Emley AFC’s Ruben Jerome says friendships will be put to the back of his mind when the Pewits meet local rivals Golcar United in the first HD postcode derby of the season.
Jerome re-joined Emley AFC this summer from Workington. He has had two spells at the Pewits previously. However he’s now ready to become their main man and leading striker as he hopes to fire the club to promotion this season.
His immediate focus, though, is against Golcar on Saturday (August 19) and scoring against a very tough Weavers team.
Looking ahead to Saturday, Jerome said: “I am really looking forward to the match against Golcar. I’m friends with a number of their players, however we’ll put friendships aside for the match and I’ll be doing everything in my power to score against them.
“They are a good side and did OK last season. Derby games are always special and hopefully I can score in them.”
After three draws last season the first HD derby of the campaign is too close to call. Will it be Emley (left) or Golcar?
Images by Huddersfield Hub photographer: SEAN DOYLE
On re-joining Emley the 28-year-old added: “I was playing up at Workington and although it’s a good club it was far to travel and I wanted to play for someone closer to home.
“Emley was on my doorstep and, although they play at a level a step below, I wanted to come and help the club achieve its ambitions of promotion. Ironically I live closer to Golcar but Emley has always been my club.
“We have a great team at Emley and one I think can achieve what we want to. There are lots of talented players at the club fighting for each place. I’m excited to be playing in such a good team.
“I want to score lots of goals. I do have a target but I keep that to myself. We’ll see how I get on. It’s been a slow start but hopefully I can really get going soon. I am just getting used to how everyone plays at the moment.”
Ruben Jerome (left) and Dan Stocker making his point to the referee
Meanwhile, on the Golcar side of things, Dan Stocker is confident in his team’s ability to get a result against Emley.
The Weavers club captain said: “We know Saturday will be tough. Emley had a great campaign last season and nearly went up and since then they’ve improved but we have qualities too.
“Playing against Emley is always great. A lot of the lads know eachother but I’m sure we’ll all be wanting to beat eachother on the day.
“I’ve been at Golcar since 2019 now and take out the Covid-19 season every year we have improved and got better.
“Last year we didn’t start well, so this year we want to make a positive start and then, by the end, get in those play-offs. I think for us that has to be the ultimate aim.”
The first HD postcode game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday and you can buy tickets HERE.
