By Martin Eastwood

League leaders Emley AFC go into a top-of-the-table clash with second-placed Cleethorpes Town on Tuesday (October 29) on the back of a six-match unbeaten run.

The Pewits were twice ahead against one of the pre-season title favourites Dunston on Saturday but were pegged back both times and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

Emley return to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Tuesday (7.45) three points clear of Cleethorpes in what promises to be a mouth-watering clash.

Skipper Alex Metcalfe fired Emley ahead in the 19th minute but the visitors were level on the half hour through Dale Pearson.

It was 1-1 at the break and both sides had chances with Amir Berchil and Al Keita having efforts on goal while Dec Lambton was called into action at the other end.

Dunston were reduced to 10 men when Chris McDonald was sent off for his second bookable offence in the 77th minute.

Three minutes later Emley were back in front when a throw-in was flicked on by Jack Cowgill for his centre-back partner Charlie Barks to bundle home.

 

 

Emley went for it, Berchil tormented another defender before laying the ball off, Dunston couldn’t clear and Adam Clayton fired straight at the keeper.

Berchil was now coming into his own and forcing defenders to tug, pull, chop and stop him any way they could.

More yellows followed and they finished with a tally of six yellows and a red, there was even a red card to one of their staff after the final whistle.

Emley conceded an equaliser five minutes from time when David Robinson gave Lambton no chance with a header.

Emley had a great opportunity to snatch victory late on when Berchil set up sub Mohammad Qasim who headed over when well placed.

Both Joe Kenny and Sam Pashley returned after injury but Emley’s squad is still depleted and manager Richard Tracey said: “If we can be really competitive (against Dunston and Cleethorpes) when we’re not at full strength, then it’s only going to bode well for later in the season when we are at full strength.”

Gallery of images by: Huddersfield Hub photographer SEAN DOYLE