Emley AFC exited the FA Trophy at the first hurdle after a 2–0 defeat away to Heaton Stannington. The Pewits controlled large parts of the game but were punished by their clinical hosts, who made the most of their chances.

The tie began evenly, with both teams trying to settle into their rhythm. After a cagey opening, Emley began to push forward.

On eight minutes, a clever touch from Belchior Rodrigues nearly fashioned an opening before the hosts scrambled clear.

Harry Sheppeard also drove out from defence to link with Rodrigues, though his eventual cross was dealt with. Soon after, Carlos Rodrigues slipped a ball in towards Dean, but it ran too long and was claimed by the keeper.

The hosts showed their intent on 14 minutes with a foray down the left, though Declan Lambton collected the cross comfortably.

At the other end, Emley looked most dangerous from wide areas. Joe Stacey’s deliveries caused problems, with Charlie Barks heading straight at the keeper from one cross, while a sustained spell of pressure around the 23rd minute saw several efforts blocked before Alfie Dean shot over the bar. Another Stacey corner on 27 minutes was scrambled clear under heavy pressure.

Against the run of play, the hosts opened the scoring on 35 minutes. Stannington broke quickly after an Emley set piece, and Lambton did well to rush out and make a crucial interception as the home side rushed towards the Pewits goal. Moments later, a defensive mix up left Lambton stranded and Leighton Hopper lifted the ball into an empty net.

The goal spurred them on, and they grew into the game. Moments later, they flashed a dangerous cross across the Emley box, which evaded everyone.

The Pewits rallied before the break, with Mampala and B Rodrigues combining well on the right to win a free-kick near the corner. Dean’s delivery caused chaos, bouncing off Barks in a crowded area before the ball was eventually hacked away. Despite their efforts, Emley went into half-time trailing 1–0.

HT: Heaton Stannington 1-0 Emley AFC

The Pewits returned determined to find a way back, but Heaton Stannington started the half brightly, and within five minutes had a golden opportunity. A ball was squared across the box from the byline and found the striker, but Lambton spread himself well to make an incredible save and keep Emley in the tie.

Stacey suffered an injury and after some brief treatment was replaced by Hayden Lindley, and B Rodrigues made way for Janaai Gordon as manager Richard Tracey searched for a way back into the game.

Their task grew harder when Heaton Stannington doubled their advantage in the second half, leaving Emley with a mountain to climb.

The Pewits gave the ball away cheaply and were emphatically punished, with the hosts surging forward and Connor Walker finished clinically to double the hosts’ advantage.

Laurence Sorhaindo replaced Alfie Dean as Emley looked to load the forward areas as they desperately tried to claw their way back into the tie.

Emley continued to push forward, with C Rodrigues carrying a constant threat on the right wing. On 82 minutes he beat his man but could not pick out a teammate, his cross drifting behind.

Gordon twice went close late on. First his strike from the edge of the area deflected just wide of the post on 86 minutes, before he was thwarted by the home defence when he looked to be through on goal.

The Pewits continued to push but couldn’t find a way past a resolute Heaton Stannington side, who managed the game well and were excellent in defence when called upon.

The Pewits bow out of the FA Trophy, and are now without a game until Lincoln United visit the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Tuesday 16th September (19.45 kickoff).

FT: Heaton Stannington 2-0 Emley AFC

Attendance - 372

Emley- Lambton, Sheppeard, Stacey, Metcalfe (c), Cowgill, Barks, C Rodrigues, Whittingham, B Rodrigues, Dean, Mampala
Subs used- Lindley, Gordon, Sorhaindo
Unused- Dawson, Cressey

Photo credit- @StanSnaps on X