Emley AFC's Emirates FA Cup adventure came to an end on Saturday but they pushed Vanarama National League North hosts Alfreton Town all the way in their Third Round Qualifying tie.

The Pewits, who were the lowest ranked team left in the competition, went down to a single goal at a side three divisions above them in the National League System and almost forced a replay but Jamie Walshaw's late penalty was saved by the home keeper.

It ended an excellent run for Emley, who took full advantage of being reinstated to the competition after the Extra Preliminary Round stage, with victories against Lower Breck, Widnes and Mossley in a memorable few weeks for the club.

In the Premier Division, meanwhile, the top of the table has closed up with only three points separating the leading five teams after the side at the summit, Silsden AFC, suffered defeat at Golcar United.

Adam Clayton scored for the Cobbydalers but only after George Doyle, Lee Bradshaw and Malakai Phillip had put the hosts in an unassailable lead that moves them up to thirteenth.

Handsworth missed out on a chance to leapfrog over Silsden as they were beaten 4-1 at Rossington Main, Bradley Grayson, Jordan Buckham, Manasse Kiange and Ross Hannah for the hosts who are now seventh before Brandon Bagley's consolation for the Ambers.

They drop to fourth, overtaken by Campion and Albion Sports who were both victors.

A Patrick Sykes double was added to by Marcus Day as Campion prevailed 3-0 at home to Hallam whilst Fernando Moke struck the only goal of the afternoon as Sports won at Knaresborough Town.

Thackley complete the top five after Edson Prata, Asa Mitchell and Thomas Greaves netted in their 3-1 home victory over Penistone Church.

At the other end of the table, the bottom two met with Bottesford Town defeating hosts Goole AFC 4-1, Joshua Fraiwald with a double and one each for Luke Ayris and Reece Moody for the visitors whilst Ben Gelder scored for Goole.

Bottesford climb above the Vikings on goal difference whilst Maltby Main open up a three point gap from the pair with their 2-1 home win over Pickering Town, Nathan Perks with the winner on 81 minutes.

There were also 2-1 victories for Tadcaster Albion and Garforth Town with Daniel McDaid and Oliver Norman scoring in Albion's win at Eccleshill United, and Sam Barker and Lee Turner with the goals for Garforth at home to Barton Town.

Wombwell Town's lead at the top of Division One has been reduced to three points as they were held to a 3-3 draw in a top three clash at Parkgate.

Rikki Paylor's injury time equaliser snatched Wombwell the draw after the hosts had seemingly grabbed the victory in a dramatic game with late goals from Silas Valladolid-Collins and Brandon Potts.

Nostell Miners Welfare closed in on the summit as they thrashed basement hosts Swallownest 8-2 with Jordan Kershaw getting four of their goals and there was a hat-trick for Liam Owen.

Joe McFadyen scored twice as Beverley Town won 3-1 at Athersley Recreation to climb into third whilst Retford United move up into fifth after Sam Eckhardt and Mark West secured a 2-0 victory at Nottinghamshire rivals Ollerton Town.

Wakefield AFC drop to sixth following a 3-2 loss at home to Brigg Town, Scott Hutchinson with a winner in stoppage time to take the points for the visiting Zebras.

A Kieren Watson hat-trick helped Shirebrook Town to a 4-2 home win over Louth Town and the Derbyshire side are now within goal difference of the top six.

Selby Town heaped further pressure on struggling Armthorpe Welfare as Harry Clapham scored four times in the Robins' 6-0 home victory over the next-to-bottom side.

There were 4-0 wins on their own patch for Clay Cross Town and Glasshoughton Welfare over Yorkshire Amateur and Dronfield Town, respectively.

And, it was honours even as Retford FC were held to a 1-1 home draw by Harrogate Railway Athletic whilst Staveley Miners Welfare came away with a point from Worsbrough Bridge Athletic by the same scoreline.

Photo: All eyes are on the ball during Emley AFC's narrow Emirates FA Cup defeat at Vanarama National League side Alfreton Town on Saturday. (Picture: Mark Parsons)