Emley's first FA trophy campaign in a quarter of a century is over at the 2nd qualifying stage after a 3-0 defeat at the hands of an accomplished Newton Aycliffe.

Emley, have struggled with injuries for the last few weeks but have been getting results, the injury jinx hit again today as once again, the Pewits were forced to reshuffle before and during the game.

The game was a slow burner with both sides feeling each other out in the early stages, with Emley shooting down towards the Warburton end, Amir Berchil showed his skill and trickery, skirting across the box from left to right but not finding the space or angle to get a shot away, Pashley, up from right back also failed to get a shot on target.

The visitors were happy to let Emley have the early running but soon found a bit of form themselves, although a free kick didn't test Lambton too much, minutes later, they broke through the Pewits defence but the shot was wide.

Newton Aycliffe enjoyed a spell of pressure and keeping Emley back in their own half, but then The Pewits did manage to break out and Will Calligan, playing in a more forward role flashed a shot wide, Pashley then failed to connect properly with a raking Barks pass out from the back.

The visitors then had the best chance of the game so far, after breaching the defence down their left, the ball played across the box to an unmarked player who, to Emley's relief, blasted over the roof and into the car park.

Emley then created a half chance but Parkin was robbed off the ball as he was setting himself up for a shot, a few moments later, Curtis and then Metcalfe both tried and failed to get bouncing balls under control for a shot.

The visitors broke again and Dec Lambton was forced off his line to sweep up but his challenge on the attacker sent him sprawling and a yellow card for the Emley stopper, almost a minute later, there was almost a carbon copy at the other end, Berchil was clattered by the Newton Aycliffe keeper Pollard who was also shown yellow.

But then almost right on half time, the Newtonians took the lead, from a shot from the right, Lambton made a good save but the ball was recycled backed into the danger zone and Thexton smashed home.

H/T-Emley 0-1 Newton Aycliffe

More injury woes struck for Emley during half time as the struggling Pashley was replaced by Baldwin at right back, and they were soon in defensive mode as Lambton watched a shot fly wide.

Emley tried to find a way back into the game but were beaten by a solid defence as the visitors held firm and kept Emley's dangerman, Berchil fairly quiet.

Baldwin was involved in Emley's first chance of the half, putting in a delightful ball which Curtis attacked but a defenders foot also got a touch which took the power off it.

Will Calligan was replaced by Mwiya Malumo for his Emley debut and he was soon in the thick of the action, a barnstorming run down the right saw him dink a ball onto Berchil's head but the header was saved, Berchil was involved in the next attack, this time doing well to get to a ball on the left, his cross was met by Curtis but he couldn't get enough power to trouble the keeper.

Newton Aycliffe then went down the other end and following a swift attack, sent a shot wide before the game was livened up when Malumo, direct and quick was sent tumbling by a challenge from behind, expecting a free kick, the Emley players and fans were livid as the referee ignored it, Malumo's frustration was evident as he left a foot in in an act of retribution, this time the ref was quick to award the free kick and flash a yellow to Malumo, much to the chagrin of those of a claret and blue persuasion.

Emley's frustration was made worse a minute or so later when Newton Aycliffe found a second goal, Thexton again in a good position to fire home from close range after a good build up.

It was now a tough task for Emley, but they weren't giving up, Baldwin's long throw cleared everyone in the area and the visitors cleared, Curtis was the inches away from connecting with a lovely Metcalfe through ball but it just ran away into the keepers arms in time.

Tom Haigh was replaced by Jack Mason as Emley looked to fresher legs to try and get back in the game but within minutes, the visitors wrapped up the game with a 3rd goal, Emley's defence was split open and Petitjean slotted home from inside the area.

Emley huffed and puffed to try and get something back, but the visitors' defence was strong and they kept Emley at bay to deservedly seal their passage into the next round.

Emley will lick their wounds as their 3 game winning streak ends and hope they have enough fit bodies for Tuesday's Sheffield and Hallamshire cup tie with Dinnington Town.

F/T- Emley 0-3 Newton Aycliffe.

Attendance - 242
Emley- Lambton, Pashley, Hardaker, Metcalfe [c] Barks, Clayton, Parkin, Haigh, Curtis, Calligan, Berchil
Subs used- Baldwin, Malumo, Mason; Unused- Cowgill, Adams.
WM Sykes Man of the Match- Alex Metcalfe