Emley end Knaresborough run

Darren Hepworth’s side are now on a decent run of form themselves with only two defeats in 2014.

Emley had the best of the opening minutes and should have been ahead on 10 minutes after a clear cut chance for Doran Jordan. The winger could only blaze over from close range after excellent link up play from Steven Kenworthy and Alex Hallam.

Thankfully the miss was soon forgotten as, on 29 minutes, Michael Tunnacliffe placed the ball on the right hand corner of the box to deliver an Emley free-kick. The ball curled around the four man wall and then evaded any further touch from defenders or attackers alike to gift Tunnacliffe his first goal of the season at the 45th attempt.

The celebrations were cut short when referee Jason Knowles pointed to the spot for a Knaresborough penalty. Paul Sykes was adjudged to have pulled down an attacker as the corner was swung in. Emley felt hard done to but were relieved when the spot-kick hit Adam Lawlor’s right hand post and bounced out for a home throw-in.

The visitors started the second half strongly and two Lawlor saves – both at full stretch to deny attempted chips – protected the slender lead.

Emley got the two-goal cushion with Ruben Jerome’s first touch of the game. The striker had replaced the tireless Alex Hallam moments before.

Jordan made up for his early miss with a strong run down the right before delivering a great cross onto the head of Jordan Townend. Townend couldn’t direct the header in but, when the ball dropped to Jerome, the youngster was calm, composed and confident to take a couple of touches to confidently finish into the top corner from about 14 yards out.

Knaresborough had little to show in the remaining twenty minutes and Emley saw the game out for a much-deserved three points.

With two games left to go this season, a top 6 finish is Hepworth’s aim but that will require maximum points against Pontefract and Shirebrook as well as results going in Emley’s favour elsewhere.