Askern Villa v AFC Emley - NCEL 17th October 2012

Crisis club Askern were relieved to be able to put a side out following a spate of injurys and suspensions that had seen them forced to postpone their weekend fixture. Manager Brian Johnston had made 9 new signings over the last few days whilst Emley boss Darren Hepworth had the luxury of rotating his squad resting 4 of the players who had started in the FA Vase victory over Congleton.

Only 3 minutes had passed before Emley opened the scoring as Leon Cusworth turned the ball into his own net following good work and a cross by Doran Jordan. John Cyrus headed over the bar, Jordan missed two good close range chances and Anthony Leech volleyed wide as Emley looked to dominate their opponents.

Meanhwile Askern had their keeper Liam Scully to thank after me made a courageous save at Steven Kenworthy’s feet following an excellent ball by Matt Thornton. Kenworthy then drove across the face of goal after being played in by Anthony Haigh as he strove hard to get on the scoresheet for the first time this season.

The striker did find his touch in the 31st minute with a well worked goal. Haigh showed great determination to win the ball back on the edge of the box before playing it out wide to Jordan who played the ball back across goal for Kenworthy to dive in and head home.

Askern to their credit battled back well although at times their play was a little physical with the tricky Jordan on the recieving end of many of the challenges. Mike Braithwaite screwed Askern’s first real chance across the ball after being played in with an intelligent ball over the Emley defence.

Soon after Mark Cooper hit a cracking half volley which was tipped over the bar by the alert Luke Herriott. From the resulting corner Chris Storey headed against the woodwork as Emley breathed a sigh of relief. The last action of the half saw home keeper Scully make a good save from a Haigh volley to ensure that the half time score remained 2-0 to Emley.

Askern started the second half well and indecision in the Emley defence let in Braithwaite but his shot was saved comfortably by Herriott. The home team introduced all of their subs over a 5 minute spell and the final of the three Jake Stephenson made an instant impact in the 62nd minute looping a header over from 10 yards out to make it 2-1.

Darren Hepworth made an inspired substitution of his own bringing on Brad Riley following the goal and he got himself on the scoresheet on 65 minutes beating 2 defenders before powering a superb shot into the roof of the net from 8 yards out giving Scully no chance.

The Askern keeper had received a sustained spell of treatment for cramp but was able to continue and pulled off a tremendous save as Emley turned defence into attack with an excellent long range ball from John Cyrus to Kenworthy. Kenworthy raced on and powered a well struck shot in from the edge of the box which Scully forced onto the upright and out to safety.

Following a surging run by Riley, Kenworthy was then bundled over in the box by Cusworth who had been booked moments earlier for a heavy foul on Jordan. The referee Malcolm Graham judged that a spot kick was ample punishment and this was duly dispatched by Levi Maturine as Kenworthy limped off with 13 minutes to go.

Matty Holmes clawed another goal back for Askern on 85 minutes with a stunning volley which gave Herriott no chance but it took Emley less than a minute to restore their advantage.

It was Kenworthy’s replacement Ash Flynn who got the goal. The clubs leading scorer took his tally to 12 for the season chesting down a long ball into the box before expertly lobbying Scully to make it 5-2 in the 86th minute.

The action continued into final stages and Flynn could easily have had at least one more goal. Firstly he combined well with Riley but instead of Riley returning the ball across the face of goal to Flynn he opted to shoot himself, hitting the post from close range. Scully then made another good save as Flynn struck a shot following a neat Jordan backheel.

Barter could also have grabbed another for Askern as he hit the post with a fine volleyed effort whilst Maturine was thwarted at the other end by Scully following some excellent build up play involving Jordan and Flynn.

This game will never be remembered as a classic and was well below par from some of Emley’s more recent performances. When they got the ball down and played they really showed what they are capable of but Askern made life very difficult for them at times with gutsy performance. On behalf of all at Askern we wish them all the best as they strive to keep the club afloat, there certainly seemed to be a group of players out on the pitch who looked willing and talented enough to hold their own on the field.

Askern:
Scully, Cusworth, Jones (Hattersley 56), Davies, Knifton (Stephenson 55), Rawbridge, Braithwaite, Dawson, Stoney (Barter 62), Cooper, Holmes.

Emley:
Herriott, Thornton, Schofield, Joseph, Cyrus, Hazelden, Leech (Ingham 71), Jordan, Kenworthy (Flynn 77), Haigh (Riley 63), Maturine. Subs not used: Roberts, Banton.

Askern Bookings: Cusworth. Emley Bookings : None.

Emley Man of the Match: Steven Kenworthy