Emley picked up another point to remain in the play off positions in the Northern Premier League Division One East following a goalless draw at Hallam.

As often seems to be the case, this fixture tends to be played out in torrential rain, strong winds, or a combination of both as we saw today, there were even spells of sunshine in between the showers which made it a tough ask for both teams.

The first half was void of many clear cut chances as both teams struggled with the conditions, Emley, playing up the infamous Sandygate slope, were made to defend a succession of Hallam corners which they did, before creating their first half chance of the half but conceded a free kick from Stacey's ball.

There was a bit of tetchiness in the game as tackles went flying in and both benches were demanding decisions, Emley's vice captain Chris Dawson and manager Richard Tracey were both shown yellow cards as was a Hallam player, before Lambton almost lost a ball with a Hallam attacker closing in but managed to redeem himself.

Emley then enjoyed a spell of pressure forcing a corner and then causing an issue when a free kick was only partially cleared but Lindley's chip back in was eventually dealt with by the home defence, Hallam then had a couple of shots which ran wide before Emley almost nicked the lead right before half time.

A rasping shot by Kieron Ceesay bounced back of the post to the feet of Laurance Sorhaindo who blazed over with the goal almost at his mercy, chance gone, half time whistle blown

H/T- Hallam 0-0 Emley.

The second half was infinitely more livelier than the first with both sides having chances to break the deadlock, although Emley will probably feel the happier of the sides with a point as the game threatened to go away from them near the end.

Emley had the first shot of the half when Lindley's long range effort was saved following a teasing ball in from Christie-Crainie, Lambton was then called into action at the other end making a good double save to prevent the hosts from taking the lead.

It was Emley's turn next to create half chance, good play enabled Ceesay to find space on the right but he pulled the ball back rather than going himself and the chance was gone as Hallam cleared their lines

Assistant manager Steve Nicholson then joined Tracey in the book as the referee presumably took umbrage to something that was said, Ceesay then found himself in space down the right again, this time looking for Laurence Sorhaindo in the middle but he couldn't quite sort his feet out to test the keeper and the shot was scuffed.

Emley made a couple of changes, Mampala and Ceesay left the action, to be replaced by Belchior Rodrigues and Baldwin, and then he the hosts had some clear cut chances to win the game but let Emley off, first, a penalty, the third penalty Emley have conceded in the last 3 league games,
Litchfield stepped up but Lambton guessed right and made a super save down to his left.

A couple of minutes later and Lambton was the Emley hero again, this time, a cracking save low down to his left after Hallam had torn a hole in Emley's defence, and then with just two minutes left of the 90, Hallam wasted another glorious opportunity, following a good attack, Emley failed to clear their lines and the goal was gaping but somehow the shot was drilled wide instead of into the net, a massive let off for The Pewits!

Emley kept going though and looked for another late winner as at Blyth Town a fortnight ago but it wasn't to be, and we held on to see the game out and pick up a point from a tough day weatherwise, we are away again on Wednesday with the short trip to Brighouse Town for a West Yorkshire derby.

F/T- Hallam 0-0 Emley

Attendance- 547

Emley- Lambton, Sheppeard, Stacey, Lindley, Cowgill [c], Barks, Ceesay, Dawson, Sorhaindo, Mampala, Christie-Crainie:
Subs used- B.Rodrigues, Baldwin;
Unused-Hardaker, Whittingham.

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Hayden Lindley

Photo by Stills By Josh