Toolstation NCEL Division One
Eccleshill United 1-4 AFC Emley
- Ash Flynn scores twice to break Kieran Debrouwer’s goals record for an NCEL season and set a new one – taking his tally to 57.
- Flynn’s goals are two during a devastating 20 minute spell in the second half after a goal-less first half. Ruben Jerome and Jordan Coduri also scored for Emley.
- Captain Jermaine Springer scored a late consolation for Eccleshill.
- Emley move above crisis club Hull United, who have lost three points for fielding a suspended player.
Moment of history: AFC Emley striker Ash Flynn creates NCEL history with his 57th goal of the season. Picture: Mark Parsons
Give the record breaker Ash Flynn the slightest bit of space and he will punish you. That proved to be the case as Flynn created a new goals record for the NCEL with two strikes in a ruthless and devastating 20 minute second half spell from promotion-chasing AFC Emley against a shell-shocked Eccleshill United.
Flynn stole the headlines, not for the first time this season, as him and his colleagues ripped the home side apart after a tight first half. Emley’s second half display ensured they extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches in all competitions.
Some doubted Darren Hepworth before Christmas when he said the automatic promotion spots were within Emley’s reach. Few do now. This result lifted them to fourth and above crisis club Hull United, who have finally officially lost three points for fielding suspended Nick McNamara against Hallam in October.
The end result was slightly harsh on Eccleshill, considering their first half performance which gave Emley a few frights. Inside the first minute, Lee Smith managed to evade the Emley defence. His effort was only stopped by a smart from Emley goalkeeper Adam Lawlor.
Eccleshill’s period of dominance nearly came to an end from one of their own attacks. Lawlor kept out Charlie Flaherty’s drive, helping Emley mount a full-scale counter attacker. Flynn broke away, but the wait to level Kieran Debrouwer’s record was delayed as former Emley goalkeeper Joe Stead diverted the ball out for a corner.
Emley striker Kieran Ryan did hit the crossbar towards half-time, but Eccleshill will have been relatively happy with their first half efforts.
Ash Flynn strikes for goal early on
Ruben Jerome takes on Eccleshill left-back Marcus Harper
Jordan Coduri on the attack for Emley
Flynn celebrates creating the new NCEL goals record for a season. Picture: Mark Parsons
Ruben Jerome celebrates after scoring. Picture: Mark Parsons
Eccleshill captain Jermaine Springer scored a late consolation for his team
However, in a repeat of recent matches for the Bradford-based side, the floodgates opened after a goal was conceded – four minutes into the second half in this instance as Emley showed their clinical side.
Although Flynn applied the final touch with a close range finish, strike-partner Ryan did all the hard work with a dash down the right and a low cross for the history-maker. The pace of the game totally changed and urged on by their large support, Emley started to camp themselves in Eccleshill’s half.
The moment that everyone was waiting for arrived within a few minutes. The home side gave the deadly striker acres of room inside the penalty area, and although a touch off the post was required, Flynn was never going to miss as he slid the ball past Stead.
Flynn turned creator for Emley’s third by choosing to pass to Ruben Jerome, instead of shooting. With the help of a deflection off Jermaine Springer, Jerome’s powerful strike from eight-yards found the net.
The goal of the game actually belonged to Coduri, a unsung hero of Emley’s side. Eccleshill allowed the versatile player to run from deep, but the execution and finish were outstanding as Coduri curled the ball around Stead from just outside the penalty area.
Eccleshill managed to restore some pride towards the end and score a deserved goal as captain Jermaine Springer headed home at the back-post.
What they said
Eccleshill United manager Sean Regan:
AFC Emley manager Darren Hepworth:
Line-ups
Eccleshill United: Stead, Metcalfe, Harper (Slater 57), Trueman, Springer (captain), Northin, Hardy (Peltier 67), Harrop, Turner, Smith (Hammond 72), Flaherty. Subs unused: Charles, Andre.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Coduri, Slack, Graham, S Jerome, Brennan (Horsman 70), Tunnacliffe (captain), R Jerome (Cooper 77), Flynn, K Ryan, Noteman (Scrivens 70). Subs unused: Spicer, Brook.
Referee: Jack Hall
Ref Rating: 8/10
Attendance: 145
Man of the match: Ruben Jerome (AFC Emley)