The visitors started the game strongest and were ahead after only 9 minutes. Tom Ryder in the Knaresborough goal fumbled an Aaron Joseph corner and Sam Jerome was in the right spot to put away from point blank range.

The lead only lasted 3 minutes however. Emley’s keeper Danny Armitage could only parry a direct free kick and Ben Clayton had a simple tap in for the equaliser.

Daniel Wright for went close for the hosts after Paul Sykes and conceded possession and a Liam Schofield free-kick from a central position drifted just wide.

Approaching the half-hour mark, Knaresborough captain Liam Gray unleashed a rasping shot from around 22 yards out. It looked as though Armitage had saved the ball but the combination of power and the greasy conditions saw the ball slip through and over the line.

The lead could have been extended but Armitage made amends with a superb save down low and to his right. Antony Leech was on hand to block the follow up shot.

Right at the death of the first period it looked like Joseph was about to tap in an equaliser but, under pressure from some last ditch defending, slipped at the crucial moment.

The early stages of the second half were all Emley. On a foray forward, Tom Brown shot wide and a Schofield free-kick brought a good save from Ryder.

On the hour mark, Knaresborough had their first real effort since going ahead but Sam Jerome recovered well to make a saving challenge with the forward bearing down on goal. From the resulting corner, Armitage’s cross bar was rattled but the ball was cleared.

The rest of the game belonged to Emley as they went in search for some reward for their endeavours. Joseph’s spin and shot showed good skill but was a tame effort and his header sailed over after a good Steve Kenworthy cross.

By rights the Emley equaliser should have been a debut goal for substitute Antony Brown. His first touch was a shot screaming towards the top corner but Ryder pulled off a first-class save to maintain his side’s lead.

Although Emley could have grabbed a point in stoppage time from another close Schofield dead-ball delivery, Knaresborough, well-organised throughout, were bolstered by the introduction of player/coach Paul Stansfield who marshalled his team over the finish line and all three points.

AFC Emley: Danny Armitage, Tom Brown, Ryan Brook, Antony Leech, Sam Jerome, Paul Sykes ©, Aaron Joseph, Michael Tunnacliffe (Antony Brown, 75), Steve Kenworthy (Sylbert Stewart, 75), Alex Hallam, Liam Schofield

Subs not used: Josh Ingham, Brighton Mugadza, Jack Steers

AFC Emley goal: Sam Jerome (9)

Yellow card: Antony Leech

Attendance: 144

AFC Emley Man of the Match: Antony Leech