Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey has reflected on a frustrating defeat at Bishop Auckland, praised his side’s response with victory at Silsden and looked ahead to another tough Northern Premier League Division One East clash this weekend.

The Pewits suffered late heartbreak in County Durham as a last-minute goal saw Bishop Auckland claim a 2–1 victory, despite Emley creating several chances to win the game themselves.

Tracey admitted the result was difficult to take, particularly given the opportunities his side created during a dominant second half: “Bishop Auckland are a big, strong and well organised side. With everything going on around the club we really wanted a positive result to show that we’re still moving forward. They started the game brightly and we eventually got a foothold in it, but the pitch was tough and the free kick for their goal got spilled. What isn’t acceptable from our point of view is that three of their players follow it in and not one of ours.”

After Joe Clegg’s equaliser brought Emley back into the game, the Pewits controlled large periods of the second half but were unable to convert their chances: “In the second half we really dominated. On another day we go 2–1 up and maybe even further ahead. Gabby had a chance, Carlos had two great chances and Bailey went through at an angle. Fair play to Bishop Auckland because they kept going and hit us on the counter in the 90th minute. I said to the lads afterwards that they haven’t really won the game, we’ve lost it because we should have put it to bed.”

Emley responded in perfect fashion just days later with a convincing 2–0 win away at Silsden, returning to winning ways with a commanding display.

On the win he said: “It was really important that we bounced back and we did. Everyone did a fantastic job. From all accounts it was a commanding performance. We scored two terrific goals, defended really well, dominated midfield and Alex didn’t have a great deal to do in goal. I was absolutely delighted for the lads and I can’t thank Steve, Rich and Ben enough for the work they put in on Tuesday night too.”

Attention now turns to Saturday’s home fixture at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground against Heaton Stannington, another side the manager expects to provide a stern challenge: “They’re a good side, strong, organised and with some good players. When we played them earlier in the season it was a tough game and we ended up hanging on with ten men to win. Dean has done a great job there and thoroughly deserves the contract he’s earned. It’s going to be a tough game, there’s no two ways about it.”

Emley currently sit towards the top end of the Northern Premier League Division One East table, with Heaton Stannington also enjoying a competitive campaign in mid-table.

Tracey believes the Pewits must maintain their standards if they are to continue their push near the top of the division: “We know it’s going to be difficult, but it’s another opportunity for us to keep moving forward and extend our run with a positive performance.”