Freak weather conditions compromised a tough home fixture with Stockton Town in Guiseley’s final game before Christmas as both sides eked out a 1-1 draw, writes Edward Robertson.
Manager Mark Bower appreciated the difficulty that the swirling wind imposed on his side, but maintained some disappointment that his charges couldn’t come away with maximum points. “Disappointed that we’ve not won, I think the weather conditions completely ruined the game in terms of it being a spectacle and the wind made it very disjointed.”
The visitors started brightly. Michael Sweet’s battling run saw him on the edge of the box. His effort was steered away by the palm of Joe Cracknell.
With the game fifteen minutes old, the Lions broke the deadlock. Leo Farrell’s incisive pass released Jordan Thewlis whose shot was blocked by goalkeeper Nathan Harker. The subsequent corner was whipped into the box by Adriano Moke. Jameel Ible nodded home calmly to nudge Guiseley ahead.
In a period of domination, the hosts threatened the Anchors’ back line again. Liam Ridelagh’s accurate cross was headed narrowly wide by Gabriel Johnson.
The Lions were able to control the first half with the wind, quite literally, in their sails.
The second half started quickly for Guiseley. Another well timed ball by Farrell found Johnson but his shot shaved the post.
Stockton flexed their attacking muscles as Sweet’s powerful effort was blocked by the commanding frame of Jake Lawlor.
Controversy followed with the game seventy five minutes old. Thewlis was bundled to the floor in the penalty box much to the outrage of the hosts. The referee waved play on.
The torrid weather conditions worsened and with ten minutes left, the whistling wind blew against the Lion’s favour. The visitors corner took flight and landed on the head of Tom Coulthard. The defender confidently turned the ball home to level the game.
It was a poor watch for the 673 fans in attendance, thanks to the fierce wind disrupting any passage of play for either side.
Bower hoped the Lions could return to winning ways, but remained satisfied with his side’s unbeaten run. “We haven’t been picking up as many points as we should have, but since we last lost a league game at Worksop we have improved.”
Guiseley AFC 1-1 Stockton Town | Saturday 21st December 2024 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 673
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Gabriel Johnson (59′ Brown), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Leo Farrell (72′ Lufudu), 10. Jordan Thewlis (90′ Ackroyd) and 11. Will Longbottom.
Subs: 12. Ollie Brown, 14. Joe Ackroyd, 15. Sam Bentley, 16. Jack Emmett and 17. John Lufudu.
