A Jordan Thewlis brace and a Jake Lawlor winner secured Guiseley all three points against Gainsborough Trinity, writes David Bridson.
Lawlor’s 86th minute header grabbed the Lions victory in a pulsating second half.
His winning goal followed two spectacular Thewlis strikes against his former club in the 58th and 76th minutes respectively.
Trinity were one ahead at the break thanks to a clinical 32nd minute Jonathon Margetts hit.
The Holy Blues’ equaliser came mere moments after Thewlis’ second as former Lion Frank Mulhern smashed home a leveller.
Mulhern dashed straight over to the Lions faithful to celebrate but was left to rue that decision thanks to the inspirational Lawlor.
The game began tentatively but Amir Berchil’s 11th minute header hit the top of the net.
Two minutes later a quality Lebrun Mbeka cross found Berchil but the winger could only fire straight at visiting goalkeeper David Robson.
Robson was quick off his line to stop Thewlis’ hazy run on the quarter hour mark.
Ashley Jackson’s effort slipped wide for the visitors nine minutes prior to Margetts’ opener.
Thewlis’ delicate clipped shot via Berchil’s cross flew narrowly over just two minutes later.
Margetts’ added time shot was blocked as the opposition finished the half on top.
But a storming second half provided plenty of festive merriment for the 990 in attendance.
Mulhern’s powerful 48th minute header slammed the side netting as the play-off chasing opponents sought to increase their lead.
A last gasp Trinity clearance denied the enrushing Joao Silva a path through to goal five minutes later.
Berchil neatly sidestepped the resolute Gainsborough backline in the 56th minute but couldn’t finish his foray with a strike.
Thewlis’ dazzling run followed by a superb shot into the top corner from a narrow angle saw the Lions level.
Harrison Hopper was then denied by a last ditch challenge as Trinity’s defence stayed firm in the midst of a Lions onslaught.
Elliot Owen’s header struck the outside of the post with 20 minutes remaining as Guiseley continued their relentless press.
Mbeka’s fierce 35 yard lob attempt was gratefully held by Robson five minutes later.
Thewlis’ amazing inside the box strike off a second stunning run then gave the Lions the lead.
It seemed like Mulhern had returned to haunt the Lions with his equaliser coming virtually straight from the restart.
With the game there for the taking a strong Conor Ferguson tackle prevented Trinity lodging another attack in the 83rd minute.
But it was Lawlor who won the game for the Lions three minutes later – his slick header via Hopper’s graceful free kick clinching this Boxing Day bonanza.
With seven minutes added time given the Lions defended well to keep out the determined visitors.
Joe Cracknell made a fabulous 91st minute save with his legs to deny Margetts a stoppage time leveller.
The home goalkeeper clung well to Lewis Butroid’s 95th minute cross prior to the Lions game-managing the remaining minutes.
The win lifts Guiseley upto 11th in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division.
Guiseley are next away at manager Ian Richards’ former side Stocksbridge Park Steels on New Years Day with a 3pm kick-off.
Guiseley 3-2 Gainsborough Trinity | Friday 26th December 2025 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 990
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston (78′ Moore), 3. Connor Ferguson, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Ollie Brown, 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Joao Silva (67′ Lufudu) and 11. Amir Berchil (84′ Goodman).
Subs: 12. George Goodman, 14. Calum Hudson, 15. Bobby Moore, 16. John Lufudu and 17. Zac Rushworth.
