Lions Humbled By Terriers

Guiseley succumbed to a heavy defeat in their opening pre-season encounter against League One outfit Huddersfield Town, writes David Bridson.

Mark Bower, who led the Lions to the National League nearly a decade earlier, saw his side fall behind just three minutes in. A poor defensive clearance allowed Tom Iorpenda to fire into an open net.

Danny Ward blazed over several minutes later before Iorpenda nearly doubled his tally following a penalty area scramble.

Guiseley struggled to create opportunites with Town enjoying the vast majority of possession throughout the game. Reece Kendall’s clothesline-esque challenge saw him booked in the 20th minute.

Just moments after Ward hit a header wide Josh Koroma slammed home from the corner of the box on the half-hour mark to make it 0-2.

In the 41st minute Guiseley’s trialist ‘keeper made a decent stop to deny Jonathan Hogg but could not prevent the conclusion of a slick passing move which saw Koroma give the opposion their third and his second.

Both teams made plenty of changes at half-time but just mere seconds into the second stanza Town’s Rhys Healey tapped in to leave Guiseley four behind.

A fifth Huddersfield goal was ruled out for offside in the 49th minute before Will Longbottom’s effort was well blocked a minute later at the other end. Ollie Brown’s snap-shot flew over the bar shortly after.

Ben Wiles’ splendid strike found the top right-hand corner just before the hour mark to see the Terriers race even further clear.

Moments later second half Town ‘keeper Jacob Chapman made a good save to deny Foley Nkem from opening Guiseley’s scoring.

The Lions’ trialist goalkeeper had to be equally apt to ensure Bojan Radulovic didn’t make it six in the 68th minute but Radulovic made amends ten minutes from time with a tap-in.

A decent tackle by Radinio Balker stopped John Lufudu getting Guiseley a consolation in the 86th minute. Ollie Turton finalised a well worked Town move in the last minute with a shot from the edge of the box to send the visitors into seventh heaven.

Guiseley’s next pre-season test comes against Bradford City on Saturday 13th July at 3pm.

Guiseley AFC 0-7 Huddersfield Town | Saturday 6th July 2024 | Nethermoor

Attendance: 784

First Half Team: 1. Trialist A, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Reece Kendall, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Trialist B, 6. Jake Lawlor (C), 7. Jordan Thewlis, 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Jake Wright, 10. Trialist C and 11. Trialist D.

Second Half Team: 1. Trialist A, 12. Kyle Burrows, 14. Trialist E, 15. Lebrun Mbeka, 16. Jameel Ible (C), 17. Foley Nkem, 18. Ollie Brown, 19. Will Longbottom, 20. Oliwier Grzelak, 21. Trialist F and 22. John Lufudu.

Sub not used: 13. Harry Churnin-Ritchie (GK)

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