We must go forward from here and look get a result at Grimsby on Saturday.”
Emley will be without leading scorer Steven Kenworthy for the game but Marc Townsend is set to return to the squad. Max Joice is also a doubt after picking up a knee injury at Staveley.
Hepworth commented: “Loosing Kenny for the game is a big blow because he has been superb for us over the last few games. I’d be more worried though if we didn’t have other players creating chances and there are plenty of goals in the side coming from other outlets.
Borough are currently 6 points and 4 places ahead of 15th placed Emley in the table and when the sides met back in September the scores ended up 1-1. They have suffered a dip in form since moving to their new ground – a community venture built in conjunction with Grimsby College – with just 2 wins in 7 games.
Meanwhile Emley’s reserve team have a home game with Halifax Irish at the Welfare Ground on Friday evening (7.30pm kick off). A victory would lift Nicky Bramalds men back to the top of the table.
04.02.11 Pontefract Collieries Match Preview - By Rob Dixon.
Emley will aim to bounce back from two cup exits in successive games when they take on Pontefract Collieries at the Welfare Ground on Saturday (kick off 3.00pm).
On Tuesday evening they fell to a 5-2 Presidents Cup defeat at NCEL Premier side Farsley, this followed a 5-4 defeat at the hands of Barton in the League cup and manager Darren Hepworth will be looking for a much improved defensive performance next time out.
Pontefract were one of the leagues pacesetters this season and topped the table at Christmas but have been hit by a string of postponements over the past two months. They come into the fixture on the back of a 2-1 West Riding Cup against Blue Square North side Guiseley looking to get their league challenge back on track.
There are likely to be a number of familiar faces on display for the visitors who include former Emley players Nick Handley, Andy Broadbent, Craig Rouse and Duncan Bray amongst their numbers. Midfielder Josh Wright will not be involved in the action and is out injured for the rest of the season.
Emley will go into the game without goalkeeper Mick Clark and influential midfielder Josh Ingham who are both suspended. Hepworth names goalkeepers Martin Kearney and Tom Hewitt in his squad for the game as both players return from injuries sustained back in November.
Squad:
Kearney, Leech, Joice, Tayo, Hazelden, Colley, Townsend, Stuart, Kenworthy, Haigh, Ringrose, Barnes, Dowling, Roberts, Hewitt.
11.01.11 Worsbrough Match Preview - By Rob Dixon.
Emley entertain local rivals Worsborough Bridge at the Welfare Ground on Wednesday evening (7.45pm kick off) and will be aiming to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat at Shirebrook on Saturday.
The defeat was the first under Darren Hepworth since he stepped up manage the side after Darren Bland’s resignation and he is keen that his side respond to straight away with a win.
“We were frustrated to taste defeat after two great victories the week before but now it’s going to be a test of the sides strength how we bounce back. At Shirebrook we came up against a side who set themselves up well defensively but always looked dangerous on the break. Eventually we ran out of both steam and ideas.”
“I don’t think that we were outplayed or outbattled on the pitch we just lacked that cutting edge. We took our goal really well – it was a great move starting with a great interception from Karl Simpkins and ending with a cracking finish from Teo Ringrose. I felt that Shirebrooks first goal was a bit scrappy and we should have defended it better. The penalty decision in the second half (that lead to Shirebrook’s winner) was harsh on Josh Ingham but it was one of those decisions that could have gone either way.”
Hepworth, however will miss the game as he is away in Canada due to work commitments but will return in time for Saturday’s clash with Leeds Carnegie. Micky Reid and Ray Dennis will oversee matters from the bench in his absence.
Emley are also without captain Judd Colley who is away on holiday for the next 2 weeks and Max Joice who picked up a 3 week suspension player after being sent off playing Sunday league football whilst Emley were fixtureless over the cold snap. Colley is replaced by young centre half Callum Westney and whilst recent Nathan Tayo is set continue at left back after impressing in the last two games.
Hepworth commented: “Losing Judd is a big miss for us. He has really stood out for us over the last few games and his influence off the field in the dressing room is massive too. I’m confident that young Callum will step up to the challenge though.”
Worsborough have seen a huge improvement in fortunes this season under joint managers Chris Hilton and Ian Shirt and are currently 13th in the table, 4 places above Emley. They are captained by former Emley centre half Craig Marsh and also include another ex-Emley player Martyn Scully amongst their numbers.
Squad:
Clark, Leech, Westney, Simpkins, Tayo, Ringrose, Roberts, Kenworthy, Washington, Dowling, Cyrus, Ryan, Wharam, Barnes, Stuart, Townsend, Hazelden.
7.1.11 Shirebrook Match Preview - BY Rob Dixon.
Emley go into Saturday’s NCEL Division One clash with Shirebrook Town (kick off 3pm) buoyed by 2 wins in three days. The game will be in a degree of some doubt after Friday’s snowfall so fans are advised to check the clubs forum and facebook sites for news of whether the game is on.
Manager Darren Hepworth was delighted with the performances of his side on Wednesday when they toppled 2nd place Barton Town and wants his team to continue playing with the belief that they have shown in recent times.
“I was absolutely delighted with the lads against Barton. They had smiles on their faces, played with passion and belief and rarely gave Barton an inch of space. Before the game I had toyed with a 4-5-1 formation to compact the midfield and stifle them but we opted to go with our more natural attacking game and it really paid off for us.”
With three wins in as many games since taking charge Hepworth has inspired a resurgence in the clubs fortunes but is keeping his feet firmly on the ground:
“We still have a long way to go and it’s quite easy to get carried away with things but the real test of the sides character will be when we lose a game and how we bounce back from it.”
Tomorrow’s opponents Shirebrook go into the game on the back of a 14-1 drubbing at the hands of Derby County’s reserves in the Derbyshire County Cup but Hepworth has warned his side against thinking that the game will be a pushover.
“Shirebrook are a decent side and ran us really close when we played them back in December. They will be desparate to bounce back from the result and I’m expecting a big showing from them tomorrow”.
Hepworth keeps faith largely with the squad that beat Barton for the fixture.
Squad (from):
Clark, Leech, Colley, Kenworthy, Simpkins, Wharam, Townsend, Joice, Ingham, Stuart, Washington, Westney, Ringrose, Tayo, Hazeleden.
Meanwhile, Emley’s second string are scheduled to play their Sheffield and Hallamshire Asociation cup tie at High Green Villa (1.00pm). The game fell foul of the weather twice before Christmas so let’s hope that it’s third time lucky. A victory would secure a quarter final tie with local rivals Kirkburton scheduled to be played next Friday.