Guiseley were defeated 2-1 at Cleethorpes Town despite a late fightback, writes David Bridson.
Connor O’Grady and Max Wright’s strikes sealed the Owls victory though Calum Hudson’s 84th minute header ensured a fascinating finale.
O’Grady’s slick 35th minute header came against the run of play.
Wright smashed home in the 58th minute to leave the Lions climbing a mountain.
Hudson’s pinpoint nod via Harrison Hopper’s delightful corner pressured Town in the late stages.
The game was awash with torrential rain and heavy winds.
The Lions dominated prior to the opener but were unable to take advantage of their opportunties.
A thumping Ollie Brown shot was blocked in the sixth minute.
Amir Berchil could only find former Lion Ollie Battersby’s grateful arms after being put through two minutes later.
Berchil made a dashing run in the 11th minute before a Mo Fadera shot was cast aside off the former’s blocked cross.
The pacey Fadera nearly latched on to a short backpass five minutes later.
The same striking force saw one attempt steered away before he shot agonisingly wide in the 22nd minute.
Hopper’s otherwise on-target strike was deflected over five minutes later.
Jake Lawlor fired a scintillating snap-shot volley straight at Battersby in the 31st minute.
But O’Grady powered his header home via a rigorous corner with the Owls’ first chance.
Wright’s fierce strike was well blocked by the Lions defence shortly before half-time.
Berchil, a nuisance to Town, saw his threatening cross well caught by Battersby in the 54th minute.
There was no stopping Wright’s belting effort just three minutes later as Town left the Lions with it all to do.
Battersby scrambled low to palm the ball away from an enrushing Jordan Thewlis mid-way through the second-half.
Aaron Braithwaite’s strike slipped wide five minutes later as the Owls looked to put the game beyond doubt.
Substitute Joao Silva over-ran as the Lions attacked a minute later.
George Goodman made a great recovery tackle to prevent Town mounting another attack just moments after.
Joe Cracknell leapt high to tower above a leaping Josh Walker and punch clear in the 77th minute.
James Blunden headed narrowly over seconds later.
Hudson’s header took the game to an unpredictable conclusion.
Goodman shot over from the edge of the box in the 87th minute.
The Lions couldn’t find a way past a resolute Town defence in the regulation and eight minutes of added time that remained.
Guiseley remain 12th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division following the defeat.
The Lions are next in league action away at Rushall Olympic on Saturday 28th March with a 3pm kick-off.
Cleethorpes Town 2-1 Guiseley | Tuesday 24th March 2026 | The Linden Club
Attendance: 347
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston (77′ Hudson), 3. Kyle White (68′ Silva), 4. George Goodman, 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Jake Lawlor (C), 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Ollie Brown, 9. Jordan Thewlis (86′ Rushworth), 10. Mo Fadera (62′ Emmett) and 11. Amir Berchil.
Subs: 12. Calum Hudson, 14. Joao Silva, 15. Jack Emmett, 16. Derren Boyle and 17. Zac Rushworth.
