Emley welcome Grimsby Borough to the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground on Saturday (3pm) as we look to bounce back from our first league away defeat of the season with a win that would see us claim our first NPL Division One East league double.

Following last weekend's defeat at Cleethorpes that ended our unbeaten record away from home in the league, we now welcome their neighbours, Grimsby Borough for the first of two home games during the festive period.

Grimsby, were, of course, our first opponents back in the NPL for 25 years back in August and we came away from Lincolnshire with all 3 points thanks to a Nathan Curtis goal to kick start our fine start to the season.

Another win over Boro would see us keep pace with the leaders and keep us in the mix for a play off place, both sides' form has been a bit mixed, Emley's defeat at league leaders and title favourites Cleethorpes was our first defeat in 5 while Grimsby ended a run of 3 consecutive defeats with a fantastic 2-0 win at Bishop Auckland, ending Bishop's 11 game unbeaten run, a run that started after Emley's 4-0 win in Co. Durham in September.

Grimsby Borough were formed in 2003 following the demise of a previous club in 1992 and joined the Lincolnshire league then the Central Midlands league before promotion to the NCEL in 2008, they struggled originally in division 1, failing to finish above 13th in their first 8 seasons but then found something to finish 4th, 3rd and then eventually league champions and promotion to the NCEL Premier in 2018-19.

Following 2 abandoned seasons, they then won the NCEL Premier and won promotion to the NPL, where they have finished mid table in their 2 seasons at step 4 so far and currently sit 10th.

The sides have been regular opponents throughout our NCEL days but this will only be the second meeting at step 4.

Last time out:
Cleethorpes 2-0 Emley, Att- 612, NPL D1 East
Bishop Auckland 0-2 Grimsby Boro (York, Topliss) Att- 294, NPL D1 East.

HEAD TO HEAD

Previous meetings: last 5)
August 10th 2024, NPL D1 E
GRI 0-1 EML (N.Curtis) Att- 180

April 4th 2022, NCELP
EML 0-0 GRI Att-190

November 10th 2021, NCELP
GRI 2-1 EML (G.Doyle) Att- 130

December 1st, 2018, NCEL1
GRI 0-0 EML Att- 84

November 3rd 2018, NCEL1
EML 2-2 GRI (S.Hamilton, W.Hughes) Att- 128

(ALL COMPETITIONS)
CURRENT FORM: Last 5
EML: W, W, W, D, L
GRI: D, L, L, L, W
CURRENT LEAGUE POSITION:
EML: 2/22
GRI: 10/22
GOALS SCORED:
EML: 49
GRI: 35
GOALS CONCEDED:
EML:19
GRI: 30
TOP SCORER:
EML- Amir Berchil (12)
GRI- Reece York/Adam Drury (6)
AVERAGE HOME CROWD:
EML 391 (457 league)
GRI 164 (177 league)

MATCHDAY INFORMATION

WHEN?Saturday 21st December 3.00pm
Gates open 1.30pm

WHERE?
The Fantastic Media Welfare Ground
Off Upper Lane, Emley, Huddersfield, HD8 9RE

View the Emley AFC Visitors' guide

OWW MUCH?
£8 Adults
£5 Concessions
£1 ages 5-11
U5's FREE
Programmes £2.

NON LEAGUE DOGS ALLOWED: Yes, on a lead - see visitor's guide for restrictions

Please park responsibly around the village and respect local residents!