AFC EMLEY take a tough-looking trip to Rainworth tomorrow (3.00) disappointed by their exit from the Northern Counties East League Cup but lifted by their performance.
Former Town player Ian Banks’ side created a stack of chances as they lost 2-1 at home to Grimsby Borough, who visit the Welfare Ground again for a First Division match on Wednesday.
Before that comes the clash in Mansfield against a club reputed to have a big budget and who have won all four competitive games so far.
Two of those were in the league, putting Rainworth joint top with Hemsworth and Worsbrough Bridge (Emley are 10th in the embryonic table).
Ex-Town junior Steve Kenworthy gave Emley a 17th-minute lead against Grimsby, but the visitors levelled through Ben Mortlock in the 36th minute.
A string of home chances came and went, with the tie going into extra time and being settled by Rick Peck’s goal on 109 minutes.
Emley spokesman Richard Hazelden said: “It was a blow to go out of the cup, but we’re creating chances and, with sharper finishing, we’ll start winning games.
“In between them equalising and scoring the winner, we counted 11 decent chances on their goal, which tells its own story.”
On tomorrow’s game, Hazelden added: “It will be interesting, because in terms of our league, Rainworth and Scarborough Athletic, who we play the Saturday after, appear to be the biggest spenders.
“Both of those will be tough games, but they’ll provide a good gauge of the level we need to reach to be successful.
“In between, we play Grimsby again in our first home league match, and we’ll be going all out for a win.”
l Bay Athletic began the defence of their West Riding County Amateur League title with a 4-3 win at Hall Road.
Marsden beat Brighouse Town 3-0 at Fall Lane while Kirkburton’s first-ever Premier Division match finished in a 2-2 draw at Hemsworth.
The Storthes Hall-Meltham derby was postponed as was Golcar’s home clash with Lower Hopton.
Tomorrow (2.30): Bay v Storthes Hall, Kirkburton v Overthorpe, Marsden v Golcar, Meltham v Hemsworth.
