By Martin Eastwood
A Luke Parkin penalty got Emley AFC back to winning ways at the top of the Northern Premier League Division 1 East despite the dismissal of Donae Lawrence.
Following Saturday’s first league defeat of the season, Emley beat Sherwood Colliery 1-0 on a damp Tuesday night at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.
It may only have been 1-0 but it was a pretty dominant performance from Emley. Lawrence and Alex Metcalfe were off target and some good balls into the danger area couldn’t find anyone on the end of them.
Lawrence was a real threat in that first half and, a couple of times towards the end, he forced the keeper into action.
However, Lawrence was sent off just after half-time when he was involved in an altercation with a defender and the referee brandished a straight red.
Even a man down Emley remained in charge as the visitors seemed content enough with a point. Nathan Curtis headed wide and was also off target with a shot before Emley keeper Dec Lambton was called on to make a save.
Amir Berchil, named as BigBox Player of the Month for September following up his award for August, then showed why as he left defenders in his wake before unleashing a powerful shot that fizzed just past the post.
Berchil was now playing with a swagger as Emley defied their numerical disadvantage and the tricky winger again did the damage when he broke into the box and was caught by the keeper.
After deliberation with his assistant, the referee pointed to the spot and Luke Parkin stepped up to smash home the penalty off the underside of the bar with nine minutes left.
Emley survived a stoppage time scare when Metcalfe cleared off the line.
Next up is a local ‘derby’ at bottom of the table Ossett United on Saturday October 12 (3.00).
