The game began in lively fashion, with Cleethorpes showing their intent early. The hosts were booked inside five minutes after a wild challenge, and Emley goalkeeper Lambton was called into action soon after, making a smart save with his feet in the 7th minute to deny Cleethorpes the opening goal.

Emley looked to respond and began to create chances of their own. Parkin’s corner in the 11th minute was cleared after Berchil’s dangerous cross had forced a defensive intervention. Lambton was again alert in the 13th minute, rushing off his line to deal with a through ball before the offside flag was raised.

Both sides probed for the breakthrough as the first half progressed. Emley’s Berchil caused problems down the left flank, but the home keeper was quick to beat him to a loose ball in the 22nd minute. Moments later, Qasim almost got on the end of a ball over the top, only for a vital defensive header to avert the danger.

Despite Emley’s promising moments, it was Cleethorpes who struck first in the 27th minute, capitalising on a defensive lapse to take the lead. Emley responded positively, with Qasim battling hard in the corner to create a half-chance for Rodrigues in the 31st minute, though his effort was blocked. Metcalfe came close to equalising in the 38th minute, but his volley from 20 yards fizzed wide.

As half-time approached, Emley forced several corners but couldn’t find a way through, with Cowgill heading wide from one of Parkin’s set pieces. The half ended with Cleethorpes 1-0 ahead.

Half Time: Cleethorpes 1 - 0 Emley AFC

Emley started the second half strongly and nearly drew level in the 47th minute. A towering header from a corner cannoned off the inside of the post, leaving the visitors frustrated. Berchil continued to threaten, with his shot in the 55th minute palmed away by the keeper, while Sheppeard saw his curling effort deflected behind for a corner.

Cleethorpes, however, remained resilient and doubled their lead in the 81st minute with a well-taken goal. Lambton produced a stunning save four minutes later to prevent a third, but Emley were unable to mount a late comeback despite pushing forward in the closing stages.

Parkin’s strike from range in the 90th minute sailed over the bar, summing up a frustrating evening for the visitors, who battled valiantly but ultimately fell short.

Full-time: Cleethorpes 2 - 0 Emley AFC

Despite the defeat, this loss marked the end of an incredible unbeaten run for Emley AFC. There are two home league games left of 2024, Grimsby on Saturday 21st followed by Stocksbridge on Boxing Day (26th).

Attendance- 612

Emley- Lambton, Sheppeard, Baldwin, Metcalfe [c], Cowgill , Clayton, Parkin, Dawson, Qasim, Rodrigues, Berchil;
Subs used- Sorhaindo, Curtis, Kenny
Unused- Barks

WM Sykes Man of the Match- Jack Cowgill