04 May 2013 - Athersley Recreation v AFC Emley

Athersley Recreation, their final NCEL Division One game of a promotion winning campaign. With the season extended by a week due to the severe buildup of match postponements, this was a game when The Penguins from Sheerien Park, often dubbed "San Sheerien" could relax and take it easy. The visitors AFC Emley had in their ranks, Mark Wilson, who two days previously had made his 900th appearance in non league football. A 1 0 victory courtesy of a 70th minute Jason Bentley goal took Athersley Recreation to 85 points and runners-up to already promoted as Champions, Albion Sports.  Success breeds success and after two local grassroots finals in the week [with a third to follow], promotion in their very first season in the NCEL was the icing on the cake. 

Competition : NCEL Division One

Result : Athersley Recreation 1 AFC Emley 0

Attendance : 161

Above

Pete Goodlad and Alan Richardson stand in front of The Rec Inn.

The men who started Athersley Recreation in 1979.

All Photography : ©NoClashOfColours
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Guard Of Honour

The Officials and AFC Emley staff and players sportingly applaud Athersley Recreation onto the pitch.

A Minute's Applause

Mark Wilson [AFC Emley]

came off the substitute's bench to make his 901st appearance in non league football.

Number 9 and The Little Lady

Young And Old

Rec' Supporters in celebratory mood.

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End Of An Era?

Mark Wilson [AFC Emley] leads the team off after completing over 900 appearances at eighteen clubs (needs verification)  in a non league career that saw him come off the bench and play for Emley at Upton Park against West Ham United in a 1-2 defeat in the 1998 FA Cup.  

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Karl Blackburn (Centre Right) presents Athersley Recreation with the NCEL Division One Fair Play Award for April 2013.

Brian Gould (NCEL Secretary/Treasurer) presents Arthersley Recreation captain, Ryan White with the NCEL Division One Runners-Up Trophy.

Rec' players celebrate winning promotion in their debut season in the NCEL

Jason Dodsworth & Pete Goodlad

"Success Breeds Success"

Another trophy in the cabinet, this is the third this week they've won!

"More Than Just A Club"

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Website Links To Both Clubs In The NCEL Panel At The Side

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