Former Harrogate Railway star Nathan James controls the ball for AFC Emley in the 1-0 win over Ossett Town
AFC Emley recovered from Tuesday night’s hammering at Handsworth Parramore to record an impressive 1-0 victory over Ossett Town.
A first half goal from stalwart Steven Kenworthy was enough for Emley to pull off a notable scalp against a team from the Evo Stik Division One North.
It is also a result that erases the memories of the trip to Handsworth, with just eight days to go until the start of the Toolstation NCEL Division One season.
A fired-up Emley side certainly deserved to be in front and to be fair to Darren Hepworth’s men, they were rarely hurt in the second half by a below-par Ossett.
New Ossett goalkeeper Tom Morgan was needed to make two superb saves in the opening 20 minutes from Jordan Corduri and then Max Leonard from point blank range.
For the only goal Morgan initially denied Coduri, but the ball rolled kindly for Kenworthy to slot home into the empty net from the edge of the penalty area.
Danny Ryan is sent to the ground by Ossett’s Sam Akeroyd
AFC Emley stalwart Steven Kenworthy got the goal for his side
Although Tom Brennan had to make a goal-saving tackle to stop Ossett striker Barrie Frankland
Ossett Town goalkeeper Tom Morgan denies Jordan Coduri…
…but the ball falls to Kenworthy
Goal
Ossett’s main chance came through Barrie Frankland, who did appear to be on the verge of placing the ball into the empty net after confusion in Emley’s defence.
Some said it should have been a penalty, but referee Gareth Thomas deemed that Emley defender Tom Brennan made a fair goal-preventing challenge.
In the second half, Sam Akeroyd forced Emley goalkeeper Adam Lawlor to bat his free kick from danger.
Apart from that, Emley should have finished their visitors off.
Ash Flynn raced through and wasted his glorious chance by firing the ball wide, while Alex Hallam blazed over when it appeared easier to score.
Emley host Brighouse Town next Tuesday. Ossett are next in action at Armthorpe Welfare on Saturday.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Scrivens, Ryan, Graham, Brennan (captain), Egemore, Leonard, Townend, Kenworthy, Coduri, James. Subs: Tunnacliffe, Hallam, Flynn, Starkey.
Ossett Town: Morgan, Lucas, Jeff (captain), Slater, Gay, Akeroyd, Brook, Payne, Frankland, Ovington, Quinlan. Subs: Exton, Pashley, Smith, Curtis.
Referee: Gareth Thomas