Golcar United boss Ash Connor was delighted with his team’s victory over local rivals Emley AFC in last Saturday’s pre-season friendly.
A depleted Emley side went ahead through Sam Pashley before Dan Naidole made it 1-1 at the break. Adrian Igielski secured local bragging rights with Golcar’s second half winner.
Connor said: “We were extremely pleased to get the victory and I thought we played very well.
“Emley were a tough opponent as we knew they would be. However I thought we defended well on the day and limited their chances. They scored only one goal and didn’t really trouble our keeper that much.”
READ MORE: Match report and picture gallery from Golcar United v Emley AFC
One outstanding performer on the day was former Emley player Naidole, who Connor believes will be a key man for the Sky Direct Stadium side come the regular season.
He said: “Dan played very well against Emley and has done well for us since he joined. We knew when we brought him in for this season that he’d be a big player for us.
“He creates things on the ball and can score goals and so we are pleased to have him.”
Meanwhile Emley manager Richard Tracey thought it was a good workout for his lads despite the defeat. However he was disappointed with the way in which his team conceded the Golcar goals.
He said: “It was a good workout in tough conditions, Golcar were strong and organised and threw a few early balls into the box which we had to defend.
“I was disappointed with the goals we conceded, but it was another game for the new lads to get some minutes in.”
Golcar followed up victory over Emley with a 3-2 win against Glossop North End who are two divisions above.
Emley play Armthorpe on Wednesday July 21 (7.45pm) then take on Stocksbridge on Friday July 23 (7.45pm) before a much-anticipated clash with Huddersfield Town on July 30.
