Alex Hallam got both goals in AFC Emley’s win over Knaresborough. Picture: Mark Parsons
The work to get the pitch paid off as AFC Emley secured a sixth league win out of seven by beating Knaresborough Town 2-0 at the Welfare Ground.
Alex Hallam got both goals as Emley moved up to fourth in the Toolstation NCEL Division One table.
After fantastic work from the ground staff and even manager Darren Hepworth who brushed off the remaining patches, the game beat the icy weather and went ahead.
Emley got off to the best possible start as they took the lead with just four minutes on the clock when Hallam poked the ball into the net after Knaresborough keeper Jack Rushworth bundled the ball in the area.
Hallam scored what proved to be the winning goal early in the second half thanks to an excellent team move from Emley. Kieran Ryan and Michael Tunnacliffe linked up well on the right hand side with a nice one two. Ryan then played the ball across goal to put it on a plate for Hallam to fire the ball home.
It was a satisfying result for Emley, with the back four having to be at their best to preserve an impressive clean sheet. Gary Collier caused Emley a few problems in the first half. He came close with a shot that sailed just over the bar and caused a fright when he won the ball off Jordan Coduri and burst towards the box. His shot from 20 yards bounced awkwardly infront of Adam Lawlor but he managed to palm the ball away from danger.
Collier continued to cause problems in the second period, particularly when an excellent piece of skill saw him give Tunnacliffe the slip but his shot was easily caught by Lawlor.
Emley dealt with the Knaresborough pressure well, Sam Jerome and Alex Slack both putting in solid performances which built good foundations for Emley going forward.
Ryan had a low shot saved by Rushworth on the 74th minute as Emley went in search of a third.
They only thing missing from today’s performance was an Ashley Flynn goal. It was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for the record breaking striker but came closest to netting five minutes before time. After a one-two with Ryan, Flynn’s powerful shot was smartly saved by Rushworth, who also tipped over a Paul Spicer effort right at the death.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Coduri, Brook, Graham, S Jerome, Slack, Tunnacliffe (captain), Townend, Flynn, K Ryan, Hallam. Subs: Brennan, Spicer, R Jerome, Horsman, D Ryan.
Report by Paul Joannou