Emley AFC’s quest to finish second and clinch a play-off place and possible promotion was ended by a 1-0 defeat at Hallam on Tuesday night.
Ironically, it was Hallam who had given Emley a chance of second spot by beating Winterton Rangers at the weekend but the Countrymen weren’t doing the Pewits any more favours.
With Winterton’s fixtures finished, Emley needed four points from their last two matches but it wasn’t to be.
Midway through the first half Emley could have been in front when Stevie Smith went down in the box and a penalty was awarded. Skipper Alex Metcalfe stepped up but Hallam keeper Hugo Warhurst pulled off a great save to his right with Metcalfe unable to convert the rebound.
It was still goalless at the break and into the second half Paul Walker was unlucky when his 20-yard free-kick came back off the crossbar and Warhurst saved the rebound.
Emley were reduced to 10 men when defender Sam Pashley saw red for a second yellow card. Shortly after Hallam grabbed what proved to be the only goal through Nicolantonio Degrolamo.
Emley’s final game is at Barton Town on Saturday April 15 (3.00) and there’s a League Cup semi-final at Golcar on Friday April 21 (7.45) and the final of the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup against Maltby Main which will take place at Doncaster on May 20.
