Semi Final bound City leave Emley feeling blue

Match Report by Lewis Howarth

A sold out Claines Lane welcomed Emley for the Quarter Final of the FA Vase on Saturday afternoon. Emley headed into the game on a run of 9 games without defeat and a desire to end a 36 year wait since they have last visited Wembley Stadium.

The game started off with a cagey opening 15 minutes with City and Emley both struggling to create any chances. This was brought to an end on the 21st minute with a lovely team goal from City. A driving run from Stoddart ended by playing Belmonte down the wing who crossed the ball across the box, the ball landing to Liam Lockett who smashed the ball above the keeper, and sending City into the lead! City gathered more momentum with Emley receiving a sin bin for dissent shortly after, giving them an advantage over 10-men Emley.

City remained in control of the game but stayed in the lead thanks to a heroic save from Haydn Whitcombe who denied Gooden from 5 yards out to keep them in the lead. Matters got worse for Emley in the 41st minute with a horrendous own goal. A lobbed ball from Belmonte lead to confusion between Pashley and Petrovic with Pashley heading the ball past his own keeper. City were firmly in control and lead 2-0 going into half time.

The second half started quietly with both teams looking to gain control. Emley attempted to get back into the game with Clegg dribbling past Knight but having his effort blocked by a heroic slide tackle from the skipper Mace, keeping the clean sheet intact.

The second half remained quiet with City staying firmly in the driving seat, and their dominance was rewarded in the 76th minute with Dylan Hart running in behind the opposition defence and squaring the ball to the man who seemingly can’t stop scoring, Liam Lockett. Lockett controlled the ball and slotted home. City lead 3-0 and could almost taste the semi finals. It was almost 4-0 in the 88th minute with substitute Jamie Insall doing a tidy back heel to Izak Reid whose attempt was inches wide of the post.

In the 90th minute City did further extend their lead, with Belmonte getting his second assist of the game playing Izak Reid in behind who calmly chipped the ball over the keeper to make it 4-0. A fantastic performance from City who head into the semis in great form and still in three cup competitions.

The win also sets a new club record for City after winning their fifteenth consecutive game in all competitions, breaking the record set in April 1977.