The Lions narrowly lost 1-0 to Hebburn Town in a game which was delayed by nearly an hour after a technical issue with the floodlights, writes Adam Bridson.
Michael Turner’s header with the final touch of the first half wrapped up the Hornets ninth successive win to propel them within a point of leaders Hednesford.
Ian Richards’ Lions recorded back to back defeats without registering a goal to remain three points clear of the dreaded drop zone.
It was the hosts who nearly made a perfect start in the opening 60 seconds, Ethan Wood’s header crashed off the post with Joe Cracknell beaten.
Amir Berchil was causing full backs Aiden Heywood and Turner problems but his deliveries were well cleared by their defensive partners.
With 10 minutes left of the first half Robert Briggs tested Cracknell with a free kick on the right corner of the box but the keeper didn’t have to move to save the effort.
The Lions countered and won successive corners, Lebrun Mbeka found Lions debutant Elliot Owen from the first, his pass fed Jordan Thewlis but his shot was blocked. For the second Harrison Hopper’s delivery picked out Mbeka in the middle but he could only head over.
Kian Foreman, who was a threat all afternoon for the hosts, delivered a drilled cross into the box which just needed a touch from an attacker in yellow and black. There was no touch and the ball flashed across the face of goal.
Deep in first half injury time Hebburn got their breakthrough, a cross found Turner at the back post and he powered the ball into the net.
The second half had few clear cut openings with both sides failing to test the respective keepers until injury time.
With 10 minutes left Liam Murray should have doubled his side’s lead but he curled the ball wide of the net from the edge of the box.
With the Lions chasing an equaliser Ollie Brown shot from 20 yards out but his effort sailed over and landed on the balcony of the house behind.
As the clock ticked over into the 90th minute Berchil appeared to have been fouled in the box, but the referee wasn’t convinced despite strong appeals from the Lions.
With seconds remaining Thewlis forced Dan Cameron into his first save. The number nine swivelled in the box and looked to have scored but the Hebburn stopper palmed the ball wide.
On a freezing cold Hebburn afternoon Richards was left concerned by losing Will Longbottom, Jack Emmett and John Lufudu to injuries ahead of the festive period but he was boosted by the return of Jake Lawlor.
Next up for the Lions is the Boxing Day clash with Gainsborough Trinity at Nethermoor in a 3pm kick-off.
Hebburn Town-0 Guiseley | Saturday 20th December 2025 | Hebburn Sports Ground
Attendance: 360
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Connor Ferguson, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Jack Emmett (41′ Moore), 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Will Longbottom (31′ Lufudu) (49′ Silva) and 11. Amir Berchil.
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 14. John Lufudu, 15. Bobby Moore and 16. Joao Silva.
