Academy Seal First League Win

Guiseley AFC Academy put their first league points on the board when they overcame a very good Altrincham side 4-3 at Nethermoor Park, writes Rachel O’Connor.

The Young Lions had lost their previous two National League Alliance U-19 North games as they bid to retain the title they won last season.

The game was only 30 seconds old when Lucas Alexander netted the opening goal. Immediately after Jack Lorriman stung the ‘keeper’s hands with a good shot.

Just a couple of minutes later Guiseley went 2-0 up when Alexander took a free-kick wide on the right. The ball came to Max Dickinson at the near post and the midfielder netted his third goal of the season with aplomb.

At this stage Guiseley had the upperhand but Altrincham were showing that they were not a side who were going to be easily overrun.

Their number 10 drove the ball into the net to make it 2-1and a good shot by their right winger was taken by Harry Churnin-Ritchie.

On 16 minutes Guiseley extended their lead to 3-1 when Alexander drove the ball into the far corner of the net past a diving ‘keeper.

Guiseley continued to apply pressure with Freddie Westfall feeding Alexander whose low shot was taken by the ‘keeper.

Altrincham were not going to lie down and their No 10 hammered the ball against the bar. A good move involving Marley Spence, who was doing prodigious work all over the pitch, and Jack Lorriman ended with Sebine putting the ball over the bar.

Guiseley almost paid for a defensive mix-up but the Altrincham player hit the side netting.

The response was immediate with Spence conjuring up a superb long range goal in the 45th minute.

Guiseley took a 4-1 lead into the second-half but Altrincham came back into the game creating a number of good moves and chances.

After the 60 minute mark Guiseley started to make changes with Mason Donaldson (61 minutes) and Zac Rushworth (65) replacing Alexander and Sebine.

Altrincham made a push to make a mark on the game that their play deserved. They hit the bar again and Guiseley were grateful to Westfall for breaking up a promising move.

Guiseley made their final substitution in the 73rd minute when Mackenzie Aylward replaced Oli Storr.

A minute later the spirited and skilfull Altrincham side pulled it back to 4-2. They still had enough in the tank to pull a further goal back in the 89th minute.

Guiseley however held firm to pick up the three points.

Guiseley: Harry Churnin-Ritchie; Lawrence Ford, Freddie Westfall, Joe Taylor, Robbie Murray; Jack Lorriman, Marley Spence, Oli Storr, Lucas Alexander; George Sebine, Max Dickinson. Subs: Mason Donaldson (Alexander 61), Mackenzie Aylward (Storr 73), Zac Rushworth (Sebine 65).

Next Wednesday Guiseley will host York City in the FA Youth Cup in a Second Round Qualifying game (7pm).

Tickets will be available to purchase on the night at the turnstiles by cash or card priced at £3 adults, £2 concessions/U-18s and £1 U-11s.

The Young Lions have already knocked out Dronfield 3-0, Yorkshire Amateur 7-0 and Brighouse Town 7-1.

York City will present a much sterner challenge in what will be their first foray in the competition this season.

In their three opening league games they have registered a win, a draw and a defeat.

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