Report: Bottesford Town (A)

Emley come away from North Lincolnshire with a point. It was a game not without its controversy and many in the Emley ranks will feel that the result was two points lost rather than a point gained. However, the performance was a positive one with attacking football and the Pewits extend their unbeaten run to eleven games so far this season.

For large sections of the game, Emley were the dominant side on the bobbly Bottesford pitch and, thanks to two first half goals from Jagger and Gooden, were the deserved leaders going into half time. However, a controversial penalty for the Poachers in the last five minutes denied the Pewits from taking home all three points.

After a scrappy start, Emley settled into the game and, relative to the home side, enjoyed some success as they held the ball well and pressed the defence despite the surface. However, the visitors’ searching balls forward for that final finishing touch would often go stray or tamely be collected by the keeper.

Bottesford eventually grew into the game and their first foray towards goal was well cut out by Dom Riordan with a last ditch sliding tackle.

At the the other end, Gooden was finding joy down his flank and made a good run forward for a great chance to put the Pewits in the lead. Maybe he could’ve had a shot but his pass back to Jagger earnt a corner that was eventually dispatched by the towering Bottesford defence.

Emley by far were having the better of the attacking play and it felt like they’d score each time they went forward. But it was against the run of play that our hosts found the net first. The Emley defence were apparently out of position and played Bacon onside, who controlled the extraordinarily high bounce of a speculative long ball forward and slotted a bobbly ball past the surging Lambton.

Finally, Emley created their luck as Metcalfe was clean through on goal but was bullied to the ground by a Bottesford defender in the penalty area. Just as he’s done all season, Jagger stepped up on the 37th minute and rifled the ball in the back of the net for his fourteenth goal of the season and to level the game.

Emley took the lead in the 44th minute and a magnificent goal it was. A brilliant pass by Lawrence reached Gooden’s light, quick feet on the left who was then able to stretch his legs and beat his marker. On the acute angle, Gooden let rip his shot across the keeper’s body into the bottom right corner for a much deserved lead.

In the second half, Emley probably should’ve doubled their lead on a number of occasions. They did everything but score and, as we know all too well, a one goal cushion often leads to heartbreak down the line.

Emley were quick out of the starting blocks when, within two minutes, Lawrence struck the crossbar.

On the front foot, Emley pressed the Poachers’ defence. Metcalfe had a fantastic chance on goal but misjudged the wayward bounce and screwed the ball wide.

Next up Charlie Smith crossed into Jagger who headed just wide. Shortly followed by Gooden who had a fine shot tipped wide of the left upright.

Around the 75th minute, Bottesford enjoyed a purple patch as Emley fans held their breaths. A free kick in a dangerous position ricocheted off the wall back to the Bottesford attack who surged towards the goal. Thankfully, Paylor was on hand to block the cross in and the ball trickled out for a corner. The resulting corner, floated in and was cleared off the line and then the second attempt was saved by Lambton, who admittedly hadn’t had to do much this afternoon but did what he had to well.

Back at the other end substitute Hayden Webster (on for Riordan who took a knock) injected some fresh pace and skill into the game. Among his first touches was a long range shot that whistled over the bar.

As the ball made its way back, a long ball from the Emley defence slipped under a Bottesford foot. Jagger was quick to pounce and, again, might’ve shot but his pass to Webster was cut out by the last man.

Emley were huffing and puffing on the Poachers’ goal but still no reward.

Kenny had a good chance after he halted a Bottesford attack and countered with quick feet, beating a few defenders, but held back on the trigger pass to Jagger a little too long, who was caught a fraction offside.

Then came the sucker punch. Bottesford pushed on the Emley defence. A goalmouth melee ensued from the corner and the Bottesford players shouted loud enough for the referee to award them a penalty for a, perhaps unfairly judged, handball. Bacon smashed the ball in for his brace and a point with which the home side would be very happy.

So Emley had two points poached from them in the last five minutes. Lots of ifs, buts and maybes but a team performance of which they can be proud. A third, yet elusive, goal would’ve rendered any controversy redundant but that’s football and you have to capitalise on your chances, of which Emley had the lion’s share today.

We go again on Wednesday night for more league action against our friends and local rivals, Penistone Church (who are in the ascendancy), at the Memorial Ground.