It will the second time our visitors have travelled to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, following a 3-0 FA Trophy win back in September, it's also the third meeting of the clubs this season, and only the third meeting in all, Emley have yet to win one, the reverse fixture in Co. Durham saw a 1-1 draw.

Emley have been inactive over the Christmas period, with boxing day's match with Stocksbridge abandoned after just 5 minutes of play and New Year's day's West Yorkshire derby at Brighouse was postponed because of the weather.

This inactivity has seen Emley slip down to fourth in the league table, with both Belper and Dunston picking up maximum points over that period it means Emley and Newton Aycliffe now occupy the final two play off spots, Belper closing the gap to leaders Cleethorpes to just a point following Clee's loss at neighbours Grimsby Borough.

Newton Aycliffe, from County Durham, were founded in 1965, by 1985 they were members of the Wearside League but resigned in 1994 but reformed playing local Durham county league and rejoined the Wearside league in 2007, before moving up again to the Northern League in 2009 and won promotion to the NPL in 2022-23, last seasons' 7th place finish was the highest the club had ever finished.

Until August, we had never previously met Newton Aycliffe, and this will be the third meeting in just 6 months, Newton Aycliffe are enjoying only their second season at this level having won the Northern League in 2022-23 and finished 7th in their first season, they have only lost once in their last 8 games, and thumped Bishop Auckland 4-1 in their last outing.

Emley last picked up points on 21st December, with a 2-1 win over Grimsby Borough, another 3 points will be a boost as the sides just below the play offs are all closing in.

Last time out:
Emley 2-1 Grimsby Borough (Baldwin, Parkin) Att- 357, NPL D1 East.
Newton Aycliffe 4-1 Bishop Auckland (Petitjean 2, Clarkson, Adamson) Att- 423, NPL D1 East.

HEAD TO HEAD

Previous meetings:
September 21st 2024, FAT 2Q
EML 0-2 NEW, Att- 242

August 13th, NPL D1 E
NEW 1-1 EML (L.Parkin) Att- 151

(ALL COMPETITIONS)

CURRENT FORM: Last 5
EML:W, W, D, L, W
NEW: W, W, D, L, W
CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION:
EML: 4/22
NEW: 5/22
GOALS SCORED:
EML:51
NEW: 67
GOALS CONCEDED:
EML: 20
NEW: 48
TOP SCORER:
EML: Amir Berchil (12)
NEW: Jake Petitjean/ Dean Thexton (15)
AVERAGE HOME CROWD:
EML:391 (447 league)
NEW: 222 (208 league).

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

WHEN? Saturday 4th January 3.00pm
Gates open 1.30pm

WHERE?
The 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.

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

Please park responsibly around the village and respect local residents!