Flynn’s big 5-0 helps to defeat Campion

Toolstation NCEL Division One

AFC Emley 4-1 Campion

Ash Flynn’s hat-trick helped promotion-chasing AFC Emley overcome a minor scare against Campion and take advantage of postponements elsewhere.

Second half goals from Jordan Coduri and Flynn ensured that one-time Emley transfer target Eli Hey’s 24th minute header for Campion did not cause an upset at the Welfare Ground.

Flynn’s third goal was his 50th of another exceptional campaign.

Campion midfielder Gregg Porter would also be sent off, in one of the few NCEL matches taking place yesterday.

Having lost the reverse fixture at Campion, some Emley fans may have feared the worst at the break. In this instance, they needn’t have been worried.

The Bradford-based side were organised and with an exciting three-man frontline of Hey, Jordan Missin and Jacob Buchanan, they always looked a threat in the first half.

There was little in it though when Hey rose to send a looping header over Emley goalkeeper Graham McLachlan

Emley did respond well by ending the half strongly. Flynn broke clear at one point and was denied by a fantastic save from ex-Emley goalkeeper Daniel Armitage.

Darren Hepworth’s men maintained the same tempo in the second half and put on a marvellous performance. Within four minutes, the nerves were settled as Flynn was pushed to the ground and Coduri had confidently fired home the penalty to equalise.

Now bursting with great confidence, Emley never looked back. Campion then made the mistake of leaving Flynn unmarked at the back-post. The striker duly punished them to score his first goal.

He was given too much again for his second and third goals which had Porter’s second yellow card sandwiched in between them.

With leaders Pontefract Collieries and third-placed Hall Road Rangers seeing their respective matches called off, the victory allowed Emley to cut the gap on Ponte to six points. It also ensured that they are now five points clear of Hall Road, who have three games-in-hand.

What They Said

AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth

Campion assistant manager Andy Shepherd

The Teams

AFC Emley: McLachlan, Carney, Schofield (captain), Ingham, S Jerome, Brennan, Coduri, Joseph (Townend 37), Ryan, Flynn (Jackson 87), Robinson (Scully 66). Subs unused: Slack, Charlton.

Campion: Armitage, Stocker, Bartle, Jones, Brown, Hall (captain), L Bradshaw (Ndlovu 74), Porter, Hey, Missin (J Bradshaw 90), Buchanan (Charles 79). Sub unused: Coates.