Guiseley earned a valuable point on the road with a goalless draw against play-off rivals Warrington Town, writes Edward Robertson.
It was a performance that impressed manager Paul Phillips.
“We’ve been resilient in the final third against a good team, a strong team,” the Lions boss said after the match.
“Again, we were resilient, I thought the mentality was right, defensive shape was good, but we have to be better on the front foot.”
Neither side were on the front foot in the first half. In blustery conditions Guiseley would face into the wind wearing their newly minted third kit, chosen by supporters in order raise funds for the Raise The Roof campaign.
Before the game got underway both sides observed an impeccable minute’s silence to respect Warrington teenager Brianna Ghey, who tragically lost her life the previous weekend. This was followed by both sets of fans applauding throughout the 16th minute in mark of her young age.
There was precious little goalmouth action to report in the first half. Referee Barry Lamb was busy however, and was called on to make a number of key decisions. One involved Kallan Murphy midway through the half. The striker was on the wrong end of a yellow card after a collision with Warrington defender Tom Hannigan. The challenge provoked a reaction from the home team resulting in a long pause before Lamb produce the card from his pocket.
Guiseley were further disrupted as Callum Chippendale limped off. He picked up a niggle in the warm-up which he couldn’t run off and had to be replaced by midweek signing Mark Lees.
It was the home side that came closest to breaking the deadlock. Warrington provided the first shot at goal in the game when Luke Duffy’s long-range effort was fired straight into the arms of Cam Mason.
However, Guiseley started the second half brightly.
On 52 minutes George Smith’s curling free kick from the halfway line fell to Courtney Meppen-Walters, who had expertly evaded his marker. His header was brilliantly palmed away by Yellows goalkeeper Tony Thompson.
Smith’s set pieces would again cause Warrington problems. On 60 minutes his free kick caught the wind, and lofted over the stranded Thompson only to strike the crossbar.
The Lions continued to create chances. A sweetly placed ball over the Warrington defence found Lewis Whitham who cut inside and fired a shot at goal that took a deflection and skimmed the post.
However Guiseley were dealt a blow with ten minutes left on the clock after Whitham landed awkwardly when competing for a ball on the edge of the area and appeared to twist his knee. Phillips was forced into making another change, as Alfie Moulden replaced the unfortunate winger.
The home side, who were looking for a win to cement their position in the play-off places, pressed Guiseley hard in the final ten minutes.
An exquisitely worked Warrington corner almost produced a winner for the Yellows. After Hannigan’s header had been scrambled away by the Lions defence it fell to Matt McDonald, whose shot was fired into the hands of Mason much to the relief of the travelling supporters.
As the game ticked over into stoppage time McDonald produced a long-range effort that had the beating of Mason but hit the side netting.
A creditable point on the road was confirmed by the final whistle. However, Phillips was already contemplating the challenge and improvements needed in Tuesday night’s important game at home to Lancaster City.
“We need to count bodies now, obviously we know we have a few players bruised and battered but I think we have to be better at the top of the pitch.”
Warrington Town 0-0 Guiseley | Saturday 18th February 2023 | Cantilever Park
Attendance: 761
Team: 1. Cam Mason, 2. Kwame Boateng, 3. George Smith (C), 4. Ross Daly, 5. Jameel Ible, 6. Leigh Whelan, 7. Lewis Whitham (78′ Moulden), 8. Callum Chippendale (22′ Lees), 9. Kallan Murphy (58′ Harris), 10. Osebi Abadaki and 11. Courtney Mappen-Walters.
Subs: 12. Spencer Harris, 14. Mark Lees, 15. Adam Haw, 16. Ekow Coker and 17. Alfie Moulden.
