A stunning added-time free-kick prevented Guiseley from defeating Whitby Town in new manager Ian Richards’ first game in charge, writes David Bridson.

Substitute Aaron Haswell’s scintillating effort flew past Joe Cracknell in the 93rd minute to secure a point for the play-off chasing hosts.

The free-kick was awarded after a hotly disputed foul by Jake Lawlor.

Jordan Thewlis both won and scored a 57th minute penalty to give Guiseley a deserved lead.

The Lions began the game in the ascendancy, threatening their opponents with pacey attacking football.

Creative force Amir Berchil’s neat pass narrowly evaded the enrushing Lucas Odunston in just the second minute.

Ollie Brown made a solid third minute slide tackle to deny a Whitby attack a minute later.

Brown’s dazzling seventh minute run culminated in the ball pinging round the Town box as the home side defended desperately.

Lions goalkeeper Joe Cracknell made an impressive save to prevent James Harrison’s curled effort finding the net in the 18th minute.

Thewlis headed wide from Odunston’s decent cross mid-way through the half.

A second excellent challenge from Brown halted another Town attack in the 27th minute. Alex Nelson fired over from a tight angle off the resulting corner.

Berchil’s dangerous cross was mere inches away from finding Thewlis’ head on the half-hour mark.

Lebrun Mbeka’s fabulous cross was headed over by Will Longbottom in the 36th minute.

The latter’s long distance shot sailed scarcely wide of home goalkeeper Shane Bland’s right-hand post with 40 minutes gone.

Berchil, a constant pest to the Seasiders, made a hazy run on the brink of half-time but his shot was well saved by Bland.

Town began the second half on the front foot as former Lion Jake Charles dragged a strike wide in the 47th minute.

Longbottom’s cross found Thewlis 51 minutes in but the striker slammed his shot straight at Bland.

Jack Emmett’s shot fizzed over three minutes later as the Lions pushed for an opener.

Their persistance was finally rewarded as Thewlis was felled by Town player-manager Gary Liddle in the box three minutes later.

The striker’s penalty was perfectly placed into the bottom right-hand corner with Bland diving the wrong way.

Whitby piled pressure on the Lions as they sought an equaliser.

The home side penned Guiseley deep into their own half and relentlessly attacked the Lions.

Charles flashed a precarious ball across the box in the 76th minute.

Layton Watts’ shot was well judged by Cracknell just a minute later.

Odunston’s superb headed clearance prevented Watts’ cross in the 81st minute.

Berchil nearly secured the visitors all three points but he fired just over with two minutes to spare.

Haswell’s outstanding free-kick, which glided spectacularly into the top left-hand corner, grabbed Whitby a share of the spoils deep into added time.

There was still time for one final chance, deep in injury time Harrison Hopper’s shot from a tight angle was deflected onto the post.

The Lions move up to 17th as a result of this hard-earned draw.

Guiseley are next in league action at home to Cleethorpes Town on Saturday 15th November with a 3pm kick-off.

Whitby Town 1-1 Guiseley | Saturday 8th November 2025 | Turnbull Ground

Attendance: 544

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Ollie Brown, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. George Goodman, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Jack Emmett (68′ Aston), 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Will Longbottom and 11. Amir Berchil (90′ Silva).

Subs: 12. Connor Ferguson, 13. Spencer Booth (GK), 14. Sam Aston and 15. Joao Silva.