Report: Emley AFC v Golcar United (friendly)

Report by Tom Wiggan
Football returned to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Friday night, as Emley AFC hosted Golcar United in their first of six pre-season friendlies this July. The game looked to be a good indicator to Emley manager, Richard Tracey about the way this new Emley side could line up for the start of the upcoming 2022-23 season.

The game was off to a flyer after only five minutes played, Emley favourite George Doyle’s effort from the edge of the area was well placed into the back of the net with help from the near post to direct the ball over the line, giving Emley the early lead.

10 minutes later, the lead was doubled when Kane Swinburn worked well to draw a foul on the edge of the area off the Golcar United right back. George Doyle confidently stepped up and netted home, giving him his second goal of the game.

Half an hour in, Emley made it three, when Joe Kenny was fouled on the halfway line, the referee allowed play to continue which saw the number 11 of Emley make an amazing 30 yard run down the right-hand side, cut in onto his weaker foot and slot home in the far corner to add another goal to Emley’s goal tally.

Only a minute later, George Doyle secured a first half hat-trick when a cross was drilled in by Charlie Smith on the left-hand side, with Doyle’s outstretched leg beating the defenders surrounding him to poke it home for Emley’s fourth in the first half.

The score at half time, Emley AFC 4-0 Golcar United.

With the second half about to start, Emley introduced a brand new starting 11, which included a number of trialist and players from the under-21’s squad.

However, the numerous changes didn’t affect the way Emley played, as they took the positive momentum from the first half into the second. It took until the 65th minute of the game for Emley to grab their fifth but was well worth the wait, as it was the pick of the bunch. A wonderful passage of play around the area was played to Joe Jagger, who’s footballing instincts kicked in with a sublime back heal into the Emley number 15 who slotted the ball comfortable past the Golcar keeper.

With 5 minutes left on the clock, Emley added a sixth. A well taken strike from Emley’s number 17 topped off an outstanding return to football for Emley AFC, something which they look to take into this upcoming season.

The score at full time, Emley AFC 6-0 Golcar United