AFC EMLEY tackle Yorkshire Amateur at the Welfare Ground tomorrow buoyed by going fourth in the Northern Counties East League’s Division I.
Darren Hepworth’s side were the only team in the top eight to win on Boxing Day when they defeated Hemsworth MW on their own patch.
Ash Flynn got the only goal from the penalty spot on 68 minutes, after he had been fouled in the area by Cameron Clarke.
Disciplined defending and hard work enabled Emley to see out the game, and their fitness in the final stages certainly appeared to be a key factor.
Hepworth will be keen to see his side build on the performance when they tackle Amateur, who are sixth from bottom of the standings and very inconsistent.
AFC go into the match (3.00) having won eight away matches in succession – a run dating back to September and one which is proving the backbone of a promotion challenge.
Josh Cooke and Doran Jordan were back in the starting line-up against Hemsworth, with captain Paul Sykes moving to left-back and Liam Schofield among the substitutes.
Brad Riley provided fresh legs in the later stages and Matt Thornton also made a welcome return from the bench.
Emley: Herriott, Leech, Sykes, Ingham, Cyrus, Cooke, Joseph, Jordan (Thornton 78), Flynn, Kenworthy, Maturine (Riley 78). Subs (not used): Schofield, Roberts, McIntosh.
