PAUL SYKES enjoyed a dream debut as AFC Emley clinched a 3-2 win at Bottesford Town.
The new signing from Worksop Parramore grabbed a last-minute winner in the Baris Northern Counties East League First Division clash.
Manager Darren Hepworth, who also handed a debut to Josh Cooke, who has joined from Albion Sports, is hoping Sykes’ experience will underpin a promotion push by the fifth-placed Huddersfield side.
The former Sheffield Wednesday trainee played for the original Emley as well as Stalybridge Celtic, Ossett Town and Glasshoughton Welfare, whom he skippered to promotion from the NCEL First Division last season.
The midfielder certainly had the goalden touch at Bottesford, where he completed a fine comeback win by shooting home from a corner.
After defeat by leaders Athersley the previous week, it was vital Emley claimed all three points to keep in touch with the top sides.
But Bottesford began strongly and took the lead 12 minutes in as Danny Boulton went one on one with keeper Luke Herriott and slotted home.
Emley fought back and levelled in the 31st minute when Ashley Flynn rounded the home keeper to chalk up his 10th goal in nine games and 14th of the season.
The scores remained level until the 72nd minute, when Boulton squared for Mark La Rocca to slot home from 12 yards out to put Bottesford back in front.
Emley’s response was quicker this time and John Cyrus headed home from a corner on 76 minutes to make it 2-2.
The visitors were now enjoying their best spell of the game and with Aaron Joseph a driving force in midfield, pushed on for the winner which Sykes duly delivered.
Defender Cooke will have a quick reunion with Albion Sports when the Bradford side visit the Welfare Ground on Saturday.
Emley’s Under 19s aim to strengthen their hold on the Northern Alliance West Division leadership when they face second-placed Silsden at the Welfare Ground tonight.
