By Martin Eastwood
Emley AFC defied Storm Darragh to get the Kirklees derby on but a draw with local rivals Liversedge saw them miss out on the chance to go back top.
With the weather meaning none of the top seven played, the Pewits could have regained top spot in the Northern Premier League Division One East from Cleethorpes, who they face on Friday night.
As it was a 1-1 draw at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday saw Emley cut Cleethorpes’ lead at the top to just a point.
Luke Parkin put Emley ahead in the 27th minute with a fine strike. Donae Lawrence caused problems for the Sedge defence and his ball across found Parkin who smashed high into the top corner.
Charlie Barks almost made it 2-0 when he put his boot through one from 35 yards which the keeper tipped round the post.
Liversedge made a strong start to the second half and less than 10 minutes after the re-start the visitors were level.
Sedge were awarded a free-kick some 25 yards out and Jack Crook stepped up giving Dec Lambton no chance with the equaliser.
Emley, defending into the wind, battled hard to keep Liversedge out but thought they should have had a penalty 11 minutes from time when sub Belchior Rodrigues went down in the box but the referee waved play on.
Deep into stoppage time, Emley needed keeper Lambton to preserve the point with a fine save.
It’s a big one for Emley on Friday December 13 when they go to leaders Cleethorpes (7.45).