- Leek Town lost 1-2 at home to Whitby Town and then drew 1-1 away at FC United of Manchester.
- Emley AFC drew 0-0 away at Hyde United FC, lost 1-2 at home to Ilkeston FC and won 2-1 at home to Curzon Ashton.
- The Blues have lost one of their last five matches in all competitions (Won 2, Drawn 2), while the Pewits have lost two of their last five in all competitions (Won 2, Drawn 1).
A cagey affair predicted at Harrison Park
The Blues have been afforded odds of 3/4 for this one, which
seems very short for an 18th placed side
in the Northern Premier League Premier Division 2026/2027
on 2pts from 3 games. The Pewits
are 12th in the table
with 4pts
from 3 matches,
on Tuesday
against
a side
in
desperate
need
of
a
boost.
Emley's
start
to
the
season
has
been
a
little
more
stable
than
Leek's,
and
that
has
kept
them
in
the
pack
of
clubs
currently
vying
for
middle
ground.
Richard
Tracey
has
the
visitors
playing
some
patient,
possession
football,
with
a
strong
base
allowing
them
to
build
from
the
back,
but
they
have
the
ability
to
mix
it
up
if
necessary.
Leek
boss
Josh
Brehaut
has
built
a
compact,
disciplined
side
that
leans
on
structure,
patience,
and
set-piece
craft.
However,
with
two
games
without
a
win,
Leek
will
be
the
side
looking
to
set
the
pace
and
Emley
will
be
happy
to
take
the
chance
to
counter-
attack.
Emley to frustrate Leek Town
Although the hosts are rightful favourites on paper, we feel this is an interesting clash to get into the draw market at 68/25, with Emley priced at 57/20. The Pewits have yet to lose away from home in the Northern Premier League Premier Division 2026/2027 (D1, L0) and haven't even conceded yet, while Leek have won none of their home games to date (D0, L1).
We fancy Emley to hold their own in this game, although it is difficult to fancy the away side against a stubborn home side at a touch of even money. Another sensible option here is Under 2.5 goals at 1/1, as two solid, organised teams often leads to a tactical chess match, although the fact Leek have conceded 2.00 goals per home game in the Northern Premier League Premier Division 2026/2027 this season should worry them if Emley can get settled.
If Emley can frustrate Leek here, one moment of brilliance, or even a dead-ball strike could turn this one on it's head, so it's really the sort of clash where one goal could be enough to settle it.
