The withdrawal of Jack Emmett before the match meant Mark Bower had to look to his centre backs to shore up the Lions already injury hit frontline, writes Edward Robertson.
The Guiseley manager selected versatile defender Lebrun Mbeka to play as target man, which proved effective as the Lions secured a vital three points.
However it was Jake Lawlor, playing in his regular role in the back four, who notched the only goal that earned the win over play off rivals Ashton United.
Lawlor’s first half strike was enough to end a run of five games without victory.
Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s effective execution in a difficult test. “We were a little more direct today and had to take the set pieces well. They threw everything at us in that second half but we stayed strong which ultimately won us the game. A huge three points for us.”
The game began as it meant to go on, with both teams tactfully keeping possession and working the other out. Darius Osei’s speculative long range effort soared over the bar early on.
With half an hour gone, Guiseley broke the deadlock. Adriano Moke’s corner collided with the body of Lawlor. The defender arrived perfectly at the back post to nudge the ball home to give the Lions an invaluable advantage.
Ten minutes later, the hosts began to turn the screw. Lewis Whitham’s mazy run saw him on the edge of the box, however the forward’s effort sailed over the crossbar.
With the game on the brink of half time, Guiseley had another opportunity. Makeshift frontman Mbeka’s impressive free kick near the penalty area grazed the crossbar.
Deep into the stoppage time of the first half, the Robins had their first major chance of the game. An incisive ball found James Hardy, whose shot arrowed safely over Joe Cracknell’s goal.
The second half was a stuttering affair. Ashton piled on the pressure, introducing the attacking prowess of former Lion Tom Denton. However, a composed Guiseley back line was able to hold out.
Another ex Guiseley man Donald Chimalilo nearly came back to haunt his former club. His powerful long range effort was thumped away by Cracknell’s gloves.
The Lions should have doubled the lead deep into added time. A quick counter attack saw substitute Jamie Spencer driving at the visitor’s back line. He picked out the onrushing Ollie Brown. The defender’s finish however went agonisingly wide in a huge chance to add the second.
A one goal margin turned out to be enough. It was an invaluable victory for Bower’s men in their ongoing pursuit of Vanarama National League North football. With Guiseley up to third, the Lions next travel to Matlock Town on Saturday, which will be the first encounter between the two teams this season.
“At this time of year, when you get to March, finishing games in the daylight and the pitch smells different, games get bigger and bigger. Everything is about three points at this time in the season, so good to just about comfortably get our win.” Said a delighted Mark Bower.
Guiseley AFC 1-0 Ashton United | Saturday 1st March 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 821
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Jameel Ible (C), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu (72′ Brown), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Gabriel Johnson, 10. Prince Ekpolo and 11. Lewis Whitham (83′ Spencer).
Subs: 12. Ollie Brown, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Jamie Spencer, 15. Max Dickinson and 16. Will Longbottom.
