AFC Emley had to make do with a point in a goalless draw at 10-man Pontefract Collieries.
Darren Hepworth’s side, who go to Bottesford Town on Saturday, remain top of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League.
But they would have been five rather than three points clear of Hemsworth MW and Pontefract had they made their numerical advantage count.
The red card for third-placed Pontefract came in the first half at Skinner Lane.
Manager Hepworth tweeted: “Pleased with the point and the way we defended.
“We could have been braver second half - fair play to Ponty, they battled!”
Brighouse Town are in Evo-Stik Northern Premier League First Division North action at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.
