A bizarre goal conceded directly from a corner ultimately saw Guiseley slip to a 2-1 defeat at Silsden, writes David Bridson.

Toby Jeffrey’s 41st minute cross slipped through Joe Cracknell’s hands and into the back of the net to clinch the match for the hosts.

Sam Barker’s opportunistic seventh minute strike, a clever finish following evasion of the Lions defence, gave the home side the lead.

Jordan Thewlis levelled for Guiseley in the 38th minute, slamming home via Trialist B’s cross.

Guiseley began brightly as Joao Silva’s header flew narrowly wide in the third minute.

But Barker’s tidy run and subsequent finish after escaping Jake Lawlor and rounding Cracknell gave Silsden the advantage.

Guiseley pressed to level quickly but John Lufudu lashed over from the edge of the box in the 12th minute.

A superb Cracknell save stopped Barker doubling both his tally and Silsden’s lead 20 minutes in.

Silva’s neat ball nearly found Thewlis but home goalkeeper Tommy Brown was quick off his line to prevent the Guiseley attacker from shooting five minutes later.

Thewlis’ equaliser came courtesy of Trailist A’s pinpoint cross and gave the Lions impetus to push for a winner.

As it was Jeffrey gave his side just that four minutes shy of half time. Time stood still as his goal directly from the corner stunned both players and spectators alike.

A superb defensive block denied Thewlis a leveller just before half time.

Cameron Clark was close to extending the Northern Counties East League side’s lead in the 48th minute as his shot flashed across goal.

Thewlis nearly turned provider as Taylor Bowen’s header fell agonisingly wide from his cross in the 61st minute.

A second stunning defensive challenge stopped Will Longbottom’s cross in the 68th minute but Guiseley’s attacking move was ruled offside.

Kayle Price’s shot was well held by Cracknell with ten minutes to spare.

Silsden kept the ball well in the closing stages and enjoyed victory as the final whistle blew.

Guiseley’s final pre-season friendly comes at home to Fleetwood Town Under 23s on Saturday August 2nd with a 3pm kick-off.

Silsden 2-1 Guiseley | Friday 25th July 2025 | Regal Interiors Stadium

Attendance: not known

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. John Lufudu (19′ Longbottom) (86′ Trialist E), 3. Trialist A, 4. Jamie Spencer (65′ Bentley), 5. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Trialist B, 8. Harrison Hopper, 9. Taylor Bowen (65′ Trialist D), 10. Jordan Thewlis (61′ Trialist C) and 11. Joao Silva.

Subs: 12. Marley Spence, 13. Spencer Booth (C), 14. Will Longbottom, 15. Trialist C, 16. Trialist D, 17. Sam Bentley and 18. Trialist E.