Gabriel Johnson’s fine second-half strike earned Guiseley all three points in a scrappy encounter at strugglers Basford United, writes David Bridson.
The victory sees The Lions just two points off the play-offs with a game in hand.
Johnson’s curling effort following Tom Denton’s sublime pass in the 64th minute was enough to see off a resiliant United side.
Denton’s assist marked his 700th career appearance in style. The forward proved a menace as soon as he replaced Jack Mason in the 57th minute. Mason impressed in his first senior league game for the Lions after making his first team debut at Garforth on Tuesday night.
Ollie Battersby’s splendid penalty save from Remaye Campbell denied the home outfit in the 59th minute following Prince Ekpolo’s handball. The Guiseley ‘keeper was also on hand to tip the rebound over the bar.
Andy Welsh’s team began the half in surging fashion following a poor first 45 minutes in which both sides offered little threat.
The Lions couldn’t find a clinical final ball while an Owen Betts chip in the 34th minute had Battersby scrambling back to save.
Liam Tongue’s fierce half volleyed shot from 30 yards out in the 47th minute was followed by Johnson rattling the bar but the forward was offside.
After taking the lead Guiseley pushed to close the game out with Johnson and Jordi Nsaka combining well but Aiden Walker produced a superb tackle to prevent a Basford attack in the 75th minute.
The game was not without incident with bookings for each team highlighting each side’s need for points at different ends of the table.
The visitors sought game management in the final five minutes as they kept Basford firmly camped in the Guiseley half.
A prolonged period of additional time following a collision between Kallan Murphy and Basford’s Henri Wilder was rode out as the visitors secured all three points in a tricky match.
Next up Guiseley face Marske at home on Boxing Day before making the short trip to Bradford Park Avenue on New Year’s Day.
Basford United 0-1 Guiseley | Saturday 23rd December 2023 | Greenwich Avenue
Attendance: 252
Team: 1. Ollie Battersby, 2. Leigh Whelan, 3. Reece Kendall, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Aiden Walker, 6. Jameel Ible, 7. Jack Mason (58′ Denton), 8. Liam Tongue (C) (72′ Brown), 9. Kallan Murphy, 10. Gabriel Johnson and 11. Jordi Nsaka.
Subs: 12. Callum Chippendale, 14. Sincere Hall, 15. Tom Denton, 16. Tom Pratt and 17. Ollie Brown.
