Ruben Jerome's first-half strike earned the 1-0 home win over Dronfield Town which left AFC Emley eighth in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League First Division.
The Huddersfield side bounced back from their 3-2 midweek defeat at Teversal by putting in a dogged team performance.
With a strong wind blowing at the Welfare Ground, playing fluent football was always going to be a struggle.
But with the advantage of the elements in the first half, Emley were soon exerting pressure on the Dronfield defence.
After just five minutes, Jerome beat the offside trap to go one on one with keeper Nick Siddons, but could only chip his effort into his rival’s midriff.
Midfielder Max Leonard had two efforts in as many minutes, with his 25 yard half volley hitting the bar before Siddons saved his second shot.
Jerome finally made the breakthrough after 27 minutes, netting in another one-on-one after a Dronfield clearance was charged down.
Striker Lewis Naylor was Dronfield’s main danger, but Emley worked hard to contain him.
The wind factor meant the home side would have to do more defending in the second half.
But skipper Paul Sykes did a great job organising the backline.
Dronfield wide man Nick Horsfield went close, but keeper Adam Lawlor made the save.
Emley might have gone two up against the run of play after 61 minutes, but Doran Jordan was unable to mark his birthday with a goal.
Then Lawlor made a fine save from Steve Whitehead’s well-struck free-kick.
Emley manager Darren Hepworth made three changes to see the game out, with Alex Hallam, Steve Kenworthy and Jonny Irving replacing Sylbert Stewart, Jerome and Leonard.
Hepworth’s side are back in action at Dinnington Town on Saturday.
Emley’s development side have a home clash with Eccleshill United in their Galaxy Lancashire League East Division tonight (7.45).
They are currently second to FC United of Manchester and a place above Brighouse Town.
Emley’s Under 19s, who top the Northern Alliance West Division, face Bradford side Field in the Pat Rice Trophy semi-finals at the Welfare Ground on Thursday (7.45).
Hemsworth will face Gainsborough Trinity in the other semi-final.
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