Emley AFC are heading into three crucial away games and a week that could define what’s been a brilliant season so far.
The Pewits – six points clear at the top of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division – go to Garforth Town on Tuesday (March 5) for a crucial league game and then have a prestigious FA Vase quarter-final trip to Worcester City on Saturday (March 9).
Four days later, on Wednesday March 13, they travel to Campion, their closest rivals in the title race.
Those three games will say much about how the run-in to the season will pan out for an Emley side which started the campaign with an amazing run in the FA Cup.
Garforth Town are third in the table, 13 points behind Emley and will be determined to clinch a play-off place so will prove a tough challenge for the title-chasers.
Emley boss Richard Tracey, speaking to the club’s website, said: “I think it’s a big game really for both sides.
“They’ll be keen not to lose and obviously for us we’ll be looking to win and certainly try and avoid a defeat before going into the Worcester game.
“I think these games suit us a little bit more. I think we’re a better side when there’s a bit of drive between the games.
“I think it’d be great if we can turn out some really positive performances in the next three games because if we can win those three games we’re in a semi-final and pretty much we’ll have a good idea of what it’ll take to win the league over the last seven games.
“Obviously, if those results don’t go our way, we’ll be out of the FA Vase at the quarter-finals and we could have a bit more pressure in the league.”
Image by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
