The Lions limped out of the FA Trophy, and ended the match with ten men after Jack Hall was dismissed in the closing moments. Both sides struggled to impose themselves on proceedings and it was a only a couple of moments that decided things, writes Dave Robertson.
Guiseley started brightly, putting their hosts on the back foot, but couldn’t find the finishing touch in the final third, both Kyle White and Cam Wilson seeing their shots saved or blocked. White might have forced the issue when he received a quickly taken free kick on the left, and his looping cross hit the top of the bar.
But Hebburn were solid and stayed in the game and on 23 minutes were gifted a goal. Lebrun Mbeka under challenge from Jake Charles lost his footing and the ball landed free for the Hebburn striker who advanced. In trying to narrow the angle Hall slipped too, leaving Charles with the simplest of finishes.
The goal energised Hebburn who began to press the Lions defence more and more and might have doubled the lead when a cross from the left fizzed across the Guiseley goal.
Guiseley were improved in the second half and forced a couple of goalmouth scrambles, but again no one could find the final touch. Twice after set pieces the ball fell awkwardly to Mbeka, but the finish was wanting. Often they would press forward but a loose pass or heavy touch would cede possession back to the hosts, who had the energy and pace to break forward, leaving the Guiseley defence scrambling.
Hebburn defended stoutly and their best moments came on the break, Charles capitalising on a fluffed Guiseley free kick and somehow curling an effort narrowly wide.
Guiseley’s best chance came with five minutes to go when a long ball over the top landed kindly for Jordan Thewlis who found himself through on goal. One on one with the keeper, he chose to pass to an advancing Will Longbottom, who could only direct his shot straight at Aidan Harris.
Into stoppage time, howls from Hebburn fans and players alike drew the referees attention to an off the ball incident involving Hall and Charles. Charles rolling around on the floor, Hall protesting his innocence. After discussion with his linesman, the official dismissed Jack Hall and awarded the home team a penalty.
With no keeper on the bench, captain Mbeka took the gloves but couldn’t prevent Charles, now returned to an upright position, from putting the seal on Hebburn’s progression.
Concern now turns back to the league, and the visit of Ashton United on Tuesday. But Hall’s suspension, likely to be for three games, means he’ll miss crucial league matches and potentially the Emirates FA Cup Second Round tie with Notts County.
Hebburn Town 2-0 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 14th November | Trustmark Group Stadium
Team: 1. Jack Hall, 2. Lucas Odunston (84′ Wadsworth), 3. Kyle White (89′ Iggulden), 4. Adam Lund (79′ Tinker), 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 7. Jordan Thewlis, 8. Charlie Staniland, 9. Kallan Murphy (72′ Longbottom), 10. Cam Wilson and 11. Amir Berchil (64′ Sinfield).
Subs: 12. Paul Iggulden, 14. Jack Tinker, 15. Noah Wadsworth, 16. Frankie Sinfield and 17. Will Longbottom.
