Emley AFC narrowly missed out on a play-off place in the league but their season is far from over as they chase cup glory on two fronts.
Defeat at Hallam in the penultimate league game meant Emley couldn’t overhaul Winterton Rangers in second so all the focus now is on the cups.
Firstly they face Golcar United at the Skye Direct Stadium on Friday (April 21) in the League Cup semi-final. If they win they will face either old rivals Winterton Rangers or Handsworth in the final.
After that they take on Maltby Main in the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium on May 20, a competition Emley have won eight times before.
On missing out on the play-off place Emley chairman Andrew Painten said: “Up until Winterton lost to Hallam we had given up on getting it slightly, then when that result came in it gave us a surprising chance.
“However our game against Hallam was played in terrible conditions and although we gave it a go we just couldn’t get the points we wanted.
“We have had a terrific season. Every year we look to improve and this year we have done that. If a few of those draws were wins we’d have done it, but it isn’t to be. We’ve had a fantastic season and everyone has been really proud of the lads. Next year we want to improve again.”
With one game left of the league campaign, the focus switches and Painten added: “We are really excited about the cup matches. The game against Golcar should be a great occasion and hopefully we can win the League Cup.
“The bigger one for us, though, is the County Cup. We have a long history with that competition and have won it eight times previously. It’s been a decade or so since we were last in a cup final so it would be great to win both cups if we can.”
Golcar are hoping for an attendance of well over 1,000 on Friday night and tickets are available HERE.
