The Jeromes were in the thick of things as AFC Emley earned a big FA Cup trip to Northwich Victoria.

Ruben put the in-form Huddersfield side in the driving seat in Sunday’s extra preliminary round meeting with Ashton Athletic.

But Sam’s own goal meant Emley had to work hard to clinch a 2-1 win, their third in as many competitive games this season.

The pair are brothers of Stoke star Cameron, while dad Hanson played for the original Emley.

Ex-Town striker Max Leonard gave AFC, who top the Northern Counties East League First Division, a 48th-minute lead against Ashton, of the North West Counties League Premier Division.

Ruben netted three minutes later before Sam’s 58th-minute slip.

The preliminary round game against Northwich, now based at Manchester club Flixton, is a week on Saturday, August 30.

Emley have never been beyond that stage of the famous competition.

The Vics, who took Town to a replay in the first round proper back in 1980-81, began their Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division I North campaign with a goalless home draw against Kendal Town on Saturday.

They are managed by former Stockport County, Motherwell, Peterborough and Port Vale boss Jim Gannon.

Their Division I North rivals include Brighouse Town, who chalked up a 2-1 home win over Radcliffe Borough in their historic first match after promotion from the NCEL.

Tom Matthews and Adam Field scored for Paul Quinn’s Brighouse, who head to Ossett Albion tonight (Northwich visit Mossley).

Back in the NCEL First Division, promoted Penistone Church went down 3-0 at Selby Town.

The defeat brought them back down to earth after a 2-0 opening day win at home to Shirebrook Town.

They will aim to bounce back when Teversal come to Church View Road tomorrow.

AFC Emley’s next game is away to Clipstone on Saturday.

Shelley kicked off their West Yorkshire League Premier Division campaign with a 1-1 draw against Hunslet Club at Storthes Hall.

Liam Berry got their goal.

Shelley are back in action at home to Brighouse Old Boys tomorrow.

Danny Stocker’s double sealed a 2-0 home win over Halifax Irish for Bay Athletic in the West Riding County Amateur League top flight.

The seasons gets into full swing tomorrow, when it’s Golcar United v Huddersfield YMCA, Ovenden WR v Storthes Hall and Bay v Kirkburton.

Thornes host Lepton Highlanders in Division I.

Second Division Honley play their first-ever WRCAL match away to Tyersal Reserves on Saturday.