Guiseley were edged out of the game after slipping to a 1-0 semi-final defeat at Stockton Town, writes David Bridson.

Kevin Hayes’ spectacular edge of the box strike midway through the second half was the only goal of a tight affair, in front of a record attendance for the hosts of 2,125.

The game began scrappily with both sides fighting fiercely in midfield.

Town’s Cam Painter fired high over the bar in the sixth minute.

Will Longbottom’s free kick was well palmed away by home goalkeeper Nathan Harker in the 18th minute.

Gabriel Johnson’s header slipped past the post in the 24th minute as Guiseley sought a lead.

Visiting goalkeeper Joe Cracknell was scrambling to save a Stephen Thompson header in the 38th minute.

Lufudu was booked two minutes later for a foul on Thompson.

A Lebrun Mbeka header was cleared off the line just prior to first half stoppage time.

The Lions opened the second half with plenty of attacking impetus as Longbottom shot straight at Harker in the 52nd minute following Gabriel Johnson’s cross.

Longbottom’s header was caught well by Harker in the 58th minute.

Gabriel Johnson’s shot was well parried by the busy Stockton ‘keeper in the 62nd minute.

Both Jamie Spencer and Longbottom had shots cleared off the line in the space of mere seconds just moments afterward

It was just three minutes later that the resolute home side took the lead. Despite getting his fingertips to Hayes’ powerful strike Cracknell could not prevent the ball finding the back of the net.

Guiseley made changes in a bid to level the contest as Lewis Whitham and Jack Emmett replaced Johnson and Jameel Ible.

Ollie Brown’s 73rd minute effort from the corner of the box was saved by Harker’s scrambling right foot.

Lufudu tried his luck with an ambitious long range attempt ten minutes later that was caught by Harker.

The same player’s second yellow card, culminating in a sending off, in the 95th minute compounded a miserable night in the North East.

Stockton Town 0-1 Guiseley AFC | Tuesday 29th April 2025 | MAP Group UK Stadium

Attendance: 2,125

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Jameel Ible (C) (70′ Emmett), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu, 8. Jamie Spencer (76′ Moke), 9. Gabriel Johnson (70′ Whitham), 10. Prince Ekpolo and 11. Will Longbottom.

Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 14. Joe Ackroyd, 15. Sam Bentley, 16. Jack Emmett and Lewis Whitham.