Match report: Emley v Grimsby Borough

Emley rounded off their inaugural season in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division with a goalless draw with champions Grimsby Borough at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

Despite the game having an inevitable end of season feel to it and very little for either side to play for, the point meant that Emley confirmed their top half finish, something they can rightly feel proud of, considering the position the team was in just a couple of months ago.

Emley started the brighter but couldn’t find a goal to show for their early dominance, Tom Claisse and Joe Jagger came close, Claisse belting a 20 yard shot just wide while just 2 minutes later Jagger smashed a 20 yard free kick off the bar.

Both teams were playing some good stuff on a lush looking pitch, and it wasn’t long before Emley’s keeper Sam Kelly was called into action, making 2 good saves within a minute of each other, one from close range and one from a bit further out.

With the game opening up a little, there was plenty of space in midfield and Joe Kenny took advantage for Emley with a low shot that went wide, Jagger was denied by the keeper a couple of minutes later as Emley applied the pressure.

Kelly was again forced into making a save after Grimsby turned defence into attack quickly before Emley enjoyed a good spell, Callum Charlton’s run and shot was saved well for a corner and then a super bit of play from Man of the Match Jagger who fed Doyle with a lovely ball, but Emley’s top scorer couldn’t keep the ball down as it ballooned over.

The champions then had a great chance, but the shot hit the side netting and within a couple of minutes Emley were up the other end, but the Keeper was equal to Jagger’s shot.

Goalless at half time but there was no lack of goalmouth action.

H/T EMLEY 0-0 GRIMSBY BOROUGH

The second half took a while to get going and even then, it was played in fits and starts, neither side really pushing their opponents but both seemingly happy to play out the half without conceding.

Emley were unlucky not to net in the opening 10 minutes of the half, Sam Pashley rattling the woodwork before Doyle smashed a 20-yard fizzer wide.
James Knowles was next to try his luck, but his shot was well tipped over by the keeper.

Emley kept trying for an opener but it wasn’t to be as both team saw out the game.

Pashley was wide again when he found himself unmarked in the area and Jagger attempted another long-range free kick that went wide.

The visitors’ only real chance of the half came with 12 minutes to go, but Kelly was equal to it, pushing a tremendous shot onto the bar, they had another shot go wide a few minutes later but, in all honesty, both sides had more or less settled for a point each.

Grimsby, who received a guard of honour and took the applause of the Emley fans before kick off were also applauded off the field as they began their title celebrations, Emley, look forward to their final match of the season away to Bottesford Town on Wednesday.

F/T EMLEY 0-0 GRIMSBY BOROUGH

Attendance- 199

EMLEY- Kelly, Ngoe, Cadzow, Price © Pashley, Claisse, Knowles, Kenny, Doyle, Jagger, Charlton;
Subs used- Tweddle, Masuku; Unused- Metcalfe, Smith

Moxon and Co. Man of the Match- Joe Jagger