Routine win on the road

In mixed conditions, the team continued their good form making it five wins from their last six.

It was a scrappy affair especially in the first half where the wet weather made it hard for both teams to create chances and take control of the game. After ten minutes Leonard fired a shot wide of the post just moments after Steven Kenworthy charged down the left towards the oncoming keeper, Samuel Jepson.

Kenworthy was released down the left hand side once more and this time was able to set up Doran Jordan who volleyed into an empty net to bring the game to life. Five minutes from the break and Emley were denied a penalty after Kenworthy was brought down on the edge of the area but the referee thought otherwise and pulled out a yellow card for diving.

The second half began slowly similar to the first. Despite the lack of chances flowing at one end of the field, Emley’s defence was holding steady and were barely troubled all afternoon. Dinnington’s best chance of the game came just after the hour mark when a flicked on free kick was ruled out for offside.

Dinnington’s day wasn’t helped by an early injury to their defender, Greg Ramsden, who was forced off with a leg injury after 15 minutes. Their striker, Yacine Bousanga, made a short appearance as a substitute lasting just 28 minutes before being taken off again in the second half.

Darren Hepworth made some alterations to his side with 15 minutes remaining. Ruben Jerome and Sylbert Stewart came on in place of Alex Hallam and Kenworthy and helped push the team on for another goal.

Stewart was able to find Leonard down the left wing who raced in on goal tucking his shot just under the keeper into the far corner of the net to seal the match. This goal topped off a fine performance for the midfielder who has had a place nestled in the first team since signing in February.

Substitute striker Stewart had two other chances towards the end which could have increased the lead. On similar occasions, he found room in the box to turn in and out before aiming at his near post where the keeper held on both times. Alex Hallam also had a chance to find the net before coming off when he cut inside from the right and had his shot pushed away.

This victory will be seen as sweet revenge for the team who were beaten by Dinnington 4-2 in October. Next up for Hepworth’s men is Worsbrough Bridge Athletic back at The Welfare Ground.

Man of the match: Max Leonard