BATTLING AFC Emley lost out in a nine-goal thriller against Barton Town which featured four penalties!
A crowd of 82 at the Welfare Ground witnessed a cracking Northern Counties East League Cup first-round tie in which Darren Hepworth’s side fought back from 4-1 down at half time to lose 5-4.
A four-goal salvo from the prolific Gareth Barlow had put visitors firmly in control but Emley fought back with a rare three-penalty hat trick from Steven Kenworthy to set up a thrilling finale and gain momentum for tomorrow’s home league clash with Appleby Frodingham.
Hepworth drafted in Ryan Dennis from the reserve team to replace Staveley-bound Callum Westney at right back – and with Max Joice and Judd Colley also out of the back line Barton punished some poor defensive play.Š
Emley started brightly, hitting a post through Kenworthy, but they were soon in trouble after Nathan Tayo was adjudged to have handled a shot in the box blasted at him from close range.
Northern scored but was forced to re-take the kick for a double movement in the run-up, and Mick Clark saved the second attempt.Š
Barton, however, piled on the pressure and went ahead on seven minutes through Barlow, tucking away a rebound from a brilliant Clark save.
Emley fought back with a penalty on 17 after determined work by Dean Wharam to chase down a loose ball, and Kenworthy obliged from the spot.
Lee Shilleto missed for Emley before Barton regained the lead on 24 minutes with Barlow firing home his second from 12 yards.
Barlow added his third after Clark could only parry a Northern shot and, on 39 minutes, he turned provider for Northern to slot home a simple cross.
Emley did respond well in the final stages of the half with Mark Stuart and Wharam going close, but it wasn’t until 10 minutes into the second half that the home side reduced the deficit, Kenworthy drilling home another penalty after Wharam had been tripped.
Hepworth sent on fresh legs with a double substitution shortly after, with Curtis Roberts and Alex Barnes replacing Townsend and Ringrose on the flanks.
Unfortunately, a poor clearance at the back fell into the path of Barlow who didn’t hesitate in slamming home his fourth of the game for Barton.
At 5-2 down it would have been quite easy for Emley to roll over and give up, but testament to the influence of Hepworth since taking over as manager his team fought back and showed some real spirit.ŠŠŠ
Bramley pulled off a terrific triple save after a Roberts cross had played Kenworthy in to shoot from a tight angle, the keeper had to be at his very best to block two further shots from Stuart and Barnes. Wharam played with real purpose in the second half and the Barton defence struggled to cope with his pace and, when the striker was bundled over in the area for the third time on 69 minutes, Kenworthy again delivered.
With the clock ticking down Emley threw everything forward with Wharam and Stuart again being denied, and it was Anthony Leech who got Emley’s fourth in the final minute, scoring with a diving header from a Wharam cross.
Emley: Clark, Dennis (Simpkins), Tayo, Ingham, Leech, Hazelden, Stuart, Townsend (Roberts), Kenworthy, Wharam, Ringrose (Barnes). Subs not used:Š Dowling, Cyrus.
