Guiseley Academy travelled north on Wednesday to take on league leaders Blyth Spartans in a game they eventually lost 4-2, writes Rachel O’Connor.

The Young Lions, led by coach Danny Ellis in the absence through illness of Dave Currie, played well in spells and created some great chances in the first-half.

Jack Mason was unlucky not to score having two very good attempts, both coming from excellent through balls from Miguel Valsau, who appeared on the first team bench for the first time the previous Saturday.

Blyth took the lead through a 25 yard strike into the to corner from their No 7, who was very lively throughout.

Callum Bradbury made two brilliant saves in the first-half to deny the Blyth No 9 and then just before half-time Blyth doubled their advantage with a fantastic 20 yard strike into the top corner of the net from the outstanding No 7.

In the second-half Blyth scored almost straight from the kick-off and then five minutes later scored a fourth from a wide free-kick.

On 60 minutes Guiseley replaced Jake Kilbride with Max Palmer and the battling young Guiseley side then produced some great chances.

Jack Mason again caused the Blyth defence problems with his pace and he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet in this period.

A further change was made after 70 minutes with Oliver Storrs replaced by Tom Ingram. Guiseley had a real go in the last 20 minutes and striker Danyaal Khan pulled one back.

Jack Mason was then brought down in the box and a penalty was awarded to Guiseley. The Blyth ‘keeper was shown a red card and Mason stepped up to score making it 4-2.

It was now all one way as Guiseley’s young side dominated the last ten minutes but they could not add to their score.

Danny Ellis said after the game: “This was a brilliant effort from the young lads against a very strong Blyth team who are undefeated at home this season and sit at the top of the National Leauge Under-19 Alliance North Division.”

Guiseley: Callum Bradbury; William Sergejeus, K’marni Miller, Sam Walters, Ricardo Grey, Oli Reape, Oliver Storrs (Tom Ingram 70), Miguel Valsau, Danyaal Khan, Jack Mason, Jake Kilbride (Max Palmer 60).