For the second time this season, Emley and Hallam played out a goalless draw in the Northern Premier League Division One East , this time at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

Like the corresponding game in Sheffield in October, there was nothing to split the sides, with defences firmly on top in this one, the draw, coupled with Matlock's win up the road in Brighouse meant Emley were knocked off second spot but are still very much in the promotion picture.

It was a good start for Hallam as they found themselves on the front foot and with an early shot that zipped wide, Emley's first dangerous attack came on 9 minutes, Mampala's surging run in to the box found Thompson but his shot was blocked, and the resulting corner cleared, Hallam then created another good chance but strong hands from Lambton saw off the danger.

Manny Mampala was also involved in Emley's next two attacks, first, slashing a shot wide and then trying his luck from a longer distance but Hallam keeper Warhurst was right behind it, Emley then needed to call on their defence as Hallam looked to take the lead, but great tracking back and a well timed challenge from Joe Stacey saw the Pewits survive.

They then looked to thrive and created the best chances of the game so far, both involving Gabriel Johnson, a bustling run took him into the Hallam area but a good challenge put the ball out for a corner, and then following good link up play with Bailey Thompson, he fired a fizzing shot over the Warburton end bar.

Another Hallam effort flew over before Charlie Barks stepped out from defence and surged downfield but his shot didn't trouble Warhurst who gathered cleanly, then right on half time, Dawson's long range rasper did trouble Warhurst but the stopper made a fine save to concede a corner, Emley couldn't capitalise with repeated corners and another 45 minute half in this fixture failed to trouble the scoreboard.

H/T- Emley 0-0 Hallam

Emley began the second period shooting towards the shed and again forced a couple of corners but Hallam defended them well and cleared their lines, there wasn't a lot of goalmouth action in the opening exchanges and both defences were able to gain the upper hand.

It was Emley who created the first real opening, but Sheppeard's run and ball in was met by a Hallam boot before Thompson could connect. Just past the hour and a first change for Emley as debutant Kurtis Turner replaced Chris Dawson in midfield and within seconds, Thompson found himself at the end of a great ball in by Stacey but the shot was blocked by a last ditch defensive action.

More changes for Emley as Mampala and Stacey gave way to Carlos Rodrigues and Joe Clegg before Ellis Farrar tried a shot but pulled it wide, Lindley was also off target as he ballooned a shot way over.

With both defences firmly on top, it would take something really special to break the deadlock, the two sides had each others numbers though it seemed, plenty of endeavour from both sides but it was a day when neither defence was going to be breached, Sorhaindo replaced Thompson and he forced a corner by harrying the defender, but again, Hallam's defence stood firm and cleared.

There was a well worked free kick for Emley which saw Johnson shoot straight at the keeper and then in stoppage time, after a number of corners from Emley, Barks headed over and the referee brought the game to a close after 4 minutes of added on time and for the second time this season, neither side could find a breakthrough.

Despite dropping down to 3rd, the result means Emley are now 6 home games unbeaten and registered a 5th clean sheet from those 6 games, it also meant Hallam are now unbeaten in 6 of the last 7 games at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground, a point each will no doubt please both camps as we now look to visiting Consett next Saturday.

F/T- Emley 0-0 Hallam.

Attendance- 439

Emley- Lambton, Sheppeard, Farrar, Lindley, Cowgill [c], Barks, Mampala, Dawson, Thompson, Johnson, Stacey;
Subs used- Turner, Clegg, Rodrigues, Sorhaindo;
Unused- Hardaker.

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Jack Cowgill.