AFC EMLEY climbed out of the bottom four the Northern Counties East League’s Division I for the first time this season with a comfortable 2-0 victory at fellow strugglers Appleby Frodingham.

It was a welcome three points for manager Darren Hepworth, who was again without key defenders Max Joice and Judd Colley.

Anthony Leech filled in at centre half, whileŠ Steven Kenworthy and Dean Wharam continued their partnership up front.

Emley took the game to their hosts from the first whistle and enjoyed the best of the play, but were guilty of a couple of misses early in the game while the home side found their own chances restricted.

Midway through the first half Jack Siddall rattled the Emley crossbar with a long-range screamer with keeper Mick Clarke rooted to his line.

Teo Ringrose ensured that Emley went in a goal to the good at half-time.

The talented young winger took advantage of some hesitant defending to fire home from close range on 43 minutes.

The second half followed a similar pattern with Emley playing the better football and Appleby battling hard to keep them at bay.

Josh Ingham once again caught the eye and was the architect of much of Emley’s good play.

Emley got a second goal on 66 minutes and it was a well-worked team goal involving five players.Š

Ringrose made a burst down the wing, playing a 1-2 with Marc Townsend before laying the ball off to Mark Stuart, who crossed to Wharam. The striker was unable to get a clean touch but Kenworthy was on hand to fire home.

Ingham might have notched a third goal for Emley after doing all the hard work breaking through the defence, but he dragged his shot wide.

Emley were rarely troubled by a hard-working Frodingham side, who played with lots of spirit but little end result, and manager Hepworth was delighted with his team’s victory – his fourth in the league since taking over in a spell which has seen his side grow in confidence and move up the league.

He said:Š “This was a solid team performance and a well-deserved win.

“It was great to keep a clean sheet and while they grafted hard I don’t think they really troubled us at the back.”

“The team spirit is definitely back there with the lads and they are playing well as a unit.

“We must build on this and continue to notch up some more points and get ourselves to a more respectable place in the league.”

Emley are in action tomorrow night when they entertain Barton Town OB in the NCE League Cup (7.45).

AFC Emley: Clark, Westney, Tayo, Ingham, Leech, Hazelden, Stuart, Townsend (Bucknall), Kenworthy, Wharam (Dowling), Ringrose (Barnes)