TWO goals from striker David Heagney helped AFC Emley bring their losing run to a halt with a 2-2 draw at Worsborough Bridge in the Northern Counties East League’s Division I.

After a run of three league defeats Emley put in a much improved display but despite dominating for long spells manager Darren Hepworth’s side were thankful for Heagney’s strikes.

The first half saw Emley firmly on top and Worsborough had keeper James Jenkinson made a string of confident saves.

Jenkinson was at full stretch to deny Scott Holt as he attempted a neat chip and Holt then was the provider delivering a cross to strike partner Heagney whose shot was again dealt with well by the keeper.

At the other end Emley’s back three of Sean Hazelden, Judd Colley and new signing Paul Banton, dealt well with the threat of the lively Adam Podmore and Rob Ward andŠ keeper Adam Valente had relatively little to do in the first half.

Max Joice had three efforts at goal all saved by Jenkinson and the home side’s most dangerous spell came right at the end of the half as the former Glasshoughton man Banton was called upon to clear a scrambled shot off the line following a corner.

The home team started the second half more positively and Valente was called upon to make a fine save from a free kick by Todd Jordan.

But it was Emley who finally made their breakthrough on 59 minutes as Heagney was fouled in the penalty area by ex-Emley man Callum Westney and the striker picked himself up and slotted home the spot kick to give his side the lead.

There was another penalty five minutes later at the other end as Joice clipped the heels of another former Emley player Teo Ringrose, and Liam McFadyen sent Valente the wrong way from the spot.

Emley responded looking to reclaim their lead and referee Martin Watts incensed the home team as he awarded a free kick inside the penalty area for a back pass – Heagney tapped the ball to Holt who cracked a low drive which spun away to safety off the post.

Worsborough took the lead for the first time on 81 minutes when a rare slip on the edge of the box by Josh Ingham allowed substitute Gareth Hunter the space to tuck away a shot into the bottom corner.

However, Emley secured a draw five minutes from time whenŠBrad Dowling found Heagney and he fired home from a difficult angle.

Emley: Valente, Joice (Dowling 80), Powell (Reid 80), Banton, Colley, Hazelden, Cyrus, Ingham, Heagney, Holt, Wdowczyk (Stuart 67). Subs (not used): Tayo, Armitage.