AFC snap up Jez

Apr 1 2008 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

AFC SNAP UP JEZ

AFC Emley have signed former Town midfielder Jez Illingworth.

The 30-year-old is moving back to this area from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, and has agreed to join the Welfare Ground club.

It’s a big boost for their Northern Counties East League Division I run-in, the final four matches of which are all away from home.

Illingworth came through the Town Academy and made three senior appearances in the 1996-97 season.

AFC are hoping Illingworth’s registration will be through in time for Saturday’s trip to Barton Town but, if not, he will make his debut against Hall Road Rangers the following week.

The news comes after Nicky Bramald and Daryl Brook’s side drew their final home game of the campaign 1-1 against Pontefract Collieries in terrible conditions.

Some regulars said they couldn’t remember worse rain in a driving wind for the last 20 years than pelted the ground at certain stages, and AFC played into the teeth of it during the first half.

Despite that, they enjoyed the bulk of possession, although Pontefract looked the more dangerous on the counter attack with the wind at their backs.

When AFC had that advantage in the second period, it took them only five minutes to break the deadlock, Lee Hill netting with a firm header after neat build-up play.

Pontefract were level within two minutes, however, when full-back Steve Slater hit a wonder shot from 25 yards which gave keeper Ben Blunt no chance.

With conditions worsening towards the end of the game, flowing football became impossible and it was a credit to both teams, referee Murphy and his assistants that the match was completed.