Emley AFC head into Tuesday night’s play-off semi-final at home to Dunston UTS in confident mood after a dominant 6-0 victory over Newton Aycliffe FC secured their place in the top four.

The Pewits rounded off the regular season in emphatic fashion, with goals from Niall Heaton, Chris Dawson, Kurtis Turner and a brace from Laurence Sorhaindo helping seal a comprehensive win.

After leading 1-0 at half-time, Emley surged through the gears in the second half, scoring five times to underline their attacking quality and momentum heading into the play-offs.

Manager Richard Tracey believes that ruthless performance has set his side up perfectly for the challenge ahead: “We set out with the intention of winning the game, that’s always our priority. We knew we had to give ourselves a chance, and once we got into the game I thought we controlled it really well.

“In the first half we were patient and disciplined. We got the goal through Niall, and although we had another ruled out, you always felt we just needed that second to really take control.”

Despite the eventual scoreline, Emley were tested at key moments, particularly early in the second half: “We did have a bit of a wobble. We switched off defensively and gave them a big chance, and that’s probably where we rode our luck a little bit. But once we got that second and third goal, I thought we were excellent. The pleasing thing for me was how ruthless and professional we were after that. We killed the game, scored more goals, and it allowed us to manage the squad and keep players fresh.”

That ability to rotate and protect players could prove crucial as attention quickly turns to Tuesday night’s semi-final showdown.

Emley now face a tough test against a Dunston side they know well, with a place in Saturday’s final at stake.

Tracey expects a fiercely competitive encounter and has full respect for the opposition: “We’ve got nothing but top-drawer respect for Dunston. From the goalkeeper right through the team, they’re an exceptional side at this level. They tend to be slow starters in the season, but once they get going they’re really difficult to beat. We know exactly what we’re coming up against.”

However, the Emley boss is pleased the tie will be played at home, rather than on the road: “Our record up there hasn’t been great, so we’re delighted they’ve got to come to us. That’s a big plus for us.”

With the game taking place at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, Tracey has called on supporters to play their part in what promises to be a huge night: “The crowd can make a massive difference. If we can get around a thousand through the gate, it would be phenomenal. That atmosphere, that energy, it becomes a real 12th man. We saw that at Dunston last year, and if we can recreate that here, it gives us a real edge.”

Emley will assess their squad ahead of the clash, with a couple of concerns following Saturday’s win: “Bailey had to come off with a head injury, so we’ll monitor that. Jack’s still unavailable after his operation, so it’s about making sure everyone else is fit and ready to go.”

With promotion now just two games away, the message from Tracey is clear: “Ultimately, anyone in the top four can beat anyone on their day. We know we’ve got to perform to get a result. To the fans, come and get behind the lads, be that 12th man, and make it a difficult environment for Dunston. You’ve got a massive role to play, and hopefully together we can get over the line.”