North Ferriby 2 - 0 Emley

Match Report by Tom Wiggan.
Spirits were high as Saturday saw the opening weekend to the 2022-23 season for the pewits. Their first challenge of the season was an away trip to newly promoted side, North Ferriby FC. With an intense but successful pre-season for Emley firmly behind them, they looked to get off on the right foot.

Many familiar faces were amongst the pewits starting XI, such as George Doyle, Joe Jagger and Joe Kenny, whilst three new players were welcomed into the first game of the season, hoping to make their mark for the pewits.

The first half saw a very end to end game, with half-chances coming at either end, However, North Ferriby’s constant pressure on the Emley back four saw James Knowles missed timed slide tackle take out the North Ferriby striker in the area giving the hosts, the chance to take the lead, which they did through number 10, Daniel East, who’s strike left Emley keeper Sam Kelly at a standstill.

Referee Mark Findlay was called into action when North Ferriby number 2, Josh Dennett’s challenge was lead with his studs showing, catching Joe Jagger, leaving him on the floor. Findlay opposed against giving out a red in the opening game and chose to award the North Ferriby right back a yellow card for his dangerous challenge.

In the dying seconds of the first half, Emley’s urge to get back into the game nearly paid off when Joe Jagger latched onto a through ball and slotted home past the North Ferriby keeper, only to be disallowed for hand ball, killing Emley’s hopes of a first half equaliser.

The score at half time. North Ferriby FC 1-0 Emley AFC.

The second half saw Emley on the back foot for the majority of the half, with North Ferriby chipping away at the pewits in hopes of doubling their lead. And so they did. On the 65th minute a free kick in a dangerous area was riffled at keeper Sam Kelly, who’s acrobatic save fell to the feet of North Ferriby striker, Daniel East, who was unmarked and saw his rebound shot slot past Kelly, giving him and North Ferriby the second of the game.

North Ferriby sat comfortably in front, with Emley seeming to pose no threat in the remainder of the game, which allowed North Ferriby to see out the 2-0 victory and send Emley back to Yorkshire with an opening day defeat. A disappointing start to the season for the pewits, but a good indication of how tough this league could be and the upcoming challenges they face on their push for promotion this season.

The score at full time. North Ferriby FC 2-0 Emley AFC.

Attendance – 358

Man of the Match – Iyrwah Gooden