Emley AFC head to Golcar United in the first HD postcode derby of the season this weekend. And both managers, Emley’s Richard Tracey and Golcar’s Ash Connor, are ready to lock horns once more.
The match will take place at Golcar’s Skye Direct Stadium on Saturday August 19 (3pm) and both sides are looking forward to what should be a feisty fixture.
Last season the two teams drew three times, twice in the league and once in the cup with Golcar eventually winning the tie on penalties.
Both teams have aspirations of going up and have strengthened their sides for this campaign. Despite last season’s games between the two being so tight Emley boss Tracey wants to see the Pewits finally get the better of their closest rivals this weekend.
He said: “We faced Golcar three times last season and didn’t win one game. We beat them in a pre-season friendly the other year but that counts for nothing. If we want to achieve what we want to, we need to beat Golcar on Saturday.
“I like the rivalry with them, although it can get very competitive on the pitch. We are friends off it and that’s really good. There is respect between both sides including the supporters.
“So whilst both sides give everything to the match, I appreciate the fact it’s professional, that’s good for both clubs, the league and the villages we are based in.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game. They have some very good players and knowing Ash and Gav they will have a plan for us. However I am very confident in our lads’ ability to get the job done.
“We’ve had a slow start and I’m fully aware we have a target to improve on last year’s finish of third and that ultimately means getting promotion. I’m a glass half empty sort of man and so I’m a realist. I know how tough this league is and if my team isn’t performing then I will be put under pressure.
“However we are moving forward as a club. We have brought some great quality into the side. We had a good team last season but we’ve managed to recruit some players that make us more rounded and add depth.
“I’m really pleased with who we have got in and the most important thing is that they all want to be here for the right reasons. Take James Walshaw, we had him for a time last season, then he went back to his parent club.
“We offered him a deal this summer. I know a number of teams offered him more money and although I said I couldn’t guarantee him he’d be the main striker every game he said he was still willing to come to the club and give me his best and that’s all I can ask for.”
Meanwhile over at Golcar, Ash Connor is also looking forward to the clash and believes his team can be top dogs in Huddersfield come the final whistle on Saturday.
He said: “Emley are a good team and we’ve got to know them well over the past year. They have lots of threats on the pitch but we have plenty too.
“We are concentrating on ourselves and while they’ve brought in some new players I believe in my team to go out there and win on the day.
“We will be missing Joe Skarz through suspension which is a blow. Joe is a big part of the club on and off the pitch. I know he was gutted to be sent off against Knaresborough, however he’s a big part of the coaching team and so will be doing all he can to help the lads from the sidelines.
“It’s not been the perfect start for us and I think we could have had more points on the board, but hopefully a win over Emley can kickstart a good run.”
You can buy tickets for this weekend’s Derby game HERE.
