Toolstation NCEL Division One
AFC Emley 3-0 Hemsworth Miners Welfare
- Emley get one over league leaders Hemsworth with a deserved victory at the Welfare Ground in front of a bumper crowd of 246.
- The win is arguably their best since Darren Hepworth led them to the Earth, Wind and Fire victory over Shaw Lane Aquaforce in January 2014.
- Hemsworth’s lead at the top is cut to 11 points, while Emley remain in the hunt for second place.
- Emley were last beaten in the league on October 18th, ironically by Hemsworth. Emley are now unbeaten in 20 league matches.
Emley celebrate Ruben Jerome’s goal
AFC Emley underlined their promotion credentials again after finally gaining revenge on champions-elect Hemsworth Miners Welfare, in spectacular fashion.
It was a dream day for Emley, whose players and management were given a standing ovation by supporters and officials on the way off after becoming only the third team to beat Hemsworth in the league this season.
Ash Flynn and Ruben Jerome put Emley in control in the unbelievable opening 15 minutes. Kieran Ryan sealed the points in the second half. The identity of the first two goal-scorers was perhaps fitting as the lid was firmly shut on last year’s Easter GroundHop massacre. Flynn, of course missed that infamous penalty, while Jerome was sent off for a silly lunge so the pair got their redemption.
From Hemsworth’s point of view, it is only likely to delay the arrival of the champagne to the Fitzwilliam. Although the Wells still had a side out capable of moving them to within three wins of the Premier Division, the loss of Sam Jones in the morning and key striker Danny Critchlow after 20 minutes heavily affected their rhythm. Their performance will go down as one of the worst of the campaign.
The upside for them is that they could afford to lose, whereas Emley could not. Second place is still well within Emley’s grasp so the pressure was on Darren Hepworth’s side. All the hallmarks of a potential cracker were there, especially considering their form books.
Ash Flynn fired AFC Emley ahead
Ruben Jerome runs off to celebrate his goal
Hemsworth fans and their flags turned up on mass to help build a bumper crowd of 246
Action from AFC Emley 3-0 Hemsworth
Harry Viggars (left) gestures at his Hemsworth team-mates after Kieran Ryan’s goal. Picture: Mark Parsons
Emley ferociously probed their visitors from kick-off and Hemsworth ultimately buckled. The Wells gave 70-goal man Flynn far too room in the penalty area and the striker punished them by volleying home after just 11 minutes. Hemsworth’s woes were heightened by the exit of Critchlow because of an ankle problem.
Emley’s downfall last season in the promotion race was their inability to win the big matches. That is clearly not a problem now as one soon became two after their skipper Michael Tunnacliffe stormed into the penalty area. A few blocks later and Jerome pounced to smash the rebound home to hand Hemsworth a mountain to climb.
Substitute Nash Connolly caused one minor scare for Emley late-on in the half, but on the whole, the home side’s defence was untroubled.
Hemsworth were put out of their misery straight after half-time by Ryan with a header from just a few yards out. There were late glimpses of a possible consolation goal for the Wells, but nothing was forthcoming.
A Hemsworth goal may have been harsh on Emley, who arguably enjoyed their most satisfying three points since the Earth, Wind and Fire victory over Shaw Lane Aquaforce two years ago.
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth:
Hemsworth Miners Welfare manager Wayne Benn:
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Heeley, Coduri, Graham, S Jerome, Brook, Tunnacliffe (captain), R Jerome (Noteman 83), Flynn (Slack 88), Ryan, Hallam (Townend 72). Subs unused: Horsman, Daffern.
Hemsworth Miners Welfare: Snaith, Tonks, Clark, Swift, Viggars, Danville, Blair (Wilson 68), Yates (captain), Law, Critchlow (Connolly 11), Kelsey. Sub unused: Bucknall.
Referee: Matthew Bacon
Ref Rating: 10/10
Attendance: 246
Man of the match: Kieran Ryan (AFC Emley)