Clinical Lions unwrap Harrogate defence

Boxing Day’s Yorkshire derby in the Blue Square Bet North saw a clinical Guiseley performance that ensured that the visitors returned to Nethermoor with all three points.

Gavin Rothery and Chris Senior - www.onematchimage.com

In stark contrast to what the result would turn out to be, the home side started well, winning a number of corners and pressuring the Guiseley defence with some long crosses. That said, the hosts had very few clear-cut chances and once Guiseley got into their stride the breakthrough arrived.

Jamie Clarke and Simon Baldry linked well to allow Baldry to put a ball into the box where it was cleared half-heartedly by the Town defence, allowing Clarke to notch his first goal for the Lions, smashing home into the far corner of the net with the aid of a deflection.

Despite their interval lead, Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick wasn’t happy with his side’s first-half performance and encouraged more width. His remarks were taken on board and soon Guiseley began to rack up the chances. Alfreton loanee Chris Senior smashed an effort from long range, and after some confusion about whether the ball struck the inner stanchion or the post, Guiseley were two goals to the good.

Michael Burns, who improved no end after the break, then bagged a goal with a deft left-footed finished before turning provider to set up Senior for his second. Harrogate were looking despondent, and even a Paul Beesley effort late on wasn’t going to snatch the clean sheet from the Lions’ paws.

Kittrick said after the match: “I wasn’t happy with us first half, we lacked width. Then second half they took our advice on board and we’ve won comfortably. I want another three points on New Year’s Day against Harrogate too.”

Lions: Drench, Clarke, Merris, Toner, Ellis, Ainge (Captain), Baldry (O’Neill), Holdsworth, Ellington (Booker), Senior, Burns (Bower).

Subs (not used) – Giles, Holland

Star man: Chris Senior

Att – 661

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