AFC Emley returned to the top of the Northern Counties East League First Division thanks to a 1-0 win at home to former leaders Pontefract Collieries.
An excellent Ruben Jerome strike early in the first half sealed the points for Darren Hepworth’s side, who host Grimsby Borough on Tuesday.
In a game that was largely dictated by a strong breeze, neither side were able to get a fluent passing game going, with the keepers only having to deal with a handful of efforts throughout the match.
Pontefract were not helped when Craig Rouse was red carded for a second bookable offence.
Emley took the lead when Jerome received the ball out on the left wing, cut in and drifted past three Pontefract players before firing a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.
The home side were playing with the wind in the first half and could have taken the lead minutes before.
Ashley Flynn showed great control in the Pontefract area, but he dragged his left-foot shot wide of Craig Parry’s goal.
At the other end, Liam Radford hit a sweetly-timed volley just wide of Adam Lawlor’s goal, while Nigel Danby’s free header was blocked by Jerome.
Emley could have doubled their advantage just before half-time.
Flynn drove into the box before pulling the ball back to Max Leonard, whose shot was well saved by Parry.
In the second half, Radford fired a shot well wide after some decent work to initially create the chance.
Flynn had another great opportunity to grab Emley’s second of the game.
The striker managed to get in behind the visitors’ defence, but Parry stood him up well and Flynn was unable to get a shot away.
With Pontefract throwing bodies forward in an attempt to grab a leveller, an Emley clearance rebounded and narrowly missed a post as it rolled wide.
From the resulting corner, Rouse received his second booking as he knocked the ball on with his hand.
Emley are now a point clear at the top.
