Emley AFC’s club record run of 14 successive victories ended in a 1-0 home defeat to local rivals Penistone Church on Boxing Day.
The Pewits, unbeaten in 19 previous matches, thrashed Bottesford Town 9-2 at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday in what was a champagne performance.
But football is all about highs and lows and, though Emley were dominant throughout, they just couldn’t make the breakthrough with Church keeper Harry Ambler in top form.
Emley played some lovely football from the off and dominated possession. Alex Metcalfe’s deep delivery caused problems early on but James Knowles’ effort was cleared off the line.
Iyrwah Gooden broke at speed and beat the visitors’ defence, only to see his effort bounce back off the base of the post.
Ruben Jerome turned brilliantly and beat his man for pace but his powerful drive was tipped over the bar by Ambler.
James Walshaw, who celebrated a double hat-trick against Bottesford, saw a shot deflected wide by the keeper’s leg.
After a goalless first half Penistone grabbed what proved to be the only goal just past the hour mark when Kieran Ryan set up Nathan Keightley who powered into the box to slot home.
Emley pushed for an equaliser but Ambler denied Walshaw again and Jerome’s effort was deflected wide.
Joe Kenny fired over the bar and Gooden dragged a shot wide late on.
Emley remain well placed in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, just two points behind leaders Campion with three games in hand.
Campion needed a 90th minute equaliser to claim a point in a 1-1 draw at home to Silsden on Boxing Day.
image by: MARK PARSONS
