Emley suffered their first defeat of the season after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Morpeth Town in the FA Cup 1st qualifying round.

Despite ending the game with 9 men, Morpeth's goal on the stroke of half time was enough to send them through, although they defended resiliently in a one sided second half.

The game was scrappy at times with neither side creating many clear cut chances, Morpeth had a shot blocked before Luke Parkin found himself inside the area but the keeper was equal to his shot.

The sides traded shots for the first few minutes, Sheppeard firing over for Emley.

Morpeth kept Amir Berchil quiet and well marked for most of the game although the winger did draw a free kick which Emley put wide.

Neither keeper had a lot to do but Dec Lambton was called into action to parry a shot at the near post before Morpeth fired a free kick wide.

But just seconds later, the hosts struck the only goal of the game, Dec unable to keep out a shot from the left.

To concede so near to half time was a disappointment but just a minute later when, like at Trafford, the hosts were reduced to 10 men, Berchil finally got the better of the defence but Morpeth's Henderson had no option but to pull Emley's dangerman down, the resulting free kick was wide.

Half-time: Morpeth 1-0 Emley

Emley came out for the second half needing to attack, and for the most part it was one way but Morpeth's defence held firm and Emley failed to find a way through.

Berchil was finally getting some joy , causing problems for the home defence, his run into the box saw the ball flash across the area.

Emley were huffing and puffing but couldn't blow the highwaymen's Josie down, a couple of free kicks were sent wide and over.

The game was being played mainly in Morpeth's half and the hosts were happy to repel most things, Chris Dawson had Emley's best chance, smashing a long range shot which the keeper did superbly well to tip over the bar, from the resulting corner, Metcalfe fired over.

Emley kept on pushing but Morpeth did everything to frustrate the Pewits and their fans.

With the game entering its closing stages, Emley were trying everything, all 5 subs were used and they all made a positive impact.

Al Keita had a burst into the area and was sent tumbling in the area, the ref waving away Emley appeals for a penalty.

Right on 90 minutes, and the hosts were further reduced, a second booking for more time wasting but Emley couldn't make it count.

Lambton was more or less a spectator at the other end he but he did well to keep Emley in it with a deft save from a chip after a swift counter attack.

Emley had a succession of corners but again, they were repelled, the only chance Emley had was a Metcalfe shot straight at the keeper.

The referee blew the final whistle with more claims for an Emley penalty but thoughts now turn to Friday's FA trophy tie with Dunston at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground

Full-time: Morpeth 1-0 Emley

Attendance: 402

Emley - Lambton, Sheppeard, Baldwin, Metcalfe [c], Pashley, Barks, Parkin, Dawson, Curtis, Walshaw, Berchil;
Subs (all used) Hardaker, Lawrence, Keita, Haigh, Fletcher.

WM Sykes Man of the Match: Dec Lambton