AFC EMLEY slipped to their third defeat in seven days as they were beaten 2-1 at home by Leeds Carnegie.

Darren Hepworth’s side put in a performance filled with more character than in their previous two Northern Counties East League Division I outings, but they were eventually undone by two contentious refereeing decisions.

Emley boss Hepworth welcomed back Steven Kenworthy and Josh Ingham to the side with Dean Wharam and Karl Simpkins making way.

Emley started strongly and had an opportunity to take the lead when Teo Ringrose delivered a cross for stand-in captain Mark Stuart who headed just over the bar.Š

Leeds striker Greg McRory was a constant threat to Emley and hit a hard shot which zipped across the wet surface, bouncing in front of keeper Mick Clark who did well to hold onto the strike.

Clark was again called upon to pull off a good save from the equally dangerous Chris Youldon who’s curling effort was destined for the top corner.

Ingham made his presence felt pulling the strings in midfield and Kenworthy saw plenty of the ball as Emley settled down to play some decent attacking football.

Kenworthy might have grabbed a goal after being played in by Nathan Tayo, but his final touch let him down.

Emley probably just edged the goalless first half on chances, but the visitors looked dangerous with the pace of Paul Harrison and ex-Emley man Kyle Hawthorne down the flanks and McGrory’s brother Scott a driving force in midfield.

Greg McGrory went close for Carnegie in the early stages of the second half, heading against the post after Harrison had delivered in inch perfect cross into his path.

Leeds were finally rewarded when the younger of the McGrory brothers, Greg, made the vital breakthrough on 70 minutes.ŠHe sprung Emley’s offside trap and latched onto the ball out wide, keeper Clark raced out to narrow his angle but slipped in the process, losing ground and allowing the striker to fire home.

Emley responded straight away as Tayo delivered a cross which was diverted home by Stuart from close range.Š

Then two decisions by referee Hristo Karaivanov incensed the Emley team.

Firstly Josh Ingham was dismissed for a second yellow card after it appeared he had won the ball cleanly.

Then minutes later a Carnegie shot deflected past Clark, clearly hitting the arm of Greg McGrory on its way in.

Karaivanov awarded the goal following a discussion with his assistant, who was well placed to see the incident, much to the protests of the Emley team.

Despite being down to 10 men for the second time in as many games, Emley rallied in the final stages of the game as Hazelden and Anthony Leech moved forward with Townsend covering as a last line of defence.

Kenworthy went close for Emley and with Leech pressurising a Carnegie player into a dangerous sliced clearance the ball almost looped over his keeper Wiacek, who was again called upon to make a brave save at Leech’s feet to deny him a goal.

Emley: Clark, Westney, Tayo, Ingham, Leech, Hazelden, Stuart, Townsend, Kenworthy, Ringrose, Barnes (Wharam). Subs (not used):Š Simpkins, Dowling, Wheelton.

Emley’s second string made their exit from the Sheffield Cup after a 3-1 defeat at High Green Villa.