Lawlor Halts Leeds

Guiseley earned a hard fought victory over Leeds United Under 21s in their latest pre-season encounter at Nethermoor, writes David Bridson.

Jake Lawlor’s close-range volley in the 58th minute, his first Lions goal in 2472 days, was enough to seperate the two sides.

Lions legend Vince Brockie’s son Devon had the first chance of the game for Leeds as he shot straight at Joe Cracknell in the fifth minute.

Oppostion ‘keeper Darryl Ombang reacted well to stop John Lufudu’s glancing header in the 17th minute as the home side sought a lead.

Home midfielder Joe Ackroyd found himself booked for a fierce challenge as the game approached the half hour mark.

Just two minutes later Lufudu’s mazy run past several Leeds defenders was halted before he could get a ball into the box.

Guiseley continued to create chances with Will Longbottom’s 34th minute off-target header shortly followed by Prince Ekpolo’s dragged attempt from the edge of the box.

Harvey Vincent fired straight at Cracknell in the 37th minute while shortly later Jordan Thewlis thought he’d opened the scoring for the Lions but his neat finish was ruled out for offside.

Lawlor was in the thick of the action as he somehow blazed the ball over after Darryl Ombang parried a hard hitting strike into his path.

Cracknell was equal to an early second half curled effort from Dan Toulson before a solid Leeds challenge once again prevented Lufudu.

But it was Lawlor who put the Lions ahead via his smart finish as the hour mark beckoned.

Just a minute later the same player was on hand at the other end to boldly block a Leeds attack.

Rhys Chadwick’s 25 yard shot was fired over the bar in the 63rd minute as Leeds looked to level quickly.

Substitute Gabriel Johnson tormented away defenders with some neat touches shortly after his introduction.

United’s Kris Moore’s header flew over the bar in the game’s final stages before Jack Mason slid an attempt straight at Ombamg in the 86th minute.

Despite a late Leeds surge Guiseley held on to secure a third pre-season victory.

Guiseley next take on a Barnsley XI at Nethermoor on Tuesday 30 July with a 7pm kick-off.

Guiseley AFC 1-0 Leeds United U21s | Saturday 27th July 2024 | Nethermoor Park

Attendance: 1294

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Reece Kendall (68′ Nkem), 4. Prince Ekpolo (87′ Valsau), 5. Jameel Ible (C), 6. Jake Lawlor (84′ Burrows), 7. John Lufudu (84′ Mason), 8. Joe Ackroyd (80′ Walters), 9. Jordan Thewlis (73′ Johnson), 10. Will Longbottom (46′ Trialist B) and 11. Trialist A (68′ Grzelak).

Subs: 12. Kyle Burrows, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Sam Walters, 15. Miguel Valsau, 16. Oliwier Grzelak, 17. Trialist B, 18. Gabriel Johnson, 19. Jack Mason and 20. Foley Nkem.

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