AFC Emley 4-0 FC Bolsover

With both teams looking to bounce back from their previous defeats last week, mid table AFC Emley looked to be the favourites going into this game after their visitors have yet to register a single point in the league.

The game began slowly with the majority of the action being contained in the middle of the park. The first notable chance came from AFC Emley’s forward Shane Hamilton who managed to find himself in open space on the edge of the box and fire the ball straight at visiting goalkeeper Oliver Winfield.

Pressure began to build on FC Bolsover’s defence as the home side became more ambitious with their chances. On the 20th minute mark, AFC Emley came close with a solo effort from Mikey Starkey only to be denied by the post.

The deadlock was finally broken just past the half hour mark, courtesy of substitute Ben Burnett who put his side into the lead after striking the ball past a helpless Winfield.

The lead was doubled as the half time whistle approached. Burnett registered his second of the game after tapping the ball into the back of the net, courtesy of a brilliant solo run from striker Ben Mills.

Second Half

As play went on the home side were seemingly frustrated by the lack of burying their chances after a rather resilient defensive line from their visitors. On the hour mark, Burnett had his hat-trick and inflicted further misery on FC Bolsover after expertly slotting the ball past Winfield.

FC Bolsover’s spirit had to be admired as they continued to fight and went close due to substitute Ishmael Dawson having his short range effort blocked.

Approaching the full time whistle the 4th and final goal sailed in due to a perfect through ball by Starkey which had found Dan Stocker to score his first goal in the game and justify becoming the newly crowned Player of the Month.

This is the first clean sheet this season for AFC Emley in the league.

AFC Emley manager Joe Howson said “From our point of view, we wanted to build on our previous performance.. and bounce back from the defeat last week. It was key that we kept a clean sheet and stayed organised and defended well.”

“I don’t think that there is any easy points in this league, moving forward we have an away fixture and it is a completely different game. We have to go there and be solid and organised again.”

Talking about the loss of top scorer Ruben Jerome who has moved to another club, the manager said “Ruben is a great player and he has been good for us.. I would have liked to kept hold of him till Christmas at least but he definitely goes with best wishes from our club.”

What this result means?

AFC Emley now move up one position to 11th whilst FC Bolsover remain at the bottom of the table without a point and 5 points adrift of safety.

Who is next?

Both teams will play each other again next week at the Langwith Road Ground, the home of FC Bolsover. Last season the result was a 2-0 loss for FC Bolsover who will be looking to overturn this at their home ground.