Emley's 2024-25 season officially kicks off this weekend when FC St Helens visit the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground for an FA Cup extra preliminary round tie on Sunday at 2pm.

Following last season's NCEL title and subsequent promotion to the Northern Premier League Division 1 East, it's cup action that kicks off the new season for Richard Tracey's men.

It will be the first meeting of the clubs and the visitors' first-ever match in the FA Cup. Like Emley, FC St Helens were promoted as champions last season, winning the NWCFL D1 North and securing promotion to the Premier Division.

FC St Helens, nicknamed The Stripes, were formed 10 years ago after a split from St Helens Town Reserves. They played in the West Cheshire League and then the Cheshire League before stepping up to the NWCFL in 2022-23. A third-place finish in their first season ended in playoff defeat on penalties at Chadderton, but they made no mistake the next season, finishing 9 points clear to secure promotion again.

The Stripes have already started their league campaign with a perfect start, winning 3-0 over Abbey Hey on the opening weekend.

Emley's last outing was a 2-0 pre-season win over Wakefield, and they will be eager to get going for the new season. They'll be hoping for a cup run to match or better last season's effort when they made it all the way to the 3rd qualifying round before bowing out after a narrow defeat to National League North side Alfreton Town.

Last time out:
PSF, Emley 2-0 Wakefield ( Zottos, Dawson), Att-298
NWCL P, FC St Helens 3-0 Abbey Hey (Barker 2, Scarborough), Att- 181

HEAD TO HEAD

Previous meetings: NONE

CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION:
EML 11/22
FCSH 3/24
GOALS SCORED:
EML 0
FCSH 3
GOALS CONCEDED:
EML 0
FCSH 0
TOP SCORER:
EML- 0
FCSH- Joseph Barker (2)
AVERAGE HOME CROWD:
EML 0
FCSH 181 (181 league)

MATCHDAY INFORMATION
WHEN? Sunday 4th August 2.00pm
Gates open 12.30pm

WHERE? Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, Off Upper Lane, Emley, Huddersfield, HD8 9RE

View the Emley AFC Visitors' guide

OWW MUCH?
£8 Adults
£5 Concessions
£1 ages 5-11
U5's FREE
Programmes £2.

SEASON TICKETS NOT VALID!

NON LEAGUE DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, on a lead - see visitor's guide for restrictions

Please respect local residents and park responsibly around the village!