Guiseley progressed to the Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper for the second season in succession as two second half goals from substitutes Lewis Walters and Kaine Felix saw off a determined Stourbridge side who were unbeaten since 26 August 2018 and had already disposed of National League North teams Leamington and Kidderminster Harriers on the way to this afternoon’s Fourth Qualifying Round clash.
The Guiseley starting eleven showed just one change from last weeks win over Brackley Town as Curtis Morrison got the nod ahead of Scott Smith who was given a well-deserved rest in starting from the bench.
The game started at a frenetic pace and in an early attack Niall Heaton just failed to connect with a cross but Morrison had to be alert in tracking back to get a telling block as Jordan Brown threatened on the counter.
Both sides had half chances but when Alex Purver played in a corner in the 28th minute it was Will Thornton who soared above the pack to deliver a glancing header wide of James Wren for the opener.
The big defender Thornton then nearly repeated his heroics but this time his header was millimeters wide.
However, the lead lasted less than two minutes as Luke Benbow executed a spectacular overhead kick in a crowded penalty area to level matters and send the sides in all square at the break.
The second period started much as the first half had finished but wo home substitutions just after the hour turned the game on its head as Lewis Walters replaced Curtis Morrison on 64 minutes and Kaine Felix replaced Kingsley James seven minutes later.
Walters was first to make his presence felt as a long clearance from Joe Green was chased down by Kayode Odejayi who had been fairly quiet up to that point and his cross to the far post was swept home by the former Nottingham Forest player to restore the Lions lead with fifteen minutes remaining.
Five minutes later and with the visitors pushing for a second equalizer Odejayi found himself in oceans of space and glanced his header into the path of Felix who took on two defenders before wrong footing both of them and shooting beyond Wren into the far corner to all but wrap the game up for the hosts.
Visiting midfielder Callum Powell was lucky not to be cautioned as first he bundled Felix into the barrier behind the linepersons back and then unceremoniously chopped the same player down minutes later in front of the referee.
Despite five minutes of added time there were no further goals and the Lions now go into the hat for the First Round Draw which will be shown live on BBC2 from 7:00pm this coming Monday, 22 October 2018.
Team:
1 Green
2 Moyo
3 Heaton
4 Purver
5 Thornton
6 Halls
7 Hatfield
8 James (Felix 71)
9 Odejayi
10 Morrison (Walters 64)
11 Harvey
Subs:
12 Morrison
14 Walters
15 Dyche
16 Clayton
17 Felix