Goals from Paul Walker and Iyrwah Gooden ensured Emley AFC ended the season with a trophy.
The Pewits won their ninth Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup – their first since 1998 – as they beat Maltby Main 2-0 at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium.
Chairman Andrew Painten was delighted with the victory and said: “I was expecting a tight game but we got that first goal and it was a gift for the second one.
“We then looked fairly comfortable. Maltby didn’t have many chances and we went close a few times. I don’t think anyone can say we didn’t deserve to win it.”
Emley finished third in the Northern Counties East League and just missed out on the play-offs so lifting the County Cup was a reward for a great season.
Painten added: “It’s nice to get over the line and win the trophy. Overall it’s been a good season and ended the way we wanted it to with at least one piece of silverware.
“We have only lost five games in 90 minutes over the whole season. It’s testament to Richard Tracey’s management of the team that he has kept those standards high across the whole season.”
The first goal of the match came in the 23rd minute when the ball was sent out to Paul Walker on the right. Walker shifted the ball onto his left foot before curling home a shot to set Emley on their way.
No sooner had the celebrations died down, then Emley got a quickfire second that ultimately sealed the win. As Maltby tried desperately to clear their lines, a defensive error meant the ball fell to Iyrwah Gooden who took a moment before slotting past the stranded keeper to make it 2-0.
Within a few minutes, there was a penalty appeal from Emley as Donae Lawrence was sent tumbling in the area but the appeals were waved away by the referee.
With a two-goal cushion, Emley played out the rest of the first half in a confident mood and deservedly took the applause from their fans as they came off for half-time.
Maltby came out with a bit more intent after the break and keeper Dec Lambton had to stay alert. For Emley Joe Clegg headed over, Gooden fired wide and Rikki Paylor also went close.
Emley were comfortable winners by the end and the only disappointment was a late red card for Joe Kenny for dissent.
It was Emley’s first cup win since Ronnie Glavin’s exciting side beat Parkgate 3-0 at Hillsborough in 1998.
Take a look at our image gallery, photos were taken by Mark Parsons.
