New keeper Ben Bottomley stars on debut as Emley earn point for starters

A clear and warm day in East Manchester greeted the sides who both looked to ease themselves into the new season, writes Martin Eastwood.

Clear cut chances were limited in the opening period, with neither keeper being fully tested. Ben Bottomley did have to get down low to save a flashing shot before the game’s first hydration break” while at the other end Diego Di Girolamo’s volley went well wide.

Emley put a cracking move together as Gabriel Johnson and Di Girolamo combined on the edge of the area, unfortunately neither of them could get sufficient time and space to get a shot on target before a Hyde boot cleared for a corner, which was then cleared by the home defence,.

Bottomley tipped an effort over and the visitors were relieved when a massive penalty claim for handball was waved away by the referee.

Despite finishing the half stronger, the home side could not pierce a strong Pewits defence, marshalled well by Bottomley on his full debut.

Hyde started the second half on the front foot, but were denied by a fine save from Bottomley as he got down low to save a rasping shot.

Hyde's next chance came from a breakaway and Harrison Sheppeard made a couple of vital tackles to stop attacks before he was then on hand to set up Emley's best chance of the half so far.

Emley attacked down the right, fellow debutants Alex Kiwomya and Di Girolamo combined to set up Joe Stacey but the ball was cleared .

After drinks substitutions broke up much of the flow of the game. The Pewits introduced another debutant in Rinor Ejupi and another effort from Hyde was gathered low down by Bottomley.

Now entering the final stages and Sheppeard was again on hand to clear his lines with a fantastic, brave header at the back post from an equally good header from a corner and following that, a tame volley by Hyde was easily gathered by Bottomley who enjoyed a fine competitive debut for Emley.

Another debut saw Jamie Murray come on to replace Aaron Haswell, another in his first full game.

The Emley fans, who as usual travelled in good numbers, thought their side had a chance of snatching all three points as a good move ended with Hayden Lindley firing one in from the edge of the box, but it took a deflection and the resulting corner was cleared.

There then came a controversial moment in the game as Hyde had a goal disallowed in the last minute. A throw on their left took a glance and crept in to the delight of the home players and supporters, but the officials saw a push on Bottomley, who was prone in his goal, and disallowed the goal after appearing to give it initially. Hyde were unhappy with this decision but it appeared to be the right one.

The last action saw man of the match Bottomley with another good save to deny the Tigers at the death.

A point on the road was a decent start to the new season and Emley play their first home game against Ilkeston on Tuesday before Curzon Ashton visit on Friday night.