Guiseley were thumped 5-1 by a dominant Hednesford Town at Nethermoor, writes David Bridson.
The visitors took the lead mere seconds into the game as Dom McHale’s cross was slid into his own net by George Goodman.
Just three minutes later McHale’s looping cross-come-shot flew over leaping Lions goalkeeper Joe Cracknell to double Town’s advantage.
Connor Ferguson’s 23rd minute penalty box trip on the dangerous McHale allowed former Lion Jermaine Hylton to calmly slot home from twelve yards.
Hylton’s second, a header via Dan Trickett-Smith’s cross, added to the visitors’ commanding lead just before half-time.
The relentless Town attacked the Lions with more venom as the second half began.
Montel Gibson headed home via Joel Taylor’s ball just two minutes into the second stanza.
Leading goalscorer Jordan Thewlis fired home a consolation for the Lions on 74 minutes.
John Lufudu was shown a straight red card for leaping high over Joe Doyle-Charles on 84 minutes to add to Guiseley’s troubles.
Town stunned the Lions with the opener. The third-placed opposition were electric from start to finish.
Trickett-Smith’s fierce strike was blocked prior to McHale’s cheeky second.
The former’s wicked curled effort was caught well by Cracknell in the 19th minute.
Ferguson’s clip on McHale was enough to see referee Abid Hussain award Town their spot-kick which was confidently put away by Hylton.
McHale, a constant menace, hit an effort off-target mid-way through the first half.
Ollie Harrison’s 33rd minute header flashed wide as the visitors sought to extend their already hefty upper hand.
The unfortunate Will Longbottom was replaced by Harrison Hopper late into the first half having picked up an injury 36 minutes in.
Jake Lawlor’s superb sliding tackle denied Gibson a path to goal shortly before the visitors fourth.
The second half began as poorly as the first with the Pitmen’s fifth goal of the game.
Gibson nearly doubled his tally as his vicious 51st minute edge-of-the-box strike fizzed over the bar.
Lions substitute Lucas Odunston, who replaced Ferguson at the start of the second half, saw his strike blocked an hour into the game.
Cracknell did well to palm away Town substitute Dan Turner’s strike five minutes later.
Fellow Pitmen change Max Sheaf saw his 66th minute effort dip over.
With the Lions chasing a lost cause Lawlor somehow smashed over at the near post in the 70th minute.
Thewlis’ consolation gave the downhearted home support something to cheer.
Goodman should have grabbed Guiseley a second in the 81st minute but the loanee’s shot slammed the bar from only a couple of yards out.
Jonny Edwards rounded a shell-shocked Cracknell two minutes later but having done the hard work he blasted over.
Lufudu’s sending off will see the tricky winger serve a suspension.
Ahkeem Rose shot straight at Cracknell in the 90th minute before Thewlis was through on goal but his powerful strike was saved well by visiting goalkeeper Tony Breeden.
The defeat marks interim manager Liam Ridehalgh’s last game in charge.
New boss Ian Richards, who watched the game from the stands, takes charge from Guiseley’s next league game, a visit to Whitby Town on Saturday 8th November with a 3pm kick-off.
Guiseley 1-5 Hednesford Town | Saturday 1st November 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 750
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. John Lufudu, 3. Ollie Brown, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. George Goodman, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Jordan Thewlis, 8. Sam Aston (84′ Boyle), 9. Will Longbottom (43′ Hopper), 10. Amir Berchil (62′ Emmett) and 11. Connor Ferguson (46′ Odunston).
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 13. Spencer Booth (GK), 14. Jack Emmett, 15. Harrison Hopper and 17. Derren Boyle.
