Emley suffered a heartbreaking defeat on the road as we fell to a last minute winner for Bishop Auckland in the Northern Premier League Division One East.

It was only a second defeat in 10 games for the promotion pushing Pewits, but the defeat, coupled with Matlock's win at Blyth Town means that Emley have now lost second place for the time being, it was a defeat which was particularly cruel on Emley who passed up several chances in the second half to win the game themselves.

In beautiful sunshine in Co. Durham, both sides gave as good as they got and it led to an end to end, competitive, entertaining contest, Bishop Auckland were the first on to the attack but the delayed shot failed to trouble Emley's defence, Emley's first meaningful attack saw Stacey's long throw into the box cleared.

A good foray down the right by Clegg saw him deliver into the area, but the ball eluded Bailey Thompson in the middle, Emley were beginning to get on top but couldn't create that telling chance, Kurtis Turner blazed over after another Stacey throw wasn't cleared properly, at the other end, Emley then had to defend, following a free kick that looped up off the bar, but Thompson and Farrar were able to stop the breach.

However, they were unable to prevent Bishops from taking the lead just a few minutes later, a foul just outside the area saw the free kick spilled by debutant keeper Alex Walpole and Brown was on hand to poke home for a lead for the hosts, Emley looked for a way back but the defence was good from The Two Blues.

A free kick for Emley in a similar position to Bishops' opener saw Stacey get too much on it and it flew over the bar and then down the other end, a quick attack created another chance for the hosts but the shot fizzed wide to Emley's relief. From relief to celebration within 5 minutes as Emley struck back.

Following a switch of play from left to right, Emley worked their way around the defence to set Hayden Lindley away down the right and his well weighted ball in found Joe Clegg who pounced, steering the ball past the keeper for a deserved equaliser.

Just before half time, Bishops created another good chance, again, working their way down field, the chance was created but a glorious, well-timed tackle from Ellis Farrar nudged the ball out for a corner, just before half time and we went in all square.

H/T- Bishop Auckland 1-1 Emley.

There was only 4 minutes of the second half gone when Emley created the halfs' first chance, but Bailey Thompson was denied by a crucial fingertip save by the keeper which saw the ball hit the side netting for a corner which was cleared. A free kick from the left for Emley was overhit, but Barks did well to get to it but his stubbed shot sat nicely for the keeper to gather. At the other end, Walpole parried away a driving shot as the hosts looked to hit back.

Emley looked the more likely to score next as we enjoyed a good period but the contest was far from one sided, clattering tackles were going in all over and the fans of both sides enjoyed the physical contests that were going on, Emley made changes as they looked to try and take the game away from their hosts.

Hayden Lindley and Ross Hardaker made way for Carlos Rodrigues and Gabby Johnson and both subs were heavily involved the action, Johnson found space at the near post for a firm header but the keeper made a decent save to keep us level, then, Rodrigues was set free down Emley's left but frustratingly, couldn't find a finish.

It was Rodrigues again who had Emley's next good chance as The Pewits really turned up the heat, great play by Johnson set up the winger who this time did get his shot away, but again, the keeper did excellently, pawing away the shot for another corner which was cleared, Thompson was then replaced by Sorhaindo and Hanson replaced Clegg as the keeper received the thanks from his team mates for keeping them in it.

It looked like Emley were going to earn a point on the road, not a bad point against a side scrapping for their lives at the bottom, however, Bishop Auckland had other ideas and went looking for a winner themselves, a last ditch defensive action from Emley saw them conceded a corner which was eventually cleared, but the Two Blues came back again.

With the game entering its final minute, Emley were on the attack, but the attack was stopped and Bishops swiftly moved downfield, a ball into their inside left channel and then a pass into the middle of the box gave Walpole no chance as Thexton swept home, to the delight of the home supporters and despair for the Emley contingent.

Despite pushing for an equaliser, Emley failed to create any decent chances in the 7 minutes of added time and were finally beaten by a battling performance by Bishop Auckland, who also won 2-0 at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground in October, for Emley, another away game looms, this time at Silsden on Tuesday night.

F/T- Bishop Auckland 2-1 Emley.

Attendance- 381

Emley- Walpole, Sheppeard, Hardaker, Lindley, Farrar, Barks, Turner, Dawson, Thompson, Clegg, Stacey;
Subs used- Johnson, Rodrigues, Sorhaindo, Hanson;
Unused- Mampala.

Goal- Clegg (39')

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Kurtis Turner.