AFC Emley 2 – 2 Hallam FC

On a wet Wednesday night at the Welfare Ground, we saw the wicked, the wonderful and the weird, but neither side were able to outwit each other as two of the league’s most historic sides fought out for a point.

Emley’s two first-half leads were both cancelled out by quick responses from the visitors, whose two highly contrasting goals had the hosts frustrated.

Darren Hepworth’s side came into this came off the back of three consecutive wins, whilst Hallam succumbed to a heart-wrenching last minute winner last weekend against Knaresborough Town FC.

The football in the early stages coupled up well with the weather – slippery. Players were losing their foot-in on countless occasions and that promised to create an opening for one side or the other at some point. That breakthrough came to Emley with about 20 minutes played. Whilst it was Alex Slack, whose fine finish fired the home side in front, the plaudits belonged to the fabulous work of Joe Brennan, after his fantastic run allowed him to assist the full-back.

Hallam’s travelling supporters behind Gary Stevens’ goal were about to burst into celebration when the goalkeeper was caught in no-mans-land as the ball bobbled towards the line, but Sam Jerome silenced those fans with a crucial clearance.

The game, as it had from the first minute, continued to be evenly-matched, yet Emley could have doubled their advantage just before the half an hour mark when Joe Brennan ambitiously attempted to catch Jamie Dean napping when he arrowed a 40-yard-drive towards the target, but the Hallam keeper was having none of it.

Then, the Sheffield based side got a goal which, in fairness, they deserved. Joel Purkiss left Gary Stevens helpless with a ripping rocket into the very top corner – without question the goal of the night.

But the hosts were hot on the heels of Hallam and Ashley Flynn managed to score in his sixth consecutive league match, firing past Jamie Dean and into the top left corner.

Last season’s top scorer is rarely left red-faced, so the cameras will have been pointing towards Flynn to capture an unusual moment after a mysterious miss just before the break from the forward, who blasted over from close range.

Hallam made Flynn and his team mates pay for that miss on the stroke of the half-time whistle. This time, all eyes were on the linesman, whose dubious decision to keep his flag down allowed Tom Roebuck to tap in at the back post and pull the game back to level terms for the second time of the night.

HT – AFC Emley 2 – 2 Hallam FC

An energetic first half promised to deliver an enthralling second half, but neither side could hit fifth gear and spring into action after the interval.

Jordan Coduri was looking at the races, despite both clubs’ slow start. The winger had hit the post and sent a cheeky lobbed effort just over in the earlier exchanges before his later low drive stung the palms of Jamie Dean.

Hallam’s best chance of the second half came with ten minutes to go as a deadly delivery was sent into the box, only to be dangerously dealt with by the Emley defence. Thankfully, Gary Stevens was on his toes to deny a dismal own-goal as the former Tadcaster Albion shot-stopped deflected the ball over with his left-hand.

Emley saved their best chances of the game until last. Jordan Coduri was first to have his hands on his head after his fizzing effort flew just wide of the post, before Sam Jerome couldn’t divert his header into the back of the net from two-yards out when Jamie Dean sloppily spilled the ball from a corner.

FT: AFC Emley 2 – 2 Hallam FC

That point now leaves the Pewits in 11th position with a handful of games in hand, whilst Hallam keep the pressure on the top spot as they sit in fourth, only two points from the peak.

Saturday sees Darren Hepworth’s squad take a break from the league, but as the old saying goes, there’s no rest for the wicked – this match sees Emley travel to Wigan to face Ashton Athletic FC in the second qualifying round of the FA Vase.