The floodlight, the central column behind the dugouts, is beyond repair and the club were informed in the past few days that a new one will not be in place for approximately 6 weeks. The floodlight is covered by insurance and the 6 weeks is simply down to the time it takes to manufacture the column.

We’ve been in discussions with the NCEL to find a solution to this short term problem. With their permission we have approached all the teams we are hosting in the rest of January and all of February to request a 2pm kick off (or 2.30pm in later weeks). As we still have four working floodlights, one in each corner of the ground, the earlier start would off-set the loss of the central light and mitigate the risks of being unable to complete a game that kicks off at 3pm.

It is testament to the spirit that exists between the clubs in the NCEL that, within 48 hours of receiving our request, all five of our forthcoming opponents - including promotion rivals - have agreed to an earlier kick off. We are incredibly grateful to them for their co-operation.

Therefore next Saturday’s home fixture with Clipstone FC will kick off at 2.00pm as will the games with Hemsworth, Knaresborough and Lincoln Moorlands. AFC Emley v AFC Mansfield will kick off at 2.30pm.

AFC Emley place on record our thanks to David Morrall and Ian Cox of the NCEL as well as the officials and management of all the clubs concerned.

Note there will be no home evening fixtures for the Development Squad or Under 19s during this period.

We will of course keep you updated via the website and social media.