Townend Wraps Up 3-0 Win At Selby

Selby were a much improved side from the one that Emley had defeated 7-0 back in November, with manager Ian Dring bringing in fresh blood which has seen his side move well clear of the relegation places.

After a frustrating draw at Eccleshill in midweek Emley put things right from the first whistle and had the better of the opening exchanges. John Cyrus and Anthony Haigh both went close with headers from a Liam Schofield free kick and corner respectively before they took the lead.

The opening goal came on 15 minutes from a 35 yard free kick by Schofield. The ball swerved and dipped in the air catching out the home keeper Ben Dring who fumbled the ball into the net.

The home team did little to trouble Paul Day in the Emley goal and despite decent build up play he didn’t have a save to make in before his side doubled their lead.

It was leading scorer Ashley Flynn who netted his 41st of the season on 22 minutes. Flynn rose highest to head home a well worked corner with Schofield playing a short ball to Haigh who then picked out Flynn 6 yards from goal for a rare headed goal.

Flynn’s strike partner Steven Kenworthy went close but had a decent effort blocked by home captain Mick Jones. From the resulting corner the ball was cleared as far as Cyrus who hit a decent volleyed effort only to see it saved by Dring.

Anthony Leech should have made it 3 -0 before half time after an excellent run by Flynn who then unselfishly squared into the path of the Emley captain who couldn’t keep his effort down as he slid in.

Selby’s 2 best chances of the half fell to centre forward Danny Gray but he fired high over the bar both times after finding himself in a decent position.

The home team started stronger in the second half and a looping ball over by Gray found Harry Brigham who could only direct the ball into the side netting.

Nathan Kamara forced an excellent blocking save by Day after latching onto a long ball over the top by Jones. The Emley keeper came off his line well and spread himself to divert the ball out for a corner. Gray, who had no luck in front of goal fired over from the resulting corner.

Emley responded well and once again took a grip of the game. Dring did well to deny Flynn following a lofty ball to the striker. He then stopped a Kenworthy volley scrabbling away to stop it at the second attempt.

Kenworthy shot just wide from close range following an excellent run and cross from the right flank by Flynn. Soon after, Flynn connected well with a Schofield free kick, his volleyed effort beat Dring but was cleared off the line to safety.

Emley manager Darren Hepworth introduced youngsters Jordan Townend and Reuben Jerome from the bench giving the two more valuable first team experience and both put themselves about well, with both being involved in the third goal with 10 minutes to go.

Kenworthy was the driving force behind the goal tearing down the right before crossing into the six yard box. Jeromes shot was blocked but the ball fell to Townend who lashed a brilliant volley into the roof of the net from 10 yards out – great composure and technique from the 18 year old.

Jerome was unfortunate not to match his goal making good space for himself in the box but his low curling effort was met with a good save by Dring.

Darren Hepworth will be pleased with his side’s performance with a comfortable win achieved despite the absence of key players. The desire and attitude of those players coming into the squad bodes well for the future.

Emley:
Day, Leech, Schofield, Wilson (McIntosh 38), Cyrus, Cooke, Joseph, Kenworthy, Flynn (Jerome 80), Haigh, Irving (Townend 70). Sub (not used): Paul Sykes, Matt Semley.

Cautions: None.

Man of the Match: Anthony Leech.