Amir Berchil celebrated his Player of the Month Award by scoring in Emley AFC’s 2-0 victory over Dunston in the first qualifying round of the FA Trophy.
A makeshift Emley side came through despite an injury crisis which left them with just 12 fit first team players for Friday night’s game at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.
Berchil was voted BigBox Huddersfield Player of the Month for August and it didn’t take him long to fire the Pewits into a 6th minute lead.
A great cross from debutant left-back Will Calligan sent Berchil clear one-on-one with the keeper and the in-form No11 made no mistake with the finish.
Berchil gave Dunston’s defenders a headache throughout as he constantly asked questions. He almost had a second from another big chance for Emley after a period of deadlock, profiting from Donae Lawrence’s perfectly weighted ball into the channel and firing into the side netting.
Emley’s second goal was a familiar story for Dunston, who again could not deal with the home side’s crossing from wide areas.
Luke Parkin delivered another sensational ball on a sixpence for Sam Pashley, who scored with a deft flick from close range in the 35th minute.
The second goal gave Emley breathing space and Dunston couldn’t capitalise on the couple of occasions they threatened after the break.
Ill-discipline and a flurry of yellow cards late on cost Dunston any momentum and Emley saw the game out well.
Boss Richard Tracey described Emley’s current injury crisis – they are without several players including Jack Cowgill, Adam Clayton and Isaac Baldwin – as the worst he has known it during his time in charge.
Emley are unbeaten in four matches since their return to the Northern Premier League Division One East.
Tracey told the club’s website: “There’s no question the league is the priority but we’d love a good cup run. It’s just about managing the players’ long-term welfare and ensuring we’re competitive throughout the season.”
Emley are back in league action with a derby at Liversedge on Saturday September 14.
