AFC Emley 2 Scarborough Athletic 3 (Saturday 15th September 2007) Northern Counties East League Division One (att: 331)
I travelled up on the train from London to Wakefield for the visit of Scarborough Athletic . I was collected by my mate Chewy at the station and after a pleasant twenty minute car journey we were outside The Welfare Ground, although it took us a bit longer to find the narrow lane to gain access to the ground.
The welcoming steward gave us information that we should drink in the Wentworth Arms as that was currently doubled up as the clubhouse. We had a pleasant hour before we entered the impressive ground.
I had to wonder how the the FA ground graders had ever found it not up to scratch for the Northern Premier League? The far side admittedly did not have any spectator access and had a fence separating it from the adjoining cricket ground. Apart from that, all seemed good.
The Clubhouse End has a tiered room over a few steps of terracing. The Emley Moor TV Transmitter stands dominantly in the background. A Main stand sits alongside the other touchline with terracing and changing rooms either side of it. The far end consists of flat standing. Everything looked neat and tidy and obviously cared for.
Full back Dave Kemp scored an absolute beauty in the closing stages. The goal has been replayed in conversation many times since as Kempy became a mate. Allan Laud scored a late consolation from the penalty spot.
Despite the lack of a clubhouse, a small bar was set up underneath the stand selling cans of beer. The catering at the ground was outstanding with the corn beef hash with bread and butter being the pick. The visit was awarded "The Best Away Day of the Season" by the Boro fanzine, Abandon Chip.
On the train home I was in the same carriage as some Exeter City fans who's side had won at Farsley Celtic in the Conference. They inquired as to which shirt I was wearing. It was my 1973 Boro Wembley top.
As soon as I told them we ended up having a beer and consoling each other. They, like Boro fans had been victims of the "Chairmanship" of John Russell. As a Chairman he was useless. He managed to take both clubs to relegation from the Football League. his business actions were even worse.
Both clubs were left virtually bankrupt after his reign. Nobody can prove any illegal actions at Scarborough but he served a jail sentence for his wrongdoings at Exeter City.
AFC Emley 1 Scarborough Athletic 6 (Saturday 29th November 2008) Northern Counties East League Division One (att: 461)
The following season Boro played at Emley in late November. I travelled up to stay with my brother Nick and Rachel and to see my nephew and niece, Stanley and Sally, in York on the Friday evening.
I travelled by train with a couple of York Seadogs to Wakefield to try some fabulous real ale (which was replicated after the game). Chewy again provided his carriage to the ground where we saw Boro blow away 'Pewits' 6-1 with a quality performance in wintry conditions.
Emley were in second place behind Boro going into the game but had no answer on the day. There was a big away following which created a great atmosphere as two goals from Ryan Blott along with others from Graham Botham, Danny Gray and penalties from Scott Phillips and Mark Griffin did the damage.
Once again the Emley officials were top drawer. A new clubhouse had opened inside the ground and the away following were putting it through its paces. The bloke on the PA was of top comedy value.
The home fans were grumbling about the ref all day and at full time the man on the tannoy announced that a pair of glasses had been found and could the owner please let himself be know, to which loud cries of "They're the refs" echoed around! Another belting visit which saw Emley retain the Abandon Chip award.
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