Guiseley Development kicked off their inaugural fixture with a commanding home performance against Salts, and while the 2–1 scoreline suggests a close contest, the reality on the pitch told a different story, writes Kevin Harrison.

From the first whistle, Guiseley looked sharp and composed, stringing together fluid passages of play that carved out several early half-chances. Salts’ defence held firm, denying space in behind and frustrating the hosts’ attacking efforts. The breakthrough nearly came on 14 minutes when Miyuki Sato was played through by a clever ball from Amelia Cooper. Sato’s strike sent the keeper the wrong way, but a trailing left foot from the Salts shot-stopper kept the scores level.

Guiseley continued to pile on the pressure, with Chanel Stow testing the keeper from the edge of the box on 28 minutes, only to be denied by another top-drawer save. Izzy Day was a constant threat down the right flank, her marauding runs creating multiple chances that somehow went unconverted. Despite the dominance, the teams went into the break at 0–0.

The second half picked up where the first left off, with Guiseley peppering the Salts goal. The deadlock was finally broken in the 56th minute when Ellie Collinson slipped a neat pass to Sato, who danced through defenders and slotted home with confidence into the bottom corner.

Salts, largely second-best throughout, found an unlikely equaliser against the run of play. A speculative long ball broke loose, and from 30 yards, their forward unleashed a stunning strike that left keeper Evie Smart with no chance.

But Guiseley weren’t finished. In the 74th minute, Izzy Day — the standout performer — picked up the ball in her own half, breezed past two defenders, and whipped in a low cross that was deflected into the net by a retreating Salts defender. It was a deserved winner for a side that had dominated from start to finish.

A historic first win for Guiseley Development, and a performance that promises much for the season ahead.