Emley face Breck in battle for promotion

TOP TWO GO HEAD-TO-HEAD AS PEWITS AIM TO CLOSE GAP ON LEAGUE LEADERS

THE North West Counties First Division North’s top two clash today as Emley host leaders Lower Breck for the first time at the Fantastic Media Welfare Ground (3pm).

With Emley sitting second, eight points behind their promotion rivals, a positive result is vital for Richard Tracey’s men, not only to close the gap on Lower Breck, but also the chance to extend their own gap over the chasing pack, including neighbours Shelley, who have got themselves right into the mix with some tremendous form.

Both Lower Breck and Emley are in some good form themselves though in the league.

The Liverpool-based club have won their last five matches after a spell of patchy form at the turn of the year.

Emley, meanwhile, haven’t lost in the league since Shelley humbled them on Boxing Day, although head into

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4 5 5 6 3 2 2 5 4 4 4 3 3 5 7 1 7 6 3 5 the match on the back of a 1-0 defeat at Oswestry Town in the PlayMatch.com Cup quarter-finals last weekend.

The sides met on the opening day of the season on Lower Breck’s ‘plastic’ pitch in the shadow of Liverpool’s Anfield stadium, with a new-look Emley going down 3-1 with their goal coming from John Lufudu.

Like Emley, this is Lower Breck’s first season in the NWCFL after moving up from the West Cheshire league last year. The Pewits will hope to use home advantage in their favour this time to turn the tables and close the gap on their visitors.

Shelley, who are just five points behind Emley but have played a game more than their local rivals, aren’t in league action today.

Instead, they host Ellesmere Rangers in the quarter-finals of the Macron Cup.

Rangers are going through a tough patch in the First Division South. They are second from bottom having won just

L

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Pts 61 53 50 48 39 38 38 38 37 37 37 36 36 35 28 28 28 27 24 23 once in all competitions since December 28.

Recently they have lost to Maine Road 6-1, Stone Old Alleynians 5-1 and to Wythenshawe Town 3-0 last time out.

Golcar United, meanwhile, were due to play AFC Blackpool last night as the Examiner was due to go to print, having seen Tuesday’s game with Ashton Town postponed.