A George Doyle double, which included a 25-yard wonder strike, helped Emley AFC widen the points gap between themselves and the relegation zone.
The Pewits secured a first win in nine matches with a 2-0 victory at Albion Sports on Saturday and boss Richard Tracey said: “This win feels a long time coming but we have deserved to win the last few, to be honest. However, for whatever reason, that hasn’t happened.
“The conditions with the wind were tough and we had to ride out a difficult first half. I thought we did the basics well, scored two goals and saw the game out quite comfortably in the end.”
On Doyle’s performance, Tracey said: “Sometimes the frustration with him is that he’s such a team player he loves to link things up and therefore doesn’t always take on those chances. Today he did and scored a great goal from 25 yards out which is great for him.”
It’s only the second time Emley have won on the road this campaign, and despite them still sitting in 17th place in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division table, they now have eight points between themselves and Albion Sports who take up the last relegation spot.
The first goal of the game didn’t come until first half injury time. Doyle scored the easiest goal of his season so far with a back post tap in after James Ngoe’s shot bounced back off the post. Credit must also go to Alex Metcalfe for a slide-rule defence-splitting pass in the build up.
Emley were grateful to keeper Michael Roxburgh who made a point blank save from Daniel Facey to ensure his side went in at the break 1-0 up.
Doyle grabbed his second midway through the second half. He was out on the left flank when he received the ball. He only had one thought on his mind and buried a spectacular shot from distance.
Despite some Albion pressure Emley saw out the final few minutes for a vital and much-needed win. Their last victory was the 7-0 demolition of Handsworth – and Emley go there on Saturday looking to build on a crucial three points.
