They think it’s all over…but it’s not quite!
Emley AFC are just a point away from clinching the Northern Counties East League Premier Division title after a brilliant season.
Iyrwah Gooden’s 20th goal of the campaign secured Emley’s 1-0 victory over Albion Sports on Tuesday night and that means a draw at strugglers Goole on Saturday would be enough, barring a mathematical miracle.
However, the man who masterminded Emley’s amazing season – manager Richard Tracey – won’t be there to join any celebrations.
Tracey, a school teacher, is heading off for a two-week family holiday to Singapore, where his dad was born.
Singapore is eight hours ahead so it’ll be 11pm when the game kicks off and – if he can stay awake because of the jet lag – he’ll be keeping tabs on the score via Twitter!
“It’s not over until it’s over and I’m gutted to be missing the last few games,” said Tracey. “We’ve had a couple of defeats, including against Campion, and we could have had it all sewn up by now.”
Emley are eight points clear of Campion with a game in hand and Tracey said: “We probably need a point but two points to be absolutely sure and a win on Saturday does that.
“That’s assuming, of course, that Campion win all three remaining matches and we know that’s not a given in this league.”
Tracey isn’t sure he’ll be able to last out the 90 minutes on Saturday night because of the jet lag. “I would like to think I can stay awake but I’m middle-aged now and I might not make it!” he smiled.
The team will be led by trusted lieutenant, assistant manager Steve Nicholson, so Tracey can rest easy knowing that even if it’s not Saturday, there’s three more matches left.
Tracey will miss all the remaining league matches but will be back for when Emley return to cup action in the NCEL League Cup quarter-final at home to Bottesford Town on April 13.
Scroll through our gallery of images by Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE
