Emley continued their upturn in results in the NPL Premier when they were able to celebrate an overdue home win after defying awful conditions to beat Lancaster City 1-0.

After a battling 1-1 draw at FC United of Manchester and a fantastic 3-1 away success at Stockton Town in their previous two league matches the Pewits finally made home advantage count with another victory that lifted them up to 14th in the table, five points above the relegation zone, writes Martin Eastwood.

It was only their second home win of the season and had to be fought for at a soggy Fantastic Media Welfare Ground.

It was a tight game, both teams and sets of fans giving their all in atrocious conditions, but Emley's resilience saw them through, along with a home debut goal for Lewis Gould, who impressed again.

Aaron Haswell in the "warm-up" ahead of Emley's game with Lancaster City. Picture: Emley AFC/ Mm10_sports_photo

placeholder image — Aaron Haswell in the "warm-up" ahead of Emley's game with Lancaster City. Picture: Emley AFC/ Mm10_sports_photo

There was little goalmouth action in the opening minutes but Emley were forced into an early change when Jacob Hanson replaced a stricken Rinor Ejupi.

The substitute wasted no time in slotting in, though, as a superb and perfectly timed sliding challenge inside the box saw a dangerous Lancaster attack stopped.

Lancaster tested Emley keeper Ben Bottomley, but he was equal to it, tipping a deflected shot away.

There was a good atmosphere with both sets of fans sheltering under the roof of the Richard Hirst stand, but it would be the Emley contingent that would be cheering with five minutes before half-time.

A direct ball down the left caught out the visitors and Gould was on hand to round the keeper and slot home on his home debut.

With the rain pouring down still the second half proved to be a battle. Both sides had efforts ruled out for offside and sent shots well over.

Alex O'Connor was also off target with a shot for the hosts before Emley were caught out down their left and were relieved when the ball flew just wide from a well hit volley.

Bottomley was called into action to make a good double save as the visitors desperately sought an equaliser and good defending again kept the clean sheet intact as a good block from an initial shot inside the area was followed up by a terrific reflex save as Bottomley frustrated City once again.

The Pewits had a chance to seal it late on when Gould got himself into a great position, but a slight delay as he tried to sort his feet out meant the chance was gone with his shot straight at the keeper.

It was now down to Emley's rearguard action to seal the points and despite a nervy five minutes of added time, they stood their ground.

Emley are back on the road this Saturday with a trip to Alfreton Town then host Bamber Bridge next Tuesday.