Steven Kenworthy looks to set up an attack for AFC Emley in the 2-2 draw at Bottesford. Picture: Mark Parsons
Leaders AFC Emley played out a 2-2 away at fellow Toolstation NCEL Division One promotion-chasers Bottesford Town – their third consecutive stalemate on the road, writes James Holder.
The result could have been much different for both sides, with Emley having the numerical advantage and Bottesford cursing some good goalkeeping at the death from Adam Lawlor
Emley started the game well with Kurtis Noble managing to get beyond his full-back and making his way to the edge of the area, but fired his effort over the bar.
The host’s replied with their own half chance when Wayne Graves got through on goal, however, before he could get his shot away, Lawlor smothered the ball and denied him the opportunity.
Craig Bridge had another chance for the hosts as he managed to turn on the edge of the area, before striking his effort straight at Lawlor.
At the other end, Ash Flynn had the chance to put Emley ahead after he was put through by Noble, however, the striker could only poke his effort wide of the back post.
Flynn was able to rectify that moments before the half time interval, when he was put through by strike partner Steven Kenworthy.
Flynn found himself one-on-one with Leigh Herrick and managed to slide the ball home via the experienced goalkeeper’s hand.
Following the break, Bottesford laid siege to the Emley goal with Jack Cross firing an effort wide, before veteran Terry Barwick saw a long range effort deflected over the cross bar by Sam Jerome.
From the resulting corner, the hosts managed to get the equalising goal with Tom Spall turning the ball home at the back post.
Parity didn’t last long as straight from the kick off, Emley ventured forward for an attack of their own.
Flynn, who scored in the first half, became provider for the second goal, his pass finding substitute Danny Claridge, who in turn slotted his left footed effort into the bottom corner, giving him his first goal in Emley colours.
Bridge then had another chance to get himself on the score sheet for the home side, this time getting into the box, before seeing his effort deflected narrowly wide of the goal.
Emley were then given the numerical advantage when Bottesford were reduced to 10 men.
Barwick received his marching orders when the referee issued him with his second booking.
The sending off appeared to spark the hosts back to life and not long after they found their second equalising goal with eight minutes to go.
This time Lawlor was unable to deny Wayne Graves, with the striker tapping the ball into the net after it had been squared across the face of goal.
Emley had the chance to retake the lead from a free kick, however Flynn could only strike his effort over the top of the Bottesford goal.
Then came the flurry of saves at the death from Lawlor. First the Emley keeper spread himself well to deny Bridge who had found himself one on one.
Then Lawlor showed safe hands to gather the rebound attempt as Emley hung-on to come home with a hard earned point.
AFC Emley: Lawlor, Ingham, Starkey, Leech, S Jerome, Sykes (captain), Tunnacliffe, Townend, Flynn, Kenworthy, Noble. Subs: Brook, Brown, Hallam, Claridge R Jerome.