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FROM THE DUGOUT

FROM THE DUGOUT

Steve Downes3 May - 09:32

Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey reviews Tuesday night’s play-off game and our incredible first season in the NPL.

Emley AFC's hopes of promotion came to a devastating end on Tuesday night as a deflected 90th-minute goal saw them fall 1-0 to Dunston in the play-off semi-final. The defeat, in front of a spirited crowd of 903, was a cruel blow after a heroic team performance that showcased the very best of the Pewits.

It was Dunston’s Turner who found the net in dramatic fashion, his strike taking a wicked deflection that wrong footed Emley goalkeeper Declan Lambton, leaving him with no chance. Up until that point, Emley had stood firm with commanding displays at the back from Charlie Barks and Jack Cowgill, while Lambton himself made key saves to keep the home side at bay.

“To lose the game in the way that we did is absolutely heartbreaking,” said Emley manager Richard Tracey after the final whistle. “It’s one of the toughest ways to go out, a deflected shot in the final seconds of the match, when it looked destined to go straight to Declan. The deflection wrong footed him completely and there was nothing he could do about it. You put so much work into a season, into a game like that, and to see it undone by something as cruel as that, it’s gutting.”

Despite the result, Tracey was full of praise for his side’s performance and spirit throughout the evening.

“That said, I thought we were absolutely brilliant on the night,” he continued. “We went to Dunston, a top side who finished above us in the table and who are packed with quality, and we stood toe-to-toe with them. We nullified their key players. I thought we kept their front four incredibly quiet. Defensively we were solid and organised. It took something freakish to beat us in the end, and that’s football sometimes.

“I’m immensely proud of the performance the lads put in. That game showed everything we’re about, togetherness, grit, tactical discipline and no lack of quality either. From back to front we were outstanding. There was nothing more I could have asked from them. And while we’re all bitterly disappointed not to have progressed, I’ve told the players that losing like that is not a failure. It’s something we can build from.

“We’ve shown that on our day, we can match the very best at this level. Now the challenge is to make sure performances like that become our standard, week in, week out. If we can do that, we’ll be right up there again next season. That’s the message.”

Tracey was also magnanimous in defeat, offering his congratulations to the opposition: “I want to give full credit to Dunston. They’re a classy side with great players and staff, and we wish them well in the final. Ian Richards and Stocksbridge, who we also know very well, will be looking to spoil the party, and I hope it’s a great occasion for both clubs. Whoever wins will deserve their shot at the Northern Premier League. These matches are brilliant showcases for the quality in this division.”

Reflecting on Emley’s season overall, Tracey expressed nothing but pride in what his squad had achieved in their first year back at this level.

He said: “When I look back over the season as a whole, I feel nothing but pride. This has been our first year back at this level in quite a while, and we’ve shown we absolutely belong here. It’s been a season of ups and downs, particularly towards the end where we had a bit of a dip in form, but we still secured a play-off place and ended with a really strong performance.

“We’ve faced a lot of challenges, particularly with injuries to key players, but the group has stuck together through everything. The evolution of the squad has continued throughout the year, and we’ve blooded some exciting new players while maintaining a strong core. That’s not easy at this level, but we’ve handled it well.

“People outside the club might not fully realise just how much we’ve had to juggle behind the scenes this season. We lost two key forwards, Mo Qasim and Lawrence Sorhaindo, for large parts of the campaign through injury. That’s tough enough, but then you factor in the departure of three big goalscorers from last season, Wally, Iyrwah and Ruben, and we’ve essentially had to replace over 100 goals.

“That’s not easy at any level, and certainly not when you’re going up a division. But the lads have found ways to win games, and that shows resilience. Earlier in the season we built success off the back of clean sheets. Later in the year, we adapted and started to look more dangerous going forward. There’s still work to do, of course, but I think we’re in a good place.”

Looking ahead to the summer and the 2025/26 campaign, planning is already well under way.
He explained: “There’s no rest for me or the staff, not at this stage. We’re already speaking to players, some of whom have reached out to us about joining next season. It’s about getting the right fit, not just ability wise, but personality wise and tactically too. We’ve got to speak with our current players as well, find out where they see themselves, and whether they want to push on with us.

“Some players might want more game time, some may look for different opportunities, and others might attract interest from elsewhere. That’s part of the game at this level. Until names are on paper from 1st July, things remain fluid. But we’re working hard behind the scenes to shape a squad that can go again and push even harder next season.

“Now the focus shifts to building. We’ll reflect, rest, and regroup, but planning is already underway. We know the areas we want to improve, particularly adding more goals into the team and making sure we can stay competitive even when chasing games.

“We’ll speak with the board, review the budget, and begin shaping a squad that can take us to the next level. There’s a lot of unknowns in non-league, different league structures, unexpected promotions or relegations, but our job is to prepare as best we can. One thing I can promise is we’ll leave no stone unturned in getting this club ready to compete at the top end again next season.”

Finally, Tracey offered heartfelt thanks to the Emley faithful for their unwavering support throughout the season.

He said: “Our supporters have been incredible this season. Home and away, through thick and thin, they’ve backed us. We’re getting 400–500 through the gates regularly, which is outstanding at this level and it genuinely gives the lads a lift. It makes a huge difference, especially during tough spells.

“There’s a lot of competition in this region with quality non-league clubs, so for fans to keep choosing to come and support Emley means the world. We’re proud to be putting on a show that people want to watch, and the players love playing in front of a crowd. The support at Dunston the other night, on a Tuesday night, no less, just shows what this club means to people.

“So from all the staff and players, thank you for your incredible support this season. It is truly appreciated. I'm proud to manage this club and proud to be part of the Emley AFC family.”

Though the play-off dream may have ended in heartbreak, Emley AFC’s journey this season has laid solid foundations for a bright and ambitious future.

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