Guiseley’s FC United of Manchester curse continued as they fell to a last gasp defeat and lost 3-2 at Broadhurst Park. The defeat ends The Lions’ seven game unbeaten league run, writes David Bridson.
Guiseley thought they had made an early breakthrough via Tom Pratt’s composed fourth minute finish but it was ruled out for offside.
Ten minutes later Joe Stacey’s cross was dropped by home ‘keeper Pat Boyes but he was quick to deny the enrushing Kallan Murphy.
Murphy volleyed over the bar in the 23rd minute as Guiseley piled on the pressure.
Their persistance was rewarded on the half- hour mark as Stacey fired into the right corner after his initial volley was blocked.
But the dogged home side equalised just six minutes later through former Lion Charlie Ennis’ sublime finish.
The Lions nearly fell behind just three minutes later when Oliver Brown’s passback nearly slipped beyond Oliver Battersby.
FC United took the lead mere moments into the second half as Charlie Munro struck after Dan Lafferty’s effort crashed against the post.
Guiseley pushed for a leveller as Prince Ekpolo tried a long range effort and Gabriel Johnson was unable to capitalise on a through ball.
But the equaliser was well worth waiting for as Ekpolo curled a beauty into the bottom right corner in the 62nd minute, his first league goal for the club.
Both teams ran each other ragged as they sought a winner in this fierce contest.
Max Woodcock’s effort flew past the post for the home side while substitute Kofi Moore just couldn’t quite make it past a resolute home defence following Johnson’s pass.
It was early into six minutes injury time that away hearts were broken as Johnson was adjudged to have handled in the box and home sub Declan McLoughlin notched the winner despite Battersby diving the right way.
The defeat sees Guiseley slip to eighth in the Pitching In Northern Premier League. The Lions have now failed to win in four visits to Broadhurst Park.
Andy Welsh’s side will be looking to put things right under the Nethermoor lights on Tuesday night as Matlock Town make the trip to LS20.
FC United of Manchester 3-2 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 18th November 2023 | Broadhurst Park
Attendance: 1741
Team: 1. Ollie Battersby, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Jordi Nsaka, 4. Leigh Whelan, 5. Aiden Walker, 6. Reece Kendall (C), 7. Tom Pratt, 8. Prince Ekpolo, 9. Kallan Murphy (90′ Forshaw), 10. Gabriel Johnson and 11. Joe Stacey (70′ Moore).
Subs: 12. Kofi Moore, 14. Jake Forshaw, 15. Courtney Meppen-Walters, 16. Callum Chippendale and 17. Jack Mason.