AFC Emley 3 - 1 Brigg Town

AFC Emley have stopped their run of four away games without a win, courtesy of a Joe Brennan inspired 3-1 victory against Brigg Town at The Hawthorns, tonight.

Brennan’s sublime hat-trick was the difference between Emley and Brigg, a side who struggled to contain the visitors’ killer touch in going forward.

The victory takes Emley up to 8th in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Divison One table, after their disappointing 1-1 draw at Langwith Road with Shirebrook Town on Saturday left them stranded in 10th.

But Darren Hepworth will be delighted that his side are back within touching distance of unbeaten league leaders, Penistone Church. Just seven points separates Emley from the top.

The Pewits face promotion rivals Selby Town at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday afternoon (15.00). The East Yorkshire based side travel to West Yorkshire just one point and one place behind Emley in 9th.

A victory for the hosts could take them all the way up to 5th.

Selby must keep a close eye on Joe Brennan, whose mastermind performance tonight was cutting edge stuff.

It didn’t take him long to get on the scoresheet. Following in from Liam Schofield’s low drive, the youngster pounced and picked up the pieces after Dan Waring parried just 11 minutes in.

Brennan almost became provider from goalscorer shortly after. His teasing free kick was met by the head of Ashley Flynn, who couldn’t divert his header the right side of the post.

As half time passed, Brennan’s hunger for another increased. Just seven minutes into the second half, he looped a curling effort over Waring and into the top corner from 25 yards out, yet he would save his best for later.

Emley’s failure to capitalise on an array of chances allowed Brigg to claw their way back into the game with 14 minutes left. Substitute David Dean found the bottom corner from 10 yards out to give the hosts a glimmer of hope.

Yet the visitors were far too strong for the Zebras all night and got a deserved third goal in stunning style as Joe Brennan bent his brilliant free-kick into the top corner via the underside of the bar from 25 yards out. Kevin De Bruyne, eat your heart out.

The convincing victory rounded off an extremely workmanlike performance from the entire team, and whilst the scoresheet doesn’t show it, every player in a lime green shirt deserves major credit.

Yet the North Lights Physiotherapy Man of the Match could go to no one other than Joe Brennan.