Grimsby Borough 3 - 1 AFC Emley

AFC Emley are now without a win in their last three matches across all competitions, but there is the element of content within manager Darren Hepworth, who watch his side dig deep, despite losing 3-1 to Grimsby Borough last night.

Jason Flint’s hat-trick, aided by two penalties, proved pivotal and won Grimsby the game, cancelling out Matthew Jackson’s first half goal.

Ultimately, Grimsby took their chances on another night where Emley really struggled to take theirs.

Emley boasted their attacking intent in the early exchanges but Grimsby had the first chance of the evening. James Playford made space for himself on the left wing, received the ball and let fly from 20-yards out. The trusty Graham McLachlan parried it away at his near post.

Despite Emley’s persisting prowess in possession, Grimsby opened the scoring. A silly free-kick was conceded 20-yards from goal. Jack Debden powered a low drive on target, McLachlan saved, but Jason Flint opened his account for the night when he tapped in the rebound.

Emley took no more than seven minutes to respond. Matthew Jackson rattled the bar as Darren Hepworth wondered how the game wasn’t level. There was a great sign of composure shown from Jackson, though, who won the ball back and chipped the goalkeeper, putting the ball into the back of the net via the underside of the bar.

But Grimsby would soon regain their lead. Another defensive error saw Tom Brennan bring down Jack Debden inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, which presented Jason Flint with an opportunity to clinch his brace. The midfielder stepped up and smashed down the middle.

HT: Grimsby Borough 2 – 1 AFC Emley

Emley’s ruthless second half against Knaresborough Town on Saturday would have hoped to have been emulated. The visitors made a great start to the half with Ashley Flynn’s dangerous runs.

Matthew Jackson was fouled inside the area and a second penalty was awarded. But Ashley Flynn went for accuracy and found the post. Grimsby cleared their lines and that gave a clear indication of how the game would go for Emley.

Flynn and Jordan Coduri both missed chances to level the scores for a second time in the match, but their failure to capitalise was soon punished by the hosts.

They were gifted a penalty, their second and the third of the evening. Jason Flint converted and bagged his hat-trick. Maybe this two goal deficit would be too much of an ask for Darren Hepworth’s side.

But that would not thwart them in their quest to get another goal back. James Hurtley’s mastermind performance in midfield warranted some credit and very nearly got that when his pinging cross field pass dropped into the penalty area. Sam Jerome was bombing in at the back, but couldn’t connect.

FT: Grimsby Borough 3 – 1 AFC Emley

The only thing Darren Hepworth will be disappointed with after that defeat will be the result. He can be pleased with a very solid performance from his players but will have to make them focus on not making little mistakes.

Emley have dropped to 9th in the table but still remain in touch of those above them.

Chadderton FC travel to West Yorkshire from Oldham on Saturday (15.00) for the First Round of the FA Vase at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

Yesterday’s North Lights Physiotherapy Man of the Match was James Hurtley.