Guiseley secured their Play Off place with a comfortable 2-0 win at relegated Blyth Spartans, writes Edward Robertson.
Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s professional attitude against a battling home side. “They haven’t been blown away by any teams. They were difficult to break down, and narrowed the game for us. For the last twenty, I really wanted us to just manage the game and ensure we all come out unscathed.”
The Lions looked to exploit holes in the opponent’s back line from the second minute. An goalkeeping error gave Joe Ackroyd the chance to lob the goalkeeper, but his effort was scuffed and the ball was gathered by Lewis Baker.
Fifteen minutes later, Lebrun Mbeka’s accurate cross narrowly evaded the heads of Will Longbottom and Jake Lawlor in the box.
As half time neared, the Lions broke the deadlock. A dangerous John Lufudu ball across the face of goal picked out Ackroyd. The returning midfielder expertly chipped the ball up and smashed home with a volley. It was a fantastic finish to give the visitors a deserved lead.
Blyth came out after the half time break determined to find a leveller. Cyril Giraud’s dangerous run allowed him to find Nicky Deverdics on the edge of the box. The experienced midfielder’s shot fired over the bar.
Another chance to equalise passed the Spartans by. Giraud’s speeding run allowed him to find Charlie Aitken in the box, who couldn’t get enough power on the ball to slide it past Joe Cracknell.
It was then Guiseley’s chance to turn the screw. Longbottom’s free kick picked out Mbeka. The defender’s shot was turned away at point blank range by Baker.
Three minutes later, another opportunity for the Lions came. Prince Ekpolo’s darting run and subsequent shot shaved the crossbar.
Finally, with fifteen minutes remaining, Guiseley doubled the lead. Lufudu tumbled down in the box forcing the referee to decisively fling his arm towards the penalty spot. Longbottom stepped up to take the kick and fired into the roof of the net to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.
It was a routine victory for the Lions against a Blyth Spartans side sadly in the mire. Guiseley return to action on Easter Monday, against a strong Gainsborough Trinity side, needing three points to potentially confirm a third-placed finish. Bower was justifiably proud of a committed Lions side who had secured the club’s first play off place in ten years.
“I’m really proud of these lads, a small group of lads, who have given it their all time after time after time and dealt with the adversity of injury and ground out results to gain a fantastic result.”
Blyth Spartans 0-2 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 19th April 2025 | Croft Park
Attendance: 496
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Jameel Ible (C), 4. Prince Ekpolo (85′ Bentley), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu, 8. Jamie Spencer (75′ Moke), 9. Lewis Whitham (63′ Johnson), 10. Joe Ackroyd and 11. Will Longbottom (75′ Odunston).
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 13. Jack Dallimore (GK), 14. Adriano Moke, 15. Sam Bentley and 16. Gabriel Johnson.
