Guiseley Ladies AFC v Barnsley Ladies FC
Guiseley Ladies faced league rivals Barnsley in the second round of the league cup on Sunday. The home side lost first team regulars Alarna Fuller and midfielder Caroline Cropp in the previous game at St. Francis to bad injuries. New signing Carley Nicholson was hoping to make her debut from the bench. Nicholson signed for the ladies only last week after coming to Leeds to study from the USA. The ladies faced Barnsley for the first of three fixtures against them in the next six weeks. Barnsley started the better of the two sides. They capitalised on a slow start from the home team only five minutes into the game. A penetrating run through the Guiseley midfield by Tracy Martin was finished with a pin point pass to their inform centre forward, who neatly tapped the ball past Guiseley ‘keeper Erin Boswell. The early goal woke the home side up, and striker Caroline Hulme went close shortly after with a long range shot which narrowly missed the target. Both sides shared possession and had several chances at goal which went close or were saved by their respective ‘keepers. Guiseleys’ top scorer Hulme continued to try her luck firing shots at Barnsley’s ‘keeper. She remained solid though and proved tough to beat throughout the match. Barnsley looked good in attack but always looked vulnerable at the back. A
contentious decision by the referee at the end of the first half led to Barnsleys second goal of the game. A corner was played into the box, and Guiseley ‘keeper Boswell looked to have been fouled when attempting to punch the ball clear. The ball landed in the goal mouth and skipper Katie Matthews was also fouled but the referee played on. As Matthews laid prone in the goal-mouth, Barnsley managed to tap the ball over the line. The referee awarded the goal in the middle of the chaos,much to the dismay of the home support
Guiseley battled back in the second half but faced an inform Barnsley ‘keeper. Both sides tired midway through the half and struggled to maintain the quality and pace that had been shown in the first half. Nicholson came on for her debut on the 70 minute mark. She replaced injured Lindsay Hopton in centre midfield and looked to be a valuable addition to the ladies squad.
Man of the Match: Julie Richardson (Guiseley)
Ladies next fixture is at Nethermoor on Sunday 4th Match against Peterlee Town. Kick-off 2pm. Free entry and all support is very welcome
