GUISELEY extended their unbeaten run with an impressive victory over play off rivals, Hebburn Town on Saturday, writes Edward Robertson.
Manager Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s second half performance. “In the first half, I think both team’s forwards were pretty isolated. But we have the quality and a bit of firepower off the bench to cause them problems and we did that, not to mention how comfortable we were defensively in the second half.”
The first half wasn’t one for the neutral. The game commenced in tentative fashion, as the two promotion chasing sides sized each other up.
With the game twenty five minutes old, Liam Murray fired a threatening effort at goal. The shot was hurriedly saved by the alert Joe Cracknell.
The Lions’ first opportunity of the game came on the half hour mark. Jack Emmett’s shot was turned away by Kieron Hunter. Jake Lawlor picked up the play on the byline, as his pass flashed dangerously across the goal line.
Another chance passed the hosts by John Lufudu’s cross found Ollie Brown. The defender’s effort could only bounce wide.
With half time approaching, Hebburn reminded the Lions of their attacking threat. Amar Purewal’s angled effort from inside the box was saved impressively by Cracknell.
The second half started well for Guiseley. A Lufudu cross was handled in the box, and the referee pointed decisively to the spot. To the home fans’ delight, Will Longbottom smashed the ball into the top right corner to nudge the Lions ahead.
The visitors struggled to respond as the Lions continued to apply pressure. Longbottom’s free kick from the edge of the area was tipped over the bar by Hunter.
The resulting counter attack spelled danger for the hosts. Bailey Adamson’s attacking run saw him through on goal. However, he was denied by the pace and anticipation of Prince Ekpolo, who raced back to intercept the Hebburn substitute.
Guiseley’s lead was doubled with only fifteen minutes left. Lufudu sped away from his marker to release Jordan Thewlis. The substitute was denied by Hunter, but somehow collected the ball before being tripped resulting in another penalty kick. Longbottom stepped up again, and fired the ball into the same corner without hesitation.
The Lions saw the game out, the eruption of a late tussle between Thewlis and Matthew Eldson being the only action of the dying moments.
It was an important three points that lifted Guiseley up to third. The Lions have now secured three wins without conceding a goal since the heartbreaking loss at Stevenage.
Bower was happy with his side’s impressive week, but remained aware of challenges ahead. “A tough little spell we’re in at the moment. We have Ashton on Tuesday, a very good side and will be a difficult game but the lads are playing with confidence and we’re confident we can compete.”
