Bottesford Town v AFC Emley - NCEL 27th October 2012

Following their defeat to league leaders Athersley last week it was vital that Darren Hepworth’s men got things back on track against Bottesford in order to keep in touch with their promotion rivals.

Hepworth handed a debut to the experienced Sykes who signed this week from Worksop Parramore. Sykes is an experienced campaigner in the non league game having played for the former Emley FC as a teenager followed by spells at Stalybridge Celtic, Ossett Town and more recently Glasshoughton Welfare, whom he captained to promotion from NCEL 1 last season. Also making his Emley debut was Josh Cooke, who joined from league rivals Albion Sports in midweek.

Bottesford started the game strongest and took the lead 12 minutes in as Danny Boulton went one on one with Luke Herriott before slotting past the Emley keeper.

Emley fought back and got back on level terms in the 31st minute with Ashley Flynn rounded the home keeper in a similar manner. This was Flynn’s 14th goal of the season and 10th in his last nine games.

The scores remained level until the 72nd minute when Boulton squared for Mark La Rocca to slot home from 12 yards out to put the home side back in front.

Emley’s response was quicker this time and John Cyrus headed a corner home at the back post on 76 minutes to make it 2-2.

Following the second equaliser Emley enjoyed their best spell of the game and battled on in search of a winner with Aaron Joseph the driving force in midfield. They finally made a breakthrough in the final minute of the game as Sykes drilled home from 8 yards out following another corner.

This wasn’t a classic Emley performance and for long spells they were second best to their opponents but the important factor was the desire to fight back and force a victory, their next test comes on Saturday as they entertain Albion Sports at home in the league.

Emley:

Herriott, Cooke, Ingham, Sykes, Banton, Cyrus, Joseph, Jordan, Flynn, Haigh, Riley.

Subs: Thornton, Leech, Kenworthy, Roberts

Emley’s Development Squad progressed to the second round of the WRCL League Cup with a 2-1 victory over Lower Hopton. Jonny Irving and Gaz Moxon were the scorers.

The next action at the Welfare Ground is on Tuesday Evening with a top of the table clash between Emley’s under 19 side and Silsden who are currently 2nd in the Northern Alliance table, 3 points behind Emley.