Guiseley were frustrated to a 1-1 draw against relegation-threatened Hyde United at Nethermoor Park despite taking an early lead, writes Edward Robertson.
It was a dream start for the Lions as they opened the scoring with only five minutes on the clock. Lebrun Mbeka’s surging counter attacking run saw him pick out Joao Silva on the left hand side. The tricky winger slipped past his man and confidently slotted the ball home.
The hosts were incisive throughout the first half. Amir Berchil almost doubled the Lions’ lead, as his long range shot very nearly escaped the grasp of goalkeeper Li-Bau Stowell.
The Tigers, largely against the run of play, equalised moments later. Dontai Gabidon’s dangerous corner rebounded to the grateful feet of Jack Redshaw at the back post. The experienced forward poked home from close range to level matters.
As half time neared, Hyde had a chance to edge in front. Tunde Owolabi capitalised from a turnover in possession in midfield to charge towards the retreating Guiseley defence. The forward found Gabidon, whose effort strayed wide.
The Lions started the second half strongly. Berchil’s mazy run to the byline allowed for him to whip the ball into the penalty areas. It fell enticingly close to the outstretched foot of Harrison Hopper in the six yard box, before spinning away and out of play.
In line with the tit-for-tat nature of the affair, Hyde threatened the host’s goal moments later. Redshaw led a dangerous counter attack from a midfield Lions corner, threading the ball to Gabidon. His shot could only arrow past Joe Cracknell’s post for a goal kick.
The visitors thought they’d notched in front with twenty minutes left on the clock. A free kick from their own half was thumped into the penalty box and onto the head of Scott Duxbury, across the face of goal and into the path of Will Hall. The defender tapped home, but the assistant referee raised his flag, and the game remained level.
Only seconds later, a fast Guiseley counter attack earned them a corner as the second half ticked on. Harrison Hopper’s ball was floated into the path of Ollie Brown. The defender’s effort shaved the crossbar.
It was another passionate performance from the Lions following their impressive victory at Rushall Olympic. Despite the season nearing to an uneventful close Guiseley and Hyde fans alike were entertained by a close, competitive contest at Nethermoor, that ultimately saw the equal distribution of points.
Guiseley 1-1 Hyde United | Saturday 4th April 2026 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 731
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Ollie Brown, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Calum Hudson (82′ Lufudu), 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Jack Emmett, 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Joao Silva (75′ Fadera) and 11. Amir Berchil.
Subs: 12. 14. George Goodman, 15. John Lufudu, 16. Mo Fadera, 17. Derren Boyle and 18 Jake Lawlor.
