Ladies in crucial win to maintain unbeaten run

The Ladies travelled to Castleford White Rose this weekend with a tough game ahead against a strong and developing team who are currently second in the league.  With only 11 players declared, the girls were prepared for a tough game against a side who have previously taken all points against the two teams the previous season.

With a high volume of players unavailable the ladies were forced to play players carrying minor knocks. With 4 points from the previous two games, The Ladies were looking to improve their recent run of form taking them to being unbeaten in 3 games, however against such a strong side looking to take this seasons title, it was far from an easy contest.

Guiseley started brightly from the off, using the size of the pitch to their advantage with some good passing football with a couple of early chances.. this showed Guiseleys intent and showed Castleford they were certainly not going to be given an easy game.

Abi Barker took the left wing for the second game with Caroline Cropp supporting at left back, with Jamie Lea Smith at right back and Julie Richardson on the right wing, both sets of players looking to hit the flanks with the Castleford defence not expecting the amount of early pressure by the travelling team.

Castleford had the best of the early chances with their strong forward picking up and loose ball and travelled into the box, goalkeeper Erin Boswell pulled off a double save at point blank with Jamie Lea Smith quick to clear the loose ball and turn the game around. Jamie Lea picked up a pin-point pass to Richardson who travelled and neatly set Caroline Hulme up to take the keeper one on one and find the net for the 23rd time this season.

With Guiseley now settling after the early pressure at both sides, they continued to have the best of the chances in the first half. Defence pair Katie Matthews and Laura Danskin worked tirelessly to restrict the balls over the top with Castleford very much looking to play route one football. Midfield trio Alarna Fuller, Racheal White and Amy Parker again worked tirelessly to support both attacking and defensive play creating a great presence in midfield.

HT score 0-1 to Guiseley.

Both teams came out firing with again some great play from both sides, Guiseley defending well with great communication to limit Castleford’s outlets. Guiseley still continuing to press with great runs from Barker and Richardson, with Richardson almost making it 0-2 with her shot form a weaving run rattling the bar. Amy Parker also braced a fantastic twisting run with the Castleford keeper also pulling off a fine save.

Guiseley continued to add pressure with Fuller playing a trademark ball down the left wing to Barker who flew down the wing who pulled the keeper wide and took the keeper one on one, cooling putting the ball past her for her first Guiseley goal of the season.Guiseley benefited from their second goal with a closely followed third, the midfield trio working the line to feed Caroline Hulme through for her 24th goal of the season…which now puts her on the top of the leader-board for the leagues top goalscorers.

Guiseley continued to push on and cause Castleford headaches but soon tired with players suffering from slight knocks. Castleford issues fresh blood which instantly caused an impact with Castleford breaking with two goals in quick concession.

With the final whistle approaching, Guiseley suffered further pressure with a late corner. Castleford had the final push of the game with all Guiseley players putting 110% throughout. Credit to every player with some fantastic attacking display but most importantly a strong defensive display once again. Guiseley played their second game in a row with 11 players, with team spirit and determination being the twelve player.

Final score 2-3

Abi Barker

The ladies have taken 7 points from a possible 9 in the past 3 games which gives them a comfortable midtable position in the league.

Goals by Caroline Hulme x 2 and Abi Barker, who also received player of the match.

Central Midfielder Alarna Fuller said after the game :-

Theres no ‘I’ in team and I think today very much showed this.. a quality display of class, grit and determination by every single one of the 11 players out there today which payed off with 3 points against a top side!… Gtown till I die

Follow the ladies on Twitter @Guiseleyladies

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Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Guiseley vs Lancaster City