Dronfield Town 2 - 3 AFC Emley

AFC Emley extended their unbeaten run to six games in all competitions after escaping an upset with a 3-2 win against a new-look Dronfield Town at the HE Barnes Stadium, this evening.

Ashley Flynn, Josh Ingham and Callum Charlton were on the scoresheet for the visitors, who piled on the pressure on league leaders Pontefract Collieries by closing the gap to just one point at the top.

Dronfield enjoyed elegant spells of football and were merited for their efforts, Jamie Willis and Daniel Wood scoring in either half.

But the 19th placed side were not strong enough to knock the Pewits off stride as they started strongly.

Flynn, who is so often on the receiving end of opportunities, turned provider when he held the ball up before crossing to Charlton. The youngster clipped just wide and sent Dronfield an early warning sign.

The hosts were punished when Flynn eventually executed his one-on-one against Dronfield debutant goalkeeper Jamie Davies on the 10 minute mark.

Dronfield’s fluent football warranted them an equalising goal and Willis was the man who delivered the goods with a close range curling effort into the top corner after 25 minutes.

But the game remained level for less than a minute. Emley regained the lead through a collector’s item – an Ingham goal. His looping volley was too deep for Davies, who couldn’t keep it out.

Mid-season signing Charlton scored on his debut against Nostell Miners Welfare a few months ago and bagged his 2nd this evening. The net was nearly broken after his close range volley cannoned into the top corner on the cusp of half-time.

Tom Brennan is without a goal since December 3rd and could have stopped his drought in the second half. His header from Liam Schofield’s corner was expertly blocked on the line by Davies and Alex Slack couldn’t dispatch the rebound.

The hosts went on fighting and could have found a way back into the game courtesy of Willis’ long-range dipper, which Graham McLachlan had to tip over the bar.

And by the time Wood rocketed his 90th minute effort in via the underside of the crossbar, there was little time for a dramatic Dronfield equaliser.

Head coach Darren Hepworth will be delighted with yet another win, but will now turn his attention to Saturday’s home match against play-off chasing Knaresborough Town (3.00pm).