Amateur Football: AFC Emley quick off the mark for win

Nov 24 2009 by Mel Booth, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Quick off the

EARLY goals from Josh Wright and Sean Hazelden were enough to secure AFC Emley the points with a 2-0 win against a resurgent Glasshoughton side in horrible weather at the Welfare Ground.

Manager Ian Banks fielded the same side and substitutes that were defeated at Tadcaster while Glasshoughton were without key players Nathan Hazelden in defence and Rob Malone up front for the Northern Counties East Division I clash.

Glasshoughton’s injury problems worsened when they lost Darren Fletcher and James Flowers in the first 18 minutes and, in that period, Emley were two goals to the good.

Mark Stuart forced a good save from Sykes in the Glasshoughton goal, and the same player delivered the following corner which was cleared to Wright who scored – his shot taking two minor deflections as it flew into the net.

Mick Amos, wearing the captain’s armband against his former club, created another good chance with a smart turn and run from half way, providing regular captain Kenworthy with a shooting opportunity from a tight angle, but Sykes made a fine save.

On 16 minutes Emley doubled their lead. Kenworthy was brought down 20 yards out, allowing the big central defenders Hazelden and Craig Marsh to move forward.

Stuart took the free-kick which was cleared back to him and, looking up, he picked out the run of Hazelden perfectly. Rising above a defender, he simply re-directed the ball into the top corner with a deft header.