AFC EMLEY aim to keep hold of the Adrian Wright Memorial Trophy when Huddersfield Town return to the Welfare Ground tonight (7.00).
Home boss Darren Hepworth is set to field a string of new signings in the match staged annually in memory of the former club president, who died aged 54 in 2007.
It’s a first home outing for Northern Counties East League First Division club Emley, who were 2-1 winners against Town last season.
They have produced three victories from four games so far, with their 2-1 defeat coming at the hands of Evo-Stik Division I North side Ossett Town on Friday.
Boosting the strikeforce is Ash Flynn, who makes the step up from West Riding County Amateur League Lepton Highlanders, where he netted 48 goals last season.
Flynn will be playing alongside Dean Wharam, who has committed himself to the club for the forthcoming campaign and notched in each of the four friendlies to date.
Ex-Town junior Steven Kenworthy has also figured after missing the bulk of last season with an ankle ligament injury which needed surgery.
That means Hepworth will have three prolific strikers to call on, and providing the supply are Doran Jordan and Anthony Haigh.
Jordan is a speedy right winger who was a regular for Evo-Stik League Ossett Albion last year and Haigh, who had a spell at the club two seasons ago, is back from Brighouse Town.
Hepworth has also brought in two defenders – Matt Thornton, who was at Ossett with Jordan last season, and Josimar Bradshaw, son of former Emley player Charlie and formerly at FC Halifax.
Hepworth has also taken a look at a number of players from the newly- formed Under 19 side and is delighted with what he has seen.
“We made an early start with pre-season training, and right from the word go we have had huge turn-outs,” he said.
“The standard of players and the attitude that they have shown in both training and games has been excellent.
“It’s great that the local lads are getting involved and looking to prove themselves at a higher level and there are some top prospects in the Under 19 squad.
Four of last season’s group – Scott Holt, Scott Hargreaves, Nathan Tayo and keeper Luke Herriott – have moved on.
Admission tonight is £6 adults and £3 concessions. Parking at the ground limited, but the nearby Warburton Recreation Ground and Emley Moor Business Park can both be used.
With the village easily becoming congested, fans are advised to arrive early. Gates open at 6.00 and the Emley Sports Bar is open from 4.45.
