AFC Emley 3 - 1 Chadderton FC

AFC Emley are through to the Second Round Proper of the FA Vase after beating Chadderton FC 3-1 at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, today.

Goals from Matthew Jackson, Tom Brennan and Ashley Flynn ensured that Emley entered the pot ahead of Monday’s draw for the next stage of the competition.

After a very dull first half, many were under the impression that extra-time would be required. Jordan Coduri saw half-chances routinely kept out by Michael Smith after Ashley Flynn was shut out in a one-on-one in the opening minute.

The second half was a different story. Chadderton came out all guns blazing and threatened to open the scoring. Leon Iluobe’s low fizzer deflected inches wide of Graham McLachlan’s right post.

But Emley used their defensive position to create several counter-attacks, which can be so deadly. The first of which ended in a Coduri shot heading well wide, but the second stemmed from a simple free-kick at the back. A long punt towards Matthew Jackson found the forward, who then found the net with a cute finish from a tight angle.

The hosts then doubled their lead within minutes. Tom Brennan stretched every sinew in his neck to make contact with Liam Schofield’s teasing corner. The defender buried his header into the top corner past the outstretched Smith.

After such a dominative 20 minutes in the second half, Emley’s lead could have increased even further but Ashley Flynn lashed wide.

Chadderton pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to play, spelling a nervy ending to the game. Gareth Hill found space and chipped McLachlan to make it 2-1.

The visitors very nearly sent the game into extra-time with just minutes on the clock when an unmarked Sam Gibson received the ball 15-yards out. The forward turned and somehow slotted the ball the wrong side of the post.

Chaddy still piled on the pressure. A free-kick deflected off the wall and out for a corner, so up came the keeper. Emley managed to clear their lines and had a great opportunity to seal the deal as Flynn burst through towards the goal. He outpaced Dale Minor and passed into an empty net, sending the hosts into the Second Round of the FA Vase.

Today’s North Lights Physiotherapy Man of the Match is Tom Brennan, whose goal complimented a solid defensive display.

Darren Hepworth will have his eyes firmly planted on Monday afternoon’s draw as he anticipates Emley’s next opponents in the Vase.

He will also be concentrating on the next match on the calendar. Ollerton Town travel to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Wednesday night (19.45) for a meeting in the NCEL First Division. Emley are without a win in the league since Saturday 8th.