UNDER 18 MATCH REPORT: Hilton Harriers 1 - 1 LEFC

Emmanuel were on the road again and, despite missing several players, again came back with a hard-earned point against title-chasing opponents. This time it was a Hilton outfit who had won the previous encounters this season. The opening phase was tense with both teams going close as first Riman's shot was blocked on the line and then Day in the Emmanuel goal pulled off a brilliant  save to tip a rasping Hilton drive onto the bar.  This, though, seemed to inspire the church club who with Sharp and Lewis neat and lively on the wings and Pownall in sparkling form up front  produced several top-class passing moves and finally got their reward when the ball fell to Aning who produced a stunning shot from the acutest of angles . One-nil to Emmanuel ,and that's how it was at halftime; however, as Emmanuel came out for the second half a big wind got up, Emmanuel were suddenly under the cosh, and mid way through the half Hilton pressure told and they leveled the score.  At this point Emmanuel appeared to be rocking but with Arme, Cole and Tyrer standing firm at the back and with Schad industrious in midfield Emmanuel fought their way back into the game to set up a tense last 20 mins in which either team could have scored.  Emmanuel came closest when Frutuoso left his full back for dead to set up Sweet but his left-footed shot failed to beat the Hilton keeper.  As the game reached its climax Hurrel came on to add a threat on the left and Watkiss to add height to the defence.  The very last action of the game saw Emmanuel in the very middle of a break- away in which they had 5 players on two and fast approaching the Hilton goal; however, just as it looked like Emmanuel might score the 90-minute mark was reached and the referee blew his whistle to end an excellent game.