In a tough test away from home, Dinnington Town suffered their first defeat of the season, losing 3-0 to Northern Premier League East Division side Emley AFC in the Sheffield and Hallamshire FA County Cup.
The result sees Dinnington Town, who had enjoyed an unbeaten start to their campaign, exit the cup competition at the hands of a team three tiers higher in the English football pyramid.
The match was always going to be a big ask for Dinnington Town, competing at Step 7 in the football pyramid, against an Emley side flying high at Step 4.
Nevertheless, Dinnington Town came into the game full of confidence, leading their league and eager to test themselves against a tougher opponent.
Emley started the match brightly, and it didn’t take long for the quality gap to show.
On 19 minutes, Darnell Mintus broke the deadlock with a moment of individual brilliance. Turning his marker with ease, Mintus drove into the box and deceived the goalkeeper with a composed touch, leaving himself an easy finish to make it 1-0.
Despite the early setback, Dinnington Town responded well. They maintained their shape and discipline, working hard to keep the game tight for the remainder of the first half.
While Emley enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, Dinnington Town managed to keep them at bay, with a few half-chances of their own.
The half-time whistle blew with the home side leading 1-0, but Dinnington Town remained in the contest.
The second half began with Dinnington Town looking to find a way back into the game, but Emley quickly reasserted their dominance.
Just nine minutes after the restart, Emley doubled their advantage.
Will Calligan’s excellent work down the left saw him pull the ball back to Alex Metcalfe, who cleverly feinted to create space before slotting a low shot into the bottom corner.
It was a clinical finish that left the keeper with no chance and put Emley 2-0 ahead.
Five minutes later, the game was effectively over as a contest. A beautifully weighted ball from Jack Mason split the Dinnington Town defence, allowing Mwiya Malumo to break through and finish with a deft chip over the onrushing goalkeeper. Making it 3-0.
The final whistle confirmed Dinnington Town’s first defeat of the season, but there was no shame in the result.
Emley, a club several steps higher in the football pyramid, showed their class, particularly in the second half.
Despite the defeat, Dinnington Town can take pride in their efforts and will look to bounce back as they return to league action, where they remain unbeaten.
Dinnington Town are next in action on Friday 11th October, away to Harowrth Colliery in the Black Dragon Premier Division North. Kick-off is at 7:45pm.