By Martin Eastwood
A goal in either half from Ruben Jerome pushed Emley AFC closer to the Northern Counties East League Premier Division title.
The Pewits won 2-1 at third-placed Garforth Town, a fifth straight win in a nine-match unbeaten run which keeps them six points clear at the top with two games in hand over rivals Campion.
Emley went ahead in the 26th minute when Sam Pashley whipped in a superb cross. The ball was headed into the path of Jerome who stabbed home from close range.
The Emley cheers were quickly silenced as Garforth went down the other end and equalised. Emley keeper Aleksander Petrovic did well to parry the original shot but could do nothing to stop the rebound being smashed home by Harry Viggars.
It was 1-1 at half-time and not the prettiest game on a pitch that was heavy and sticky.
However, Emley had that extra class when it mattered and Iyrwah Gooden nipped in to steal the ball and fed Joe Clegg whose shot was parried straight into the path of Jerome who needed no second chances to finish it off.
Emley continued to push forward with Jerome on a hat-trick but the home side had chances too and Petrovic needed to be alert.
The last period of the game proved tetchy with Garforth emotions running high as they searched for an equaliser.
Garforth came on strong in the last few minutes but Emley held firm. With the home fans and bench getting more irate by the minute, Jerome almost made it safe when he created space for a shot but the keeper saved.
Garforth had a penalty appeal turned down and when their best chance was hacked over the bar, Emley had the points in the bag.
Emley go to Worcester City in the FA Vase quarter-finals on Saturday March 9 followed by a potential ‘title decider’ at Campion on Wednesday March 13.
