Sunday 27^th April 2008

Guiseley Ladies AFC  4    Lumley Ladies  0

Guiseley Ladies went into their penultimate game of the season knowing that three points would lift them into fourth place, and guarantee them another season in the North East Premier League. Heavy rain prior to kick-off gave the referee a 50/50 decision as to whether the game would go ahead. With Lumley having arrived from County Durham, the referee finally gave the all clear to play.

Guiseley started slowly and provided an early chance to bottom of the table Lumley. A good strike from the away sides’ centre forward went wide and gave the home side an early wake up call. Rachel Dainty made a good run down Guiseleys’ left wing and crossed a ball to the feet of Clare Jenkins who met it sweetly and half-volleyed it into Lumleys’ net, this put the ladies 1-0 up after 20 minutes. The heavy pitch made it difficult to put a good run of passes together, but both sides persevered and dug in well to make the first half entertaining to watch.  Guiseleys’ second goal, scored by Rachel Dainty on the half hour mark was one to remember. Dainty drove down the wing, past two defenders, and fired the ball across goal into the top right corner of the Lumley net. The away side struggled to keep possession and had few chances in front of goal throughout the first half. A third goal just before half-time for the home team scored by striker Sophie Nundy, finished the half off well, and made way for an entertaining second half.

Lumley started the second half better and applied pressure to the Guiseley midfield. It did not take long though for the home side to dominate possession and create chances in front of the Lumley goal again. Dainty, down the left wing provided cross after cross, but the Guiseley attack force failed to take advantage at times of the excellent crosses being delivered into the box. The home sides’ fourth goal was a piece of individual skill from striker Vicky Winters. Clare Jenkins’ low cross to the edge of the Lumley penalty box was met well by Winters, she turned neatly and fired the ball low into the corner of the Lumley net. The score remained 4-0 to the ladies which now takes them up to fourth in the table. Guiseleys’ last game of the season is on Sunday 4^th May at Nethermoor against Team Northumbria, 1.30pm kick-off. The ladies can potentially finish third in the table if they win, and results go in their favour.