By Martin Eastwood
Ruben Jerome came off the bench to seal a place in the FA Vase 1st round proper for Emley AFC with a 3-1 win at Brigg Town.
Emley march on in both the FA Vase and FA Cup and have stretched their unbeaten run to 10 matches.
After securing a trip to Alfreton Town in the FA Cup 3rd qualifying round, the Pewits bagged themselves a place in the FA Vase 1st round proper for the second successive season.
Emley took the lead just before the half-hour when Nathan Curtis sent in a cross from the left and defender Sam Pashley buried a header at the back post for his third goal in as many matches.
The home side hit back almost straightaway with Jack Cross making it 1-1. Emley restored their lead at the end of the first half when evergreen James Walshaw skipped past three defenders and finished with his left foot.
Emley were in charge against lower league opposition with Walshaw causing all sorts of problems.
The Brigg defence must have been happy to see the veteran striker replaced – but not when they saw it was Jerome coming on.
Almost immediately, Jerome and fellow sub Paul Walker were causing problems with their movement and strength, and after a few minutes of pressure, Emley finally found their third.
The ball was won back expertly in midfield by Joe Kenny, who set Jake Kelly free down the right, a lovely ball into the box found Jerome who rounded the keeper with aplomb to send the ball nestling into the back of the net to make it 3-1 in the 70th minute.
Emley’s home league game against Thackley on Tuesday has been postponed to allow all the focus to go on the exciting FA Cup tie at Alfreton Town on Saturday (September 30).
Main image: MARK PARSONS
