Shelley FC 0-1 AFC Emley

A first half goal from Curtis Roberts was enough to see AFC Emley through to the 4th round of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup.

It was all Emley from the start, and the visitors should have been ahead after two minutes, when Curtis Robert’s volley hit the top of the Shelley crossbar. They could have been ahead two minutes later, when Jonny Bullivant forced a save from Shelley keeper Paul Day, the resulting corner came to nothing.

Jordan Townend had a great chance for Emley in the 10th minute, when he made a good run into the box, only to have his close range shot saved. The visitors continued to pressure the Shelley defense, and broke the dead lock in the 40th minute.

Tabby Magida’s shot on goal fell short, and Curtis Roberts latched onto the ball, and found the back of the net himself. Shelley had the opportunity to equalize on the stroke of half time, however Emley managed to clear the danger and take a lead going into the break.

It was more of a back and forth second half that lacked many clear-cut chances. The home side had a chance in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a free kick, after Adam Wilson brought down a Shelley player outside the area. He was shown a yellow card, though it could have been a red.

The home side threatened again soon after, but Emley managed to clear a scramble in the box. Shelley continued to push late on, and would have leveled the score if it wasn’t for the heroics of Emley keeper Max Dearnley, as he pulled off a double save from close range.

The away side managed to hold on for the victory, going through to the 4th round of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup. Up next for Emley is a league game away to Hallam.