Matt Sykes put the gloss on a battling come-from-behind performance from Emley AFC

Matt Sykes salvaged a point as Emley AFC twice came from behind in a hard-fought 2-2 draw at Hemsworth Miners Welfare.

The home side went in front in the 20^th minute when Andy Higgins headed home at the near post after a throw-in from former Emley man Declan Dawson.

The Pewits equalised in the 36th minute when Lennon O’Grady crashed a shot into the net to the delight of Emley’s large travelling support.

Emley’s delight quickly turned to despair, however, when Welfare regained the lead inside five minutes. A free-kick taken by Steven Jeff was met by an unmarked Charlie Sheperd for a free header to make it 2-1 to Welfare at the break.

The second half was a tight and stormy affair but Emley snatched an equaliser in the 72nd minute after a breakaway move out of their own half. Sykes was about to pull the trigger when he was unceremoniously pushed over from behind.

Sykes didn’t bother appealing and got up and smashed the ball home to claim a point.

The game ended in more controversy when Emley’s Tom Cadzow collided with the Hemsworth keeper and was sent off amid a melee.