Emley AFC went down to a 2-0 defeat to Garforth Town at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground in a match marked by missed opportunities and resolute defending by the visitors.
Garforth’s clinical finishing ultimately made the difference, as Emley couldn’t find the breakthrough despite dominating passages of play.
The game began with promise for the hosts as Luke Parkin got proceedings underway. Just three minutes in, Amir Berchil was brought down on the left, earning Emley a free-kick in a dangerous area.
After a flurry of set pieces, Emley continued to press, with Jack Cowgill firing a low shot that was comfortably saved.
Garforth showed flashes of threat, with their first shot from range flying over Dec Lambton’s bar in the 5th minute. The home side maintained the upper hand in possession, with Berchil testing the keeper again at the 7th minute, but his shot lacked power.
Emley kept probing but Garforth took the lead against the run of play in the 24th minute with a curler from the edge of the box by skipper Dan Coupland.
Cowgill went close with a header and Lawrence Sorhaindo was denied an equaliser by the off-side flag.
It was 1-0 at the break but it quickly got worse for Emley after the re-start as Garforth doubled their lead in the 49th minute when Rinor Ejupi rifled home.
Mo Qasim brought a save from Garforth keeper Harry Flatters and Emley’s frustrations grew as another potential goal was ruled out for off-side after Qasim knocked in a rebound from a Sorhaindo attempt.
Substitutes brought fresh legs into the mix but despite spells of promising play – such as Donae Lawrence’s shot being saved and pushed out for a corner in the 75th minute – Emley couldn’t break through.
Late efforts from Sorhaindo and a dangerous cross from Berchil went unrewarded and summed up the Pewits’ afternoon.
Emley go to Sheffield FC on Saturday November 16 (3.00).
Image by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
