Kieron Ceesay’s 88th-minute strike sealed a deserved 1–0 win away at Brighouse Town, in a game of few clear chances, it was Ceesay’s moment of magic that proved enough to take all three points back to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

The game began at a lively tempo, with both sides showing plenty of energy but few clear openings. Emley looked sharp on the break, using their width to good effect as they tried to stretch the Brighouse back line. The hosts, meanwhile, looked to impose themselves physically in midfield and test the Pewits’ defensive organisation with a few early deliveries into the box. Despite some half-chances at both ends, neither goalkeeper was seriously tested in the first half. Emley’s back four stood strong, dealing well with Brighouse’s set-pieces and showing great composure when playing out from the back. Debutant Ellis Farrar was particularly composed, ensuring the Pewits kept control and limited the hosts to long-range efforts.

H/T- Brighouse 0-0 Emley

After the break, Emley began to grow into the game and looked the more likely side to find a breakthrough. The visitors started to dictate possession, with Ceesay proving a constant threat down the right wing thanks to his pace and direct running. Sorhaindo worked tirelessly up front to stretch the Brighouse defence, while the midfield continued to press and recycle possession with purpose. Although chances remained limited, Emley’s patient approach and belief in their system never wavered, and that persistence paid off as the match entered its closing stages.

As the game headed towards the last 20 minutes, the hosts had a glorious opportunity to get themselves in front, but the header at the far post was thankfully put wide.

Manasse Mampala and Joe Stacey, who had both looked threatening going forward for the Pewits made way for Janaai Gordon and Kieron Ceesay.

With just two minutes of normal time remaining, the breakthrough finally arrived as the substitutes combined. Gordon, who had not been on the pitch for too long, picked out Ceesay with a perfectly weighted ball down the right-hand side, and the winger took full advantage. Showing great control and composure, he raced through on goal and coolly slotted the ball beyond the advancing Brighouse goalkeeper to put Emley ahead and send the travelling supporters into celebration. It was a goal of real quality, a finish that summed up the Pewits’ determination to keep pushing until the very end.

In the final moments, Whittingham replaced Sorhaindo to add fresh energy and help the side see out the result. Emley managed the closing stages with maturity, defending solidly and keeping the ball when needed, leaving Brighouse with few chances to threaten an equaliser. When the referee’s whistle blew, the players and supporters alike could celebrate another hard-earned three points on the road.

F/T- Brighouse 0-1 Emley

The result keeps the Pewits in fine form in the NPL Division One East, and firmly in the hunt near the top end of the table, while adding yet another clean sheet to their growing collection this season. The Pewits now face back-to-back home matches against Ashington and Matlock Town, on Saturday and Tuesday respectively.

Attendance- 365

Emley- Lambton, Sheppeard, Hardaker, Lindley, Farrar, Barks, Stacey, Dawson (c), Sorhaindo, Mampala, Christie-Crainie
Subs used- Gordon, Whittingham, Ceesay
Unused-Baldwin, B.Rodridgues

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Kieron Ceesay