AFC EMLEY were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 home draw by Appleby Frodingham.
With Northern Counties East League First Division leaders Leeds Carnegie suffering a surprise 2-1 home defeat by Barton Town Old Boys, Ian Banks’ second-placed side could have cut the gap to three points.
Instead it’s five after Lee Hill’s 52nd-minute strike was cancelled out by the Scunthorpe side’s Jack Siddall in the 77th minute of a game seen by 131.
To make matters worse, Josh Wright missed a 65th minute penalty for AFC, who are at home to basement side Eccleshill United this Saturday.
Skipper-striker Steve Kenworthy was rested against Appleby, taking a place on the bench with Wayne Shooter starting up front.
AFC began brightly, with Shooter just wide from a Hill cross and Mick Amos shooting narrowly over.
Then Max Joice tested the visiting keeper before both Hill and Shooter failed to convert one-on-one opportunities.
Shooter sent another effort narrowly off target before his flicked header set up Hill, who swivelled and netted off a post on the half-volley.
Emley continued to press, and Marc Townsend’s dipping volley flew just over before another shot was parried.
Kenworthy came on for Shooter and won a penalty with his first touch, but Wright’s effort from the spot was saved.
Simon Wright brought another fine save from the visitors’ keeper before Siddall headed the equaliser from a corner.
Sean Hazelden, Kenworthy and Anthony Leech all had efforts saved before Hill hit the bar in the last minute.
Team: Clarke, Joice, Leech, J Wright, Marsh , Hazelden, Amos, Townsend, Shooter, Hill, S Wright. Subs : Kenworthy, Ingham, Garside.
