By Martin Eastwood
Amir Berchil set up the first goal and scored the other two as Emley AFC cruised into the draw for the FA Cup first qualifying round.
The Pewits were mightily impressive in a 3-0 win at Trafford though the home side played most of the game with 10 men after the 15th minute dismissal of centre-back Glenn Matthews.
Adam Clayton was bringing the ball out of defence when he was clattered by a lunge from Matthews and the referee had no hesitation in pulling out the red card. Centre-back Clayton eventually limped off.
Emley were on top for most of the game but Trafford almost went ahead through Matty Lusakueno but Charlie Barks managed to deflect his shot onto the bar.
Man of the Match Berchil was a menace throughout and he set up Isaac Baldwin who fizzed a shot wide. Harry Sheppeard and Luke Parkin both had chances.
Emley’s pressure told in the 32nd minute when Berchil beat his man down the left and delivered a superb ball into the area for Nathan Curtis to flick home.
Donae Lawrence and Berchil and Baldwin again had chances before Emley made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time.
Emley pushed Trafford back and the ball was played into the feet of Berchil who checked inside and flashed a superb shot into the back of the net.
After an impressive first half, Emley came out strong again for the second half but Trafford, to their credit, did create some moments of danger, forcing keeper Dec Lambton into action.
Berchil was sent rampaging away but his shot was deflected for a corner. From the resulting flag kick Barks headed wide.
Emley killed the tie on the hour with a stunning third goal that turned defence into attack. From a Trafford foray, Alex Metcalfe put in a great challenge to win the ball back and played it out to Parkin, who looked up and played a wonderful crossfield ball from the right back position.
The pass was perfect for Berchil who took a few strides before planting the ball firmly past the keeper and dashing off to celebrate with Emley’s travelling fans behind the goal.
Emley’s unbeaten start to the season continues and they are at home in the NPL Division 1 East for the first time on Tuesday (August 20) when they welcome leaders Belper Town to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground (7.45).
