Ash Flynn equalised in the last minute for Emley
AFC Emley were another team who benefited from an injury-time goal after Ash Flynn equalised to earn them a 2-2 draw at Rossington Main.
With the referee looking at his watch, ready to blow the final whistle, a final gamble paid off to give Emley a point in the Toolstation NCEL Division One curtain-raiser clash.
Sam Jerome had been pushed forward to try to salvage something from the game and his challenge on the ‘keeper saw the ball run clear to Flynn who smashed it into the bottom corner inspiring manager Darren Hepworth to join the players for wild celebrations on the pitch.
The point was richly deserved as Emley dominated the early exchanges on a hot afternoon. The hard bumpy pitch didn’t suit Emley’s passing game but the players soon got to grips with the conditions.
Hepworth picked an attacking team with forwards Flynn and Kieran Ryan supported by wide players Corduri and Hallam and the constant menace from Leonard in the centre of the pitch.
This enterprising style saw Emley create a number of early chances with Flynn, Ryan and Leonard all testing the keeper.
‘Deadly’ Rossington Main player-manager Lee Holmes
However it was Alex Hallam with a flighted chip that hit the bar who came closest to opening the scoring for Emley. Sam Jerome also had a good chance with a header from a corner that the ‘keeper managed to claw away.
But just when things were looking good for Emley, Rossington took the lead against the run of play. A mix-up on the right of the Emley defence left Lawlor stranded out of his goal, and the deadly Rossington player-manager Lee Holmes calmly chipped the ball into an open goal.
Emley’s heads did not go down though and they redoubled their efforts. After a prolonged period of pressure, Flynn forced the ball home after Rossington failed to clear a Tunnacliffe cross. The game then resumed its pattern of Emley attacking and Rossington absorbing the pressure and looking for goals on the counter. Leonard had a good chance when put clean through, but the keeper saved well with his legs. At the other end Lawlor pulled off an outstanding save from a fierce volley following a corner.
The second-half was a very different affair. Rossington started the best forcing another great save from Lawlor, and putting a shot just wide soon afterwards. Emley still threatened, but were beginning to wilt in the heat. The game evened out, but then Rossington took the lead out of the blue. A ball over the top, found a suspiciously offside-looking Holmes, but there was no flag and he expertly lobbed Lawlor.
The introduction of Jordan and James for Corduri and Hallam gave Emley fresh legs on the wings. Jordan in particular looked dangerous but his crosses did not find the forwards. As time ran out Townend replaced Leonard as Emley grew more desperate.
More pressure saw a header from Jordan rattle the bar and it looked like we were going to be disappointed, but Flynn’s last second equaliser produced a result which rewarded Emley’s hard work and strength of character in never giving up.
Thanks to Ian Mason from AFC Emley for this report. You can submit reports and team-lists to Non League Yorkshire by emailing info@nonleagueyorkshire.com.