Sam Jerome heads home the winner for AFC Emley at Dronfield Town. Picture: Mark Parsons
AFC Emley kept hold of second spot in the Toolstation NCEL Division One and remain level on points with leaders Pontefract Collieries thanks to a 1-0 win away at Dronfield Town.
A powerful Sam Jerome header was all that could separate the sides in a game where a strong wind dictated the game.
Both sides created chances, but only Jerome found the back of the net when he rose highest at the back post to thump a Michael Tunnacliffe corner past Richard Henson.
Emley played the first half against the wind, but it was they who tested the opposing goalkeeper first with Max Leonard striking an effort straight at the goalkeeper.
Ashley Flynn also came close as he got behind the Dronfield defence, however, Henson smothered the ball before the striker could unleash an effort at goal.
Although it was the hosts who had the closest attempts of the half, with a Lewis Naylor header forcing Adam Lawlor into a fine one handed save. Whilst Jamie Willis saw Lawlor more than equal to his long range effort.
The second half saw Emley create the most chances, with Leonard seeing Henson pull off a fine save with his feet from a close range effort.
Jerome also saw the keeper difficult to beat as his well struck volley was beaten away, with Paul Sykes seeing his well struck follow up blocked by the recovering defender.
The hosts nearly took the lead on the break, with Mark Fereday managing to steal the ball before Lawlor could clear, however, he put his shot past the post from a difficult angle.
Following the scare, Emley defended resolutely, whilst creating the better chances, Leonard narrowly missing from a free kick, just before Jerome broke the deadlock, whilst Adam Podmore and Steven Kenworthy failed to capitalise when in good positions.
The result however sees Emley keep up with the league leaders ahead of a difficult task at home against Hemsworth Miners Welfare next weekend. The game kicking off a 10:30 due to the league’s Easter Groundhop weekend.
Dronfield Town: Henson, Dickinson, Butler (captain), Willis, Darlow, Morley, Fereday, Sezarano, Naylor, Fereday, Horsfield. Subs: Moverley-Gray, Jones, Bebbington, Mulgrew.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Brook, Starkey, Leech, S Jerome, Sykes, Ingham, Leonard, Flynn, Tunnacliffe, Jordan. Subs: Kenworthy, R Jerome, Townend, Podmore, Scrivens.
Referee: Andy Smith (Castleford)
Attendance: 58
Thanks to James Holder for this report. If you want your club’s reports on Non League Yorkshire each week, send reports and team-lists to info@nonleagueyorkshire.com.