AFC EMLEY extended their unbeaten run to six with a well-earned 2-1 victory over at Worsbrough Bridge.Š

A commanding first-half performance brought Darren Hepworth’s side goals from Dean Wharam and Mark Stuart and that was enough, even though the home side fought back strongly in the Northern Counties East League Division I clash.

Hepworth was forced to make a couple of changes to his squad with Max Joice and Brad Dowling occupying the full-back berths due to injuries to Anthony Leech and Nathan Tayo.

Marc Townsend was suspended and Teo Ringrose returned to the starting line-up.Š

Worsborough included former Emley men Craig Marsh and Josh Wright.

Wharam put Emley ahead with his fourth goal in five games.Š The pacy striker did well to hold off the attentions of the Worsborough defence and made himself some space on the edge of the box before slotting home a well-placed effort.

Minutes later Wharam should have doubled the lead after a good move involving Stuart and Josh Ingham while Teo Ringrose, back in the squad after missing the last three games, went close when forcing a reaction save.

Wharam made amends for his early miss by setting up Emley’s second. He raced onto a ball down the right wing and delivered a fine first-time cross from the goalline right into the path of Stuart, who made no mistake.

Overall another solid defensive display by Sean Hazelden and Judd Colley kept the threat of Worsbrough to a minimum, while Dowling and Stuart went close before the break.

Stuart had a great chance to put the game out of reach at the start of the second half but his chipped effort went over both the keeper and the bar. ŠRingrose also went close with a long range shot after a corner was cleared into his path.

Bridge responded and began to have a greater influence on the game.Š

But it wasn’t until 14 minutes from time that the home side scored, Ward scoring from a corner.

ŠEmley had a late scare when Adam Podmore had what he thought was an equaliser ruled out for a foul.

The win moves Emley up to 10th in the table and in the top half for the first time this season.Š

They will have another tough test on their hands tomorrow when they entertain fourth-placed Glasshoughton at the Welfare Ground.Š

Emley – Clark, Joice, Dowling, Ingham (Roberts), Colley, Hazelden, Stuart, Washington, Kenworthy, Wharam, Ringrose (Barnes).ŠSub not used: Irving.