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FROM THE DUGOUT

FROM THE DUGOUT

Steve Downes29 Nov 2024 - 09:30

We speak to Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey to reflect on recent results and preview up coming games.

Emley AFC moved into the quarter-finals of the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over AFC Bentley. Nathan Curtis scored the crucial goal in the 23rd minute, heading home a superb cross from Isaac Baldwin.

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, Emley could not extend their lead, with the woodwork denying them on three occasions. The defence, led by an outstanding performance from Man of the Match Adam Clayton, stood resolute. Young academy players also impressed during their appearances, contributing to the team’s effort. Although Bentley threatened with late attempts to equalise, Emley held firm to secure the win and continue their cup run.

Reflecting on the match, manager Richard Tracey praised Bentley's performance while expressing frustration with his team’s display:
“I think first and foremost we have to give some credit to Bentley. They came over and they were really solid and played really well.

“However, I think we've hit the post three times in the game and the keeper’s probably made one good save, so it could have been a different result. They had one good chance with 15 minutes to go, Declan's made a good save. They had a couple of other shots that Dec also did well with too.

“We played a strong side and made five or six changes from the last game against Sheffield, but we played a strong side. I was really disappointed, actually, in the intensity, the quality, and the decision making of us on the night. I felt that it was probably one of the poorest performances I've seen over the last six years I've been here.

“We controlled the vast majority of the game, but we didn't hurt them because we played with a lack of quality and turned the ball over a lot. I was a bit disappointed and a bit frustrated.

“This game was an absolute potential banana skin. I said to a couple of staff, you know, they're going to get a goal here and probably beat us on penalties. However, in the end, it's about winning football matches, and we did that. We're through to the quarter-finals of a cup we want to win.”

Looking ahead to their next league match against Bridlington Town, Tracey acknowledged the challenge his team faces.

Emley will now turn their attention to Bridlington Town, a side with significant financial backing and ambitions to climb the football pyramid. Despite Bridlington’s slow start to the season, their recent improvements underline the tough test awaiting Emley.

“The away form has been exceptional this year,” said Tracey. “I think sometimes we've had to grind out results away from home. I don't want anyone to think that the league table means anything. Bridlington has got a significant budget.

“They've got a chairman who wants them to be in the National League or the Football League in five or six years' time. He's investing heavily in the club and recently purchased a National League North player for several thousand pounds. We're not punching in the same league as them financially.

“We do know that we've got the quality in the squad to go and beat anybody in this league, but we also know everyone else has got the quality to beat us if they're on their day and we're not. Mark my words, and I'll reiterate this to the boys on Saturday before the game: if they play like they did on Tuesday, there's only one winner on Saturday and that'll be Bridlington Town.

“What I will also say is that we aren't a side that go back-to-back poor performances week in, week out. We do tend to address the issues that we've had and put in a better performance when we've had one that's not been as good. I don't fear that will be the case on Saturday, but the message will be very clear to the lads.”

Emley have bolstered their ranks with the signing of 24-year-old Portuguese attacking midfielder or forward Belchior Rodrigues from Consett AFC. Tracey is confident Rodrigues will bring a fresh dynamic to the squad:
“All our match reports prior to the Consett game were that everything good went through him. He was their key player. He’s looking at relocating from the Northeast down to the M62 corridor area. He’s a welcome addition to the squad.”

The team has seen other movements recently, with Sam Pashley departing for Golcar, and James Walshaw taking a managerial role at Ossett, and Alhassane Keita and Joe Clegg signing on dual registrations to maintain match fitness.

Tom Haigh remains sidelined for several weeks as he recovers from surgery. Joe Kenny’s return from injury has been positive for the squad.
“I think he's played four of the last five games for us now,” Tracey said. “I thought he was excellent on Saturday at Sheffield on a tough pitch, and he was one of the ones Tuesday night who did his job and was more near the level we expect. It's great to have him back.”

As Emley prepares for the weekend clash with Bridlington, they remain focused on continuing their strong start to the season while adapting to challenges on and off the pitch.

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