Seconds out as Emley undone by sucker punch

Referee Stuart Royston indicated 3 minutes of added time but it was well into the 94th minute - despite no obvious further stoppages - that Eccleshill’s Taylor Diem bundled in a last gasp equaliser.

The game was still in its infancy, with both sets of players finding their feet in poor conditions, when Jack Steers was harshly dismissed for a late tackle.

The numerical advantage only lasted 10 minutes for Eccleshill as the red card was out again - this time for Daniel Holowaty’s after an off-the-ball incident which left Emley’s stand in captain Ryan Brook on the floor.

Chances were at a premium but first blood went to the home side and an Aaron Sanchez header on 23 minutes.

Emley best moment of the half came down the left with Tom Brown threading a perfect through-ball to Alex Hallam who got to the byline and delivered a pinpoint cross through the defence. Doran Jordan was at the back post but was left kicking mid-air after an unlucky bounce.

Emley started the 2nd half the stronger team but it was the hosts who hit the back of the net first - only for the 55th minute effort to be ruled out for offside.

The warning was heeded by Emley and they were back in it when strength and persistence paid off for Sylbert Stewart.

Moments later and the visitors had turned the game on its head, Ryan Pleasants grabbing his second goal in as many games since his transfer from Hemsworth.

It looked like Emley would see the game out and with it the 3 points but Eccleshill gambled - even throwing ‘keeper Ryan Smith into attack for a succession of dangerous corners.

As the minutes ticked on Emley waited to celebrate but referee Royston let the seconds tick on and on to allow Diem’s equaliser with the last kick of the game. The officials’ time-keeping incensed the Emley players, bench and supporters but gifted Eccleshill a share of the points.