NPL D1 East league leaders Emley take a break from their league campaign as cup matters take centre stage for the next 2 games starting with an FA Trophy 2nd qualifying tie on Saturday as Newton Aycliffe make the trip to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground (3pm).
Following Tuesday's 2-1 win over Brighouse Town, Emley's remarkable start to the new season at a higher level saw The Pewits overtake Belper Town as league leaders, but it's the road to Wembley that matters on Saturday.
Remarkably, Emley and Newton Aycliffe had never previously met until August and now this will be the second meeting in just over a month, the previous game was the second league game of the season and Luke Parkin's terrific goal earned a point in a 1-1 draw.
That was the only time the Pewits have dropped points in the league so far and they saw off fellow NPL D1 East side Dunston in the previous round with a 2-0 win at the Welfare Ground.
Newton Aycliffe are currently 15th in the blossoming league table and like Emley, undefeated in the league so far.
They saw off Vauxhall Motors on penalties in the previous round of the trophy, progress was also made in the FA Cup with The Newtonians seeing off Whitley Bay and Bamber Bridge before bowing out to Warrington Rylands after a replay, their only defeat of the season, again, like Emley, their only defeat was to a team in a higher league in the FA Cup.
Last time out:
Emley 2-1 Brighouse Town (Berchil, Cowgill) Att- 549, NPL D1 E
Warrington Rylands 3-1 Newton Aycliffe ( Jackson) Att- 129, FAC 2Q
HEAD TO HEAD
Previous meetings:
13th August 2024, NPL D1 E
NEW 1-1 EML (L.Parkin) Att- 151
CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION:
EML: 1/22
NEW:15/22
(ALL COMPETITIONS)
CURRENT FORM:
EML: W, W, W, W, W
NEW: D, D, D, D, L
GOALS SCORED:
EML: 19
NEW: 17
GOALS CONCEDED:
EML: 4
NEW: 13
TOP SCORER:
EML: Amir Berchil (6)
NEW: Jake Petitjean (5)
AVERAGE HOME CROWD:
EML: 446 (477 league)
NEW: 222 (143 league)
MATCHDAY INFORMATION
WHEN?Saturday 21st September 3.00pm
Gates open 1.00pm
WHERE? Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, Off Upper Lane, Emley, Huddersfield, HD8 9RE
View the Emley AFC Visitors' guide
OWW MUCH?
Adults £8
Concessions £5
U11s £1
U5s Free
SEASON TICKETS NOT VALID!
Programmes £2.
NON LEAGUE DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, on a lead - see visitor's guide for restrictions
Please respect local residents and park responsibly around the village!