After defeats to NPL sides Ossett Town and Northwich Victoria in the previous two seasons, the omens were not in AFC Emley's favour as they headed to Burscough.

Although Burscough had a handful of chances - mostly blazed over the bar after long balls down the middle of the park - hopes were lifted as Emley had spells of quality possession against the higher ranking team. But as a psychological victory of a goalless first half looked likely, the hosts struck first from the penalty spot.

What could have been a hammer blow to AFC Emley hopes was anything but. And Ashley Flynn brought Emley back into the game with a well worked finish just 5 minutes after the interval.

The newly-restored Emley confidence was short-lived with Burscough regaining the lead moments later. A bullet header from sub Mike Smith, with his first touch of the game, from a sublime cross giving Adam Lawlor no chance.

Emley pressed for the equaliser and Burscough resorted to more and more huge punts upfield. They got the breakthrough from one such long-ball as Liam Caddick slotted home. The relief from the team in two division higher was palpable and their supporters could breathe a sigh of relief.

The visitors still pressed forward and had only half-chances to take the game to a grandstand finish. However, Burscough's central defensive pairing gave the Emley attackers little change and a series of narrow off-side decisions also went against the forwards.

All in all a fair result but one that left players, management and supporters wondering 'what if the score had stayed at 1-1 just that bit longer'.

AFC Emley's wait for a place in the 1st Qualifying Round continues.