Emley AFC manager Richard Tracey has called on his side to “stand up and be counted” ahead of a make-or-break final league fixture against Consett this Saturday, following a 2–0 defeat at Stocksbridge Park Steels that has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite a strong start and backing from a large contingent of travelling supporters, the Pewits fell behind in controversial circumstances after just ten minutes when the referee awarded a hotly disputed penalty, converted by Rawson. A second goal from Owen on 36 minutes, coupled with a red card for Harry Sheppeard in the second half, sealed Emley’s fifth defeat in six games and their slide out of the play-off positions for the first time this season.

Reflecting on the result, Tracey didn’t shy away from its significance.

He said: “Saturday’s game was a massive opportunity for us to secure a play-off spot, and we didn’t take it. That’s incredibly disappointing. We knew what was at stake, and we didn’t perform. The truth is, we were second best in every department. Stocksbridge deserved the win; they were more aggressive, sharper, and simply wanted it more.”

The match turned early, with the decision to award the hosts a penalty raising eyebrows on both sides.

Tracey continued: “The penalty they were awarded in the tenth minute was one of the most baffling decisions I’ve ever seen. Not a single player from their side appealed. In fact, their lads were arguing with the referee thinking he’d given a goal kick or a corner. Then suddenly he’s pointing to the spot.

“We’ve watched the footage back and we still can’t figure out what he saw. Apparently, it was for handball, but the player had just been bundled to the ground. Where’s he supposed to put his arms?”

The loss compounds a worrying dip in form for Emley, who were sitting higher in the table just 12 games ago. A run of one win in six has left them sixth, needing to beat Consett to stand a chance of extending their season.

Tracey commented: “There’s no hiding from it, our form over the last couple of months hasn’t been good enough. Earlier in the season, we were pushing Cleethorpes. Now we’re sixth and reliant on other teams slipping up. That’s a massive drop-off, and it’s gutting to see how far we’ve fallen.”

Injuries and squad fatigue have played a significant role. Emley are struggling with several regulars playing through illness and injury.

He said: “We’ve had to deal with a ridiculous amount of injuries, not just knocks, but players pushing through pain to help the team. Jack Cowgill, Amir Berchil, Declan Lambton and Adam Clayton none of them have been fully fit for a few weeks. You’ve got to admire their commitment, but it’s taken a toll on performance and energy levels.”

All eyes now turn to Saturday’s final home match of the regular season against Consett, who sit 12th. A win would secure Emley’s play-off place. A draw may be enough, depending on results elsewhere involving Belper, Stocksbridge, and Newton Aycliffe. Anything less could bring the curtain down on the Pewits campaign.

Tracey said: “We’ve got to win. It’s as simple as that. It’s a final for us. If we don’t get three points, we’re relying on favours elsewhere. That’s not where we wanted to be, but it’s where we are.

“I’ve said to the lads I shouldn’t have to give a team talk this weekend. They know exactly what’s on the line. There can be no hesitation, no holding back. It’s about dominating your man, winning your battles, and putting in a performance that says, ‘We belong in the play-offs.’”

While Consett may sit mid-table, Tracey is under no illusions about the challenge they pose: “Consett will be dangerous. They’ve got nothing to lose, which means they’ll play with freedom. We’ve got everything at stake. We’ll need to be at our absolute best.”

“If we miss out on the play-offs, it’s not the end of the road, but it’s a warning. We’ve got to be better. We need players who see a promotion push as a privilege, not a burden.

“We’ve worked tirelessly all season, and to see it unravel in the final few weeks is heart-breaking. But it’s not over yet. Saturday gives us one last shot. We’ve got to take it. As ever let's get behind the lads and give it our all.”