MOMENTUM CARRIES ON AS EMLEY WIN IN PROMISING DISPLAY

A brace from Doran Jordan, one of which a stunning right footed strike, helped Emley on their way to a maximum two wins in three days and in the process set down an early marker to the rest of the division.

It was a terrific display from Emley who in the space of twenty first-half minutes completely blew their opponents away with their pace and lethal finishing.

Jordan claimed the first with a delicate finish before Jordan Townend squeezed in the second. Then ten minutes later Jordan added another with an arrowed first time shot into the stanch of the top right hand corner.

Manager Darren Hepworth will be delighted at the start his player’s have made to the new campaign and, minus what proved to be nothing short of a consolation goal for Bottesford, witnessed arguably the complete performance from his side.

On a wet and greasy surface fouls were committed from both sides early on but it didn’t seem to affect the flow of the game. From the start both teams were on the offensive and wasted no time in getting forward.

Chances fell to both Max Leonard and Bottesford’s Terry Barwick in the opening exchanges but neither managed to convert.

With both teams targeting promotion come the end of May it was no surprise to see a tight encounter. But when Bottesford sent too many players forward in an attack in the 23rd minute and carelessly lost possession Emley were quick to take advantage.

Sam Jerome picked up the loose ball and sent a beautifully weighted pass over the top of an exposed Bottesford back line for Jordan to chase onto. The winger duly obliged to his teammates intentions and lofted the ball over the onrushing Leigh Herrick and into the net.

Jordan nearly scored his second of the evening just eight minutes later after Leonard got to the byline and pulled the ball back for him to take aim. It was a quick low strike from Jordan but Herrick was equal to the shot as he tipped it round his left hand post.

It was a smart save from the goalkeeper but moments later he was left embarrassed after producing a blunder which allowed Jordan Townend’s low shot to squirm underneath him to make it 2-0.

Bottesford could feel hard done by as they played better than the scoreline suggested, but Emley showed no signs of letting up and grabbed a third on the stroke of half-time.

Again, attacking at pace the front line of Emley proved too much to handle for the visitors defence. This time Jerome roamed forward and laid a pass into Jordan who was advancing freely into the right hand side of the penalty box. The perfect weight on the pass allowed Jordan, without breaking stride, to fire into the top left hand corner giving his side a comfortable 3-0 lead.

It was a major blow to Bottesford who from then on struggled to get back into the game. Their talented winger Jack Cross, who was their most dangerous player in the first half, barley threatened in the second period as his side almost ran out of steam against a stubborn back four of Emley.

Barwick did give them slight hope in the 62nd minute when he slotted home a penalty to reduce the deficit but a serious comeback never looked likely.

Emley were far too strong in defence and in fact had chances to extend their lead late on through substitute Nathan Perks.

Unfortunately the fourth goal never came but Hepworth shouldn’t be too concerned as the game was already won and another three points was secured.

MOM – Doran Jordan