Penistone Church shatter AFC Emley's promotion dream

AFC Emley's Ash Flynn. Pic: Mark Parsons

Emley went into the weekend on top of the table having played all their fixtures but were overtaken by both Hall Road Rangers and Pontefract Collieries, who secured victories that propelled them into the top two places.

Emley, third on goal difference, had to settle for the play-off route to the Premier Division and would have been confident of success when they hosted sixth-placed Penistone Church in the semi-finals.

The two sides had won a game each in the two regular season meetings.

Aaron Joseph and Ashley Flynn scored in a breathtaking comeback against Penistone at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground in front of a crowd of 418 in January.

However, it was a different story in last night’s game and the visitors stormed into an early lead when Andrew Wing netted with three minutes played.

It got worse for Emley when Liam Schofield’s own goal put Church 2-0 up 10 minutes before the break.

Jack Moore converted from the penalty spot on 64 minutes and although Flynn hit the target with 13 minutes remaining, the goal failed to inspire a home fightback.

Church will now face Grimsby Borough, who edged out Hallam in midweek, in the play-off final on Saturday.