Guiseley were made to settle for a point at Warrington Rylands after taking a hotly disputed early lead, writes David Bridson.
Adriano Moke’s ninth minute close-range strike was initially ruled out for offside but his goal via Will Longbottom’s pinpoint cross was given following consultation between the officials. It was Moke’s first goal for the club after making 43 appearances this season.
Rylands made their possession tell as Matthew Regan’s 83rd minute equaliser secured them a share of the spoils.
The game began scrappy as both sides engaged in a midfield battle prior to the Lions taking the lead.
Despite their early goal Guiseley found themselves under some sustained pressure and failed to make their own count.
Ollie Brown’s long range 22nd minute header failed to trouble home goalkeeper Pilling.
Joe Cracknell’s superb edge of the box stop from Harrison Wood prevented a 28th minute Warrington leveller.
John Lufudu’s pacey 35th minute run was shut down by a determined home defence.
Three minutes later Lebrun Mbeka’s shot following a decent exchange with Lufudu was well saved by Luke Pilling.
A 40th minute Waring header was gathered well by Cracknell before Longbottom cleared Ben Hardcastle’s header off the line.
Rylands continued fighting for an equaliser in the second half with Hardcastle stumbling on a 47th minute shot following a cross from the dangerous Jake Daniels.
Hardcastle and Daniels combined well again in the 51st minute as the former was nearly on the end of the latter’s ball up towards goal.
Liam Ridehaigh’s fierce volley flew just over the bar in the 55th minute.
Home striker Wood’s 59th minute shot was well over as was substitute Dean Furman’s long distance attempt in the 66th.
Jake Lawlor reacted well to head a Rylands cross off the line sixty seconds later prior to Cracknell catching a probing Daniels cross in the 70th minute.
Longbottom and Moke both saw their shots blocked by the alert Pilling in the 78th minute.
But Rylands found an equaliser in the box via Regan having won a free kick midway through the second half.
Both sides fought hard to win the game later on but neither could find a match clinching goal.
Guiseley next host league winners Macclesfield on Saturday 12th April with a 3pm kick-off.
Warrington Rylands 1-1 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 5th April 2025 | Gorsey Lane
Attendance: 320
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Jameel Ible (C), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Prince Ekpolo, 8. Adriano Moke (84′ Bentley), 9. John Lufudu (74′ Ackroyd), 10. Lewis Whitham (66′ Spencer) and 11. Will Longbottom.
Subs: 12. Joe Ackroyd, 14. Jamie Spencer, 15. Sam Bentley, 16. Jack Emmett and 17. Nathaniel Muenda.
