Guiseley recovered from going behind to an early goal to claim all three points for the second time in a week, as they narrowly beat Curzon Ashton in a competitive encounter at the Tameside Stadium, writes Edward Robertson.

Ian Richards was happy with the way his side responded to setbacks within the game. “What I loved about today was the fact we learned from last Saturday at Workington. We’ve got ourselves a one‑goal lead and we kept it pretty securely in the second half.”

The fast‑paced game started in the same manner it meant to go on, with an incident inside the first minute. Amir Berchil cleverly dispossessed his man to sneak into the penalty box. He appeared to go down from contact with the outstretched hand of Joel Amado, leading to furious calls for a penalty. The referee, however, was unmoved.

Minutes later, it was the hosts who broke the deadlock. An accurate corner was swung into the path of Amado, and the bustling defender sent a looping header over Jack Hall and into the back of the net.

Curzon had a flurry of chances as the first half edged on. Brad Holmes bombed down the right flank and sent a menacing cross toward Alex Curran. His header slipped wide.

The hosts then spurned a huge chance to consolidate their lead. Harvey Roberts’ well‑timed ball was latched onto by Curran, but the experienced striker’s effort spun wide of the post.

With half an hour gone, the Lions were back in the game. Kyle White’s dangerous corner was met powerfully by the head of Elliot Owen and into the top corner.

Only five minutes later, Guiseley edged in front. Adam Lund’s trademark long throw was collected by Aaron Martin. The striker’s effort rebounded into the path of Lebrun Mbeka, who poked home from close range to put the Lions ahead.

Curzon Ashton remained determined to claw their way back into the game. Danny Whitehead’s long‑range effort had to be palmed away by the outstretched glove of Hall.

As the game ticked over into the second half, the hosts pushed for an equaliser. Some neat interplay between substitute Ola Lawal and Roberts saw the latter move into an advantageous position on the edge of the box. His effort, much to the Lions’ relief, flew over the bar.

Guiseley saw off another threat to their lead in the later stages of the game. A corner fell into the path of Lawal, whose shot rebounded off a cluster of bodies and trickled into the grateful arms of Hall.

There was also time for Richards to introduce Jack Emmett and Paul Iggulden for their first minutes of the campaign.

It was a satisfying three points for Guiseley in a contest that could have slipped away from them in the opening stages. The thoughts of fans and the squad alike now turn to a clash with Stockton Town at Nethermoor on Tuesday, with the Lions looking to extend their unbeaten run and climb an embryonic league table.

Curzon Ashton 1-2 Guiseley | Saturday 22nd August 2026 | Tameside Stadium

Attendance: 392

Team: 1. Jack Hall, 2. Charlie Staniland, 3. Kyle White, 4. Adam Lund, 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 7. Kallan Murphy, 8. Harrison Hopper, 9. Aaron Martin, 10. Cam Wilson (86′ Murphy) and 11. Amir Berchil (68′ Brown).

Subs: 12. Paul Iggulden, 14. Ollie Brown, 15. Jack Emmett, 16. Derren Boyle and 17. Jordan Thewlis.