Relegation-threatened Eastwood dented Guiseley’s promotion aspirations with an unlikely victory, notching up only their fourth win of the campaign.
Substitute Greg Simmons proved to be the Badgers’ hero by grabbing the winner and three precious points with almost the last kick of the game.
His side had survived a first-half battering, with James Walshaw bringing a good save from Sam Andrew as early as the second minute. Then, after the home side had had strong appeals for a penalty turned down, Walshaw got the better of David Haggerty only to lift his shot over both the onrushing Andrews and the crossbar. Danny Ellis also went close on two occasions, but despite almost constant pressure the Lions were unable to convert their possession into goals.
Eastwood’s only chance of note came when Josh Burge’s shot was parried by Steve Drench, who then recovered to collect the ball at the forward’s feet, but they went one better two minutes after the restart when Francis Green beat Dave Merris and fired a shot into the top corner that Drench got a hand on but was unable to keep out.
Although the home side carved out several openings it wasn’t until the 85th minute that they levelled matters. Andy Holdsworth floated a free-kick across to the far post where Danny Ellis somehow managed to squeeze the ball home from an acute angle.
Sensing a winner, the Lions laid siege once again but committed the cardinal sin when Simon Ainge dallied too long on the ball, allowing Green to take advantage and cross to the far post where Simmons applied the finishing touch for an unlikely Eastwood win.
Star man: James Walshaw (Guiseley)
Entertainment value: ***
Guiseley: Drench, Clarke, Merris, Burns (Ellington 71), Ellis, Ainge, Senior (Baldry 57), Boshell, Forrest (O’Neill 59), Walshaw, Holdsworth.
Subs not used: Lisles, Giles.
Eastwood: Andrew, Bailey, Shaw, Elliot, Caines, Haggerty, Burge, Troke, Christie (Simmons 88), Green, Benjamin.
Subs not used: Noble, Raven, Cooper.
Scorers: Guiseley – Ellis 85 Eastwood – Green 46, Simmons 90
H/T 0-0
Referee: Mr Fyvie