AFC Emley sees red after losing to Glasshoughton Welfare

by Oliver Thompson

The Welfare defeat their hosts to go three games unbeaten in the league at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

Much of the pre-match build up surrounded the Pewit’s new signing Andy Horbury who had recently played for Glasshoughton Welfare and was their top scorer last season. With much anticipation both sets of fans believed that the game was going to be a close affair.

The visitors began lively with Matthew Semley firing the ball inches wide and winger Gracjan Klimczak creating numerous opportunities which were not met with an end product.

The home side’s first notable chance came on the 15th minute mark after a low freekick on the edge of the box taken by ex Manchester United academy player Jordan Townsend, which caused a superb save from visiting goalkeeper Mateus Zaniewski.

The deadlock was broken after an excellent counter attack from the Welfare. The attack began from a well driven through ball by visiting striker Jack Knight which met Klimczak who had crossed the ball into the box and left a free header for Matthew Semley, who fired it past the goalkeeper to push his side into the lead.

The home side had numerous chances to level the game with the most notable coming just past the half hour mark. Ben Burnett failed to capitalize after a mistake from the visiting goalkeeper and had fired the ball over the bar.

Mistakes ensued from both sides after a shaky back pass from AFC Emley defender Sam Jerome which almost led to another goal on the stroke of half time.

Second Half
The second half started as a scrappy affair after former team mates Zaniewski and the home sides new signing Horbury were booked and both received yellow cards from referee Peter Creagh.

Just past the half hour mark, another counter attacking play led to the visiting side doubling their lead and putting them in the driving seat going into the final phases of the game. The goal came from a well timed run from Klimczak who fired the ball past home side goalkeeper Adam Ledger.

Controversy struck, after a red card was issued to substitute Nathan Howe who appeared disgruntled after being on the receiving end of a suspected foul by visiting defender Adam Walsh.

AFC Emley now down to 10 men held off numerous attacks from the Welfare with credit to defender and skipper James Stafford who appeared solid at the back.

Referee Creagh closed the game and left the visitors who travel back to Castleford with all three points.

Post Match
AFC Emley manager Joe Howson spoke about his teams performance “It was a disappointing performance from us today, we weren’t at the races from the off… We were really poor in the first half and slightly better in the second and plenty of room for improvement next week.”

Speaking about the red card “Nathan is absolutely gutted, I think the red card was harsh but he has not let anyone down.”

Howson also discussed his new signing Andy Horbury “I have been after Horbury for 12 months so I am very pleased to get him at the club finally, he will be a big player for us and I think he suits our style of play.”

Speaking about next week “No easy games in the league, they are tough and they have had a good start to the season… they are a well drilled side and we really need to improve on today’s performance.”

What this result means?
AFC Emley remain in 10th place whilst Glasshoughton Welfare move up three places to 6th.

Who is next?
AFC Emley next travel to Worsbrough Bridge Athletic and Glasshoughton Welfare host mid table Shirebrook Town

Photos
Photos provided by: Mike Parsons, AFC Emley Photographer.

Contact
Follow me on twitter @ollytommofilm for further updates on non league football or alternatively email me sport@kirkleeslocaltv.com for any sponsorship queries.