It was second time lucky for Luke Parkin as he hit a stunner to clinch an away point for Emley AFC in a 1-1 draw at Newton Aycliffe on Tuesday night.
With the Pewits 1-0 down in the 67th minute, Parkin unleashed a thunderous shot from distance that crashed against the woodwork.
But the warning wasn’t heeded and seconds later, he tried his luck again from range, this time finding the back of the net to bring Emley level.
The first half was goalless with both teams having moments of promise without seriously threatening to break the deadlock.
Alex Metcalfe went close with a drive from the edge of the box and Amir Berchil and Isaac Baldwin created opportunities on the break down the left.
The second half began with Emley on the front foot again, winning a corner early on. Charlie Barks rose highest to meet the delivery, and only a fantastic save from Aycliffe goalkeeper Jim Pollard kept the Pewits out.
Just before the hour mark the home side took the lead through Cole Kiernan who let the ball run across his path before firing low into the bottom corner.
Metcalfe replied with a deflected effort before Parkin’s two shots, the second of which pulled Emley level.
As the game entered its final stages, both sides looked to win it. In the dying moments, Parkin almost snatched the victory with another long-range effort, only to be denied by a fine save from Pollard.
Emley’s next game is a trip to Trafford on Saturday August 17 in the FA Cup Preliminary Round before a first home league match against Belper Town on Tuesday August 20.
