Gabriel Johnson’s late equaliser gave Guiseley a share of the spoils at struggling Leek Town, writes David Bridson.
The home side struck early through Hayden Campbell’s slick edge of the box strike.
The Lions levelled via Jack Emmett’s close-range 26th minute finish from Lewis Whitham’s clever assist.
But Town took a 51st minute lead following Louis Potts’ header into the bottom right hand corner.
An 88th minute goalmouth scramble concluded with substitute Johnson’s delicate header past despairing home goalkeeper Dino Visser.
Whitham hit an effort straight at Visser in the seventh minute with Leek having taken the lead in just the third.
Emmett fired well off target four minutes later as Guiseley pushed for a quick leveller.
Town could have doubled their lead in the 14th minute but Tyreece Onyeka’s attempt slid past the left hand post.
Moments later John Lufudu’s 25 yard strike glanced off the top of the crossbar.
Just a minute after that Whitham had a shot well saved in a frenetic opening to the game.
Jamie Spencer was booked for dissent in the 25th minute.
Emmett’s leveller came thanks to Whitham’s cool composure in the box as the winger opted to pass rather than shoot.
Visiting ‘keeper Joe Cracknell made a smart catch to deny the enrushing Potts in the 39th minute.
Spencer was fortunate to stay on the pitch following a rash challenge in the 44th minute.
With Lions attackers waiting to pounce Visser did well to keep hold of Lebrun Mbeka’s looping cross in first half stoppage time.
Leek’s 51st minute lead came courtesy of Campbell’s pinpoint cross finding the grateful Onyeka who placed his header well.
Guiseley pushed for an equaliser with Whitham’s 62nd minute cross only just evading Emmett.
Johnson’s long-range effort flew over the bar four minutes later. Cracknell’s superb block denied Leek substitute Alex Hurst in the 68th minute.
A fierce Mbeka shot was pushed away by Visser just prior to the away side’s equaliser.
The second half additions of Johnson, Lucas Odunston (his first minutes since October) and Adriano Moke added to Guiseley’s attacking impetus but they couldn’t breach a resolute home defence prior to Johnson’s leveller.
Whitham’s low 90th minute strike was splendidly saved by Visser. Another Whitham attempt was also gathered well by the assured home ‘keeper in the 94th minute.
Guiseley could have clinched victory deep into stoppage time but Visser made a stunning leap to palm Odunston’s header away.
The draw sees Guiseley drop to fourth following other results. Next up the Lions host fellow play-off contenders Ashton United on Saturday 1st March with a 3pm kick-off.
Leek Town 2-2 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 22nd February 2025 | F.Ball Community Stadium
Attendance: 502
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Ollie Brown (75′ Odunston), 8. Jamie Spencer (55′ Moke), 9. John Lufudu (55′ Johnson), 10. Jack Emmett and 11. Lewis Whitham.
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Adriano Moke, 15. Joe Ackroyd and 16. Gabriel Johnson.
