Ossett United and Emley have to settle for a point in their battles at opposite end of NPL East table
Ossett United inched their way closer to safety from relegation in the NPL East when they battled to earn a point from their latest game at home to Silsden.
Time will tell if it was a point gained or two dropped as United slipped down the table to sixth from bottom – with four teams going down – but they remain five ahead of Blyth Town in 19th, six in front of Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe and have 10 more points than basement side Brighouse Town.
They could regret not being able to take any of their chances created in the second half, but the visitors also had opportunities to snatch victory.
Both goals came in the first 13 minutes with Rhys Thomas opening the scoring for Ossett only for Harry Coates to equalise two minutes later against his former club.
Carlos Rodrigues came on as a second half substitute for United after joining the club from Emley.
The 20-year-old skilful player was initially on Sheffield Wednesday’s books, but left the Hillsborough club in 2024.
He had a short loan spell at Horbury Town earlier this season and has arrived fit and ready to do play a part for the Ingfield club.
Emley manager Richard Tracey was sad to see Rodrigues leave.
He said: “We’re obviously disappointed to lose Carlos. We wanted him to stay and saw a long term future for him here, but he’s made a decision to go and play more regularly at Ossett United.”
Ossett are back at home again on Saturday as they take on Grimsby Borough in a real six-pointer against opponents who are just one place and one point above them in the table.
Second-placed Emley also had to settle for a point when they drew an evenly fought contest 2-2 at Bridlington Town.
A classic game of two halves saw the Pewits enjoy the better of the first half while the Seasiders were dominant in the second half and neither side could ultimately find a winner.
Brid struck first as Ahmed Salam found the back of the net with a stunning effort from outside the box, but it was soon all square with Chris Dawson firing an acrobatic equaliser into the net.
Emley then went in front before half-time as a neat little touch by Gabriel Johnson sent strike partner Bailey Thompson through to poke the ball past the home keeper.
It was much more of a struggle after the break and Bridlington made it 2-2 when the visitors gave the ball away in midfield and two astute passes set up Eddie Kettlewell to score.
The hosts then enjoyed the best part of possession and chances in the rest of the game and Emley's defence had to be strong to ensure they came away with a point.
With Matlock Town again slipping up, it meant Emley were able to move back up to second behind champions elect Redcar Athletic and they will look to cement their position in the play-offs further when going to Lincoln United this Saturday.