The North West Counties Premier side went into the game as favourites but Emley had other ideas and recorded their 3rd vase win over higher level opposition this season.

Chances were few and far between in the opening stages of the game, as both sides kept it tight in defence. Quarter of an hour had passed before the first meaningful chance as Harry Thompson set up Neil Chapman who fired just wide of the target. Then player manager Stewart Aidrie fired into the side netting from close range after a good spell of pressure by the home time.

Emley fought their way back into things and Flynn saw a shot deflect wide after good build up play by Aaron Joseph and Anthony Haigh. Flynn did make the breakthrough soon after on the half hour mark sliding in to connect with a cross from Haigh to stab the ball through the legs of home ‘keeper Alexander Woodcock.

Neither side managed to create any serious threat through the remainder of the half with defences once again well on top. The second half got off to a flying start however as the visitors raced out of the blocks.

Emley appeared to still be in the dressing rooms as Mark Threlfall drove straight through their defence before unleashing a brilliant low strike from the edge of the box to level things up with just 19 seconds on the clock gone in the second half.

Any team talks that manager Daz Hepworth might have given about frustrating or containing the home team were now thrown out of the window and the game began to open up.

Emley responded with Steven Kenworthy intercepting the ball in midfield before finding Flynn, who then squared the ball across the edge of the box back to Kenworthy who curled an effort just wide of the top corner.

Barlick then enjoyed their best spell of play kicking into the “Sewer End” of the ground where most of their fans were located. Emley keeper Luke Herriott made a good double save firstly as Threlfall headed an Airdrie cross goalbound, then bravely blocking the loose ball at the feat of Chapman.

Lewis Jordan should have done better from close range but fired wide for Barlick before Herriott made his best save of the game getting down low to stop a well placed Airdrie header across the face of goal.

Hepworth introduced Doran Jordan for Levi Maturine with 25 minutes to go and his pace succeeded in putting the home team on the back foot.

Flynn’s second goal and 27th of the campaign came on 74 minutes, fed by a beautifully weighted ball by Kenworthy he took a touch before slotting the ball between Woodcock and his near post.

The pair combined minutes later as Emley took control of the game. Flynn squared for Kenworthy but his angled drive forced a brilliant 1 handed save from Woodcock. The keeper then made another top class save, this time from a Haigh shot from the edge of the box.

Woodcock was powerless to prevent Emley’s 3rd goal which came in the 80th minute. Jordan slotted home from close range after an excellent piece of play involving Kenworthy, Flynn and Haigh.

Emley were now in a dominant mood and could have easily extended their lead further. Kenworthy chipped onto the roof of the net and Flynn was a denied a hat trick by another Woodcock save.

In a game which could have gone either way Emley eventually triumphed by displaying greater desire and taking their chances. This was an excellent all round performance from the team and difficult to single out an individual performance with each member of the team playing a vital role at times.

Emley now go into the hat for the fourth round draw on Monday lunchtime. The tie will be played on Saturday 19th January.

Emley: Herriott, Leech, Schofield, Ingham, Sykes, Cyrus, Joseph, Maturine (Jordan 65), Flynn, Haigh (McIntosh 86), Kenworthy (Riley 84).

Cautions: Schofield (40), Sykes (85).