Emley secured another valuable point as they look to secure a play off place in the Northern Premier League Division One East for the second season running, holding rampant Redcar Athletic at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

Redcar are worthy champions, having swept all before them in their first ever season at this level and look set to end the season with one of the best records ever in the division, Emley gave them a guard of honour on entering the field, but the Champions have failed to score against Emley twice in our two meetings, meaning Emley are the only side this season to not lose or even concede to a rampant Redcar!

With Redcar already promoted, it's now looking like a 5 way battle for the remaining promotion place and Emley, currently 3rd, looked to pick up points following defeat last week, The Steelmen have racked up a stunning 133 goals already this season but once again, they found the Pewits too strong to crack. They had chances but were wasteful with many of them.

It was the Champions who started on the front foot, but Ellis Farrar was on hand to clear the danger before a corner was conceded by Emley only for the shot to blaze over, another Redcar attack fizzled out as a weak shot was cleared.

Emley's first real foray into Redcar territory ended with a free kick on the left, but eventually, Redcar did clear it for a throw which was also dealt with, both defences were strong in the first quarter of the game with neither side able to create anything clear cut.

The first real big chance came on 25 when Redcar got behind the Emley defence but the shot was snatched at and soared over the shed roof, then a half chance for Emley's Sorhaindo but he also snatched his effort and it too flashed wide. Emley then worked the ball well down the right but Sheppeard's fizzing cross evaded Johnson.

Redcar hit back and moved downfield quickly and won a corner but, Emley's defence held firm and Farrar was able to clear the danger, with half time approaching, Emley finished the half the stronger, good work by Stacey released Sorhaindo but the keeper got a hand to his powerful shot for a corner, and a minute later, almost an action reply but again, the keeper was able deny the big striker and the resulting corner yielded nothing as the half time whistle blew.

H/T- Emley 0-0 Redcar Athletic

With Emley attacking the shed in the second half, they wasted little time in carving out a chance as Stacey drove into the area but Sorhaindo couldn't contort enough to get a shot on target, Redcar then piled on some pressure but Emley courageously withstood it and reduced the runaway leaders to pot shots, one of those flew over the Warburton end netting into the gardens on Warburton itself, to the ironic cheers of the Emley supporters.

Emley's first change of the afternoon came just before the hour mark with Joe Clegg replacing Harry Sheppeard, and Emley looked to get the opening goal but Johnson was beaten to the ball for a corner and from the corner, Barks swiped a half volley over the bar. Johnson was involved in the next effort, his run was ended by a desperate challenge but the free kick was poorly executed and rolled out for a goal kick.

Emley were on top and playing some good football without being clinical, Stacey again caused problems down Emley's left flank but his ball in missed everyone in claret and blue and was cleared, another substitution for Emley saw Bailey Thompson replace the hard working Sorhaindo and he was straight into the action, creating space, allowing Clegg to get into the area but the final pass eluded him.

Redcar were still dangerous, forcing Emley back but yet again, the Emley defence, remained strong and stood their ground well to keep The Champions out, Emley then took control as they pushed hard for a winner, with the shed in full voice and roaring them on, Thompson couldn't get enough purchase on a header which was straight at the keeper for an easy save.

Johnson was next to be denied as his shot was blocked following a superb move down the right, a third change for The Pewits saw captain Dawson replaced by Jack Boyle for his home debut, Boyle was involved in the next move as he sent Thompson away down the inside right channel but his ball across was met by Stacey but it was slightly behind the winger who tried to steer it home but the keeper dealt with it easily enough.

With the shed raising the volume to try and get Emley home, Hardaker found space and looked for Thompson making a run towards the back post but the ball was overhit, both defences remained sturdy and unbreachable and Charlie Barks had the last effort of the game but he got over a half volley and it sailed over.

But a point gained against the Champions, to back up Emley's win at Redcar means those 4 points could eventually prove crucial as we now face 4 games to make or break the season, starting with Monday's huge derby clash at Ossett, no goals but a good, absorbing contest played in a good spirit ends with both sides applauded for their efforts.

F/T- Emley 0-0 Redcar Athletic.

Attendance- 489

Emley- Roxburgh, Sheppeard, Farrar, Lindley, Barks, Hardaker, Turner, Dawson [c], Sorhaindo, Johnson, Stacey:
Subs used- Clegg, Thompson, Boyle
Unused- Walpole, Meeres.

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Laurence Sorhaindo.