Steven Kenworthy equalises for AFC Emley. Picture: Mark Parsons
A late Steven Kenworthy goal was required to earn AFC Emley a 1-1 draw at home to Hallam FC on the final day of the Toolstation NCEL Division One season.
The result sees Emley finish the season in 5th place, a new high for the club since reformation back in 2005.
Kenworthy scored from a tight angle with a looping effort that nestled in the bottom corner, with only minutes remaining on the clock.
Michael Blythen had earlier given the visitors the lead, as he capitalised on a defensive error to score from the edge of the six yard box.
The first half was a tight affair with chances coming few and far between. Despite that, both sides came close to opening the scoring. Josh Birds got down the right flank for Hallam, before squaring a ball into the box, however Steve Brammer could only put his effort over bar.
At the other end, Max Leonard came close with a well struck long range free kick, which appeared to be heading for the roof of the net, however, it glanced off the cross bar and over the goal.
Just before half time, the newly crowned players’ player and supporters player of the year Adam Lawlor was required to be alert as Tom Fairweather headed an Elliot Simpson free kick towards goal, but the Emley stopper was able to turn the ball around the post.
The second half saw more chances at either end as both sides tried to end the season on a high, Birds managed to get through for the visitors, but could only succeed in putting his shot past the post.
There was then a goalmouth scramble in the Hallam area, but no Emley playing could get a clear shot on goal before it was cleared. Hallam hit back on the break and as the ball was crossed into the box, a defensive mix up in a new look back line for Emley, which saw Joe Egemole and Callum McLoughlin partner Antony Leech in a back three, allowed Blythen to fire home into an empty net.
Leonard was still causing Hallam problems with his free kicks as Emley pushed for an equaliser, one effort struck the upright, whilst a second saw a stretching Egemole unable to connect at the back post.
Danny Flynn nearly doubled the advantage for Hallam when he forced Lawlor into a good save with his feet from the edge of the area.
With time fast running out, Emley managed to find the equalising goal as Kenworthy managed to get into the box before sending a looping effort over Jack Dennison and in off the back post.
There was still some late drama to unfold as Kenworthy forced Dennison to save well, whilst Emley had a good shout for a penalty turned down in the dying stages of the game, however, both sides had to settle for a point before starting again next season.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Scrivens, Jordan, Leech, McLoughlin, Egemole, Tunnacliffe (captain), Leonard, Flynn, Kenworthy, Goddard. Subs: Waller, Harrison, Rhodes, Townend.
Hallam: Dennison, Kistell, Simpson, Mirfin (captain), Parks, Westney, Brammer, Fairweather, Birds, Blythen, Hargreaves. Subs: Flynn, Hindley, Greaves.
Referee: Stuart Royston
Attendance: 125
Thanks to James Holder from AFC Emley for his reports throughout the season.