MATCH REPORT: Emley AFC 1-3 Workington AFC
Character and quality in equal measures contributed to another win on the road, with Reds adding to an already impressive record at Emley’s Welfare Ground.
They had won there many years ago, and drew on another occasion, but this impressive victory surpassed the previous visits.
And with the continued absence of half a dozen regulars, it was a successful return to the White Rose County for Billy Barr who had played on the same ground over forty years ago, in a schools’ final.
A goal in stoppage time from German-born Louis Jacobs put some gloss on the score line because Emley had applied some late pressure on Reds in an attempt to arrest their recent slide.
But a combination of some resolute defending and a couple of outstanding Alex Mitchell saves kept Reds’ noses in front and, overall, they emerged worthy winners.
The first half saw Reds make a bright start with Emley coming more into the picture towards the interval. Luke Hunter squandered a couple of chances, Dan Hopper had a ‘goal’ disallowed because of a ‘high boot’ in the build-up and the same player wasted two reasonable opportunities as the game ebbed and flowed.
But Mitchell was needed to deal with a well struck Harry Sheppeard effort and a Diego De Girolamo attempt struck the foot of the post.
The goal that separated the sides at the break was somewhat fortuitous and came in the twenty-first minute.
Alex Kiwomya had tricked his way into the box but his low cross saw the ball deflect off Ceiran Casson and into the net.
Reds were back on terms just three minutes after the restart and, if Hunter’s goal was special against Blyth Spartans in the previous outing, this one was even more so. He latched on to a long through ball then applied an ice-cool finish with a sublime lob, deceiving Bottomley who had advanced too far off his line.
And the Cumbrians took the lead after fifty-three minutes with another ‘goal-of-the-season’ contender. Leslie, again, delivered a tempting ball into the area and Josh Palmer dived low to power an unstoppable header into the net.
Brennan Dickenson’s luck, sorry bad luck, continued when he rifled a shot towards the goal but the ball rattled the crossbar and was eventually cleared.
Reds survived Emily’s late push for an equaliser, thanks to Mitchell and some admirable defending, but were encouraging the referee to blow for time.
When Jacobs grabbed his maiden goal for the club in time-added on, the sigh of relief was audible. He cut-in from the left and bent the ball round the ‘keeper and into the net, a fantastic finish.
It completed a sixth successive league win for Reds, who now occupy 5th position ahead of the league leaders visit on Saturday.
Emley: Bottomley, Sheppeard, Stacey, Lindley, South, Barks (Hardaker, 90), Ejupi (Maieco, 64), Haswell (Bird, 65), De Girolamo (Clayton, 75), Johnson, Kiwomya (Hanson, 81).
Workington: Mitchell, Rigby, Leslie, Ellis (Thomson, 78), Casson, Allan, Hopper (Jacobs, 85), Carroll, Dickenson, Palmer (Stephenson, 61), Hunter. Substitutes – Eccles, Andrews (not used).
Referee: Gavin Scott
Bookings: Sheppeard (Emley), Carroll, Dickenson, Thomson (Workington)
Attendance: 305
