A goal in each half condemned the Lions to defeat away in the north east at Morpeth Town’s Craik Park, writes Joe Priestley.

The game got off to the worst possible start for the Lions when a wicked deflection on Luke James’ strike deceived Joe Cracknell to give the hosts the lead after only three minutes.

The Lions remained on the back foot for the next ten minutes as Morpeth pushed for a second, coming close on a number of occasions.

Guiseley themselves had several chances that fell to striker Harry Ibbotson but he was unable to convert and the Lions trailed at the break.

Just seven minutes into the second half, Morpeth doubled their advantage through Nic Bollado from close range, as the home side took control of the game. Bollado almost added a third just a few minutes later.

The Lions struggled to create in part because of Morpeth Goalkeeper Dan Langley who dominated aerially and collected every cross that went across his box, and the Morpeth backline held firm to prevent anything through the middle.

Jack Emmett, George Sebine, Lewis Whitham and Jordan Thewlis all had chances but Langley remained relatively untested thanks to several blocks from the back line in front of him.

Ultimately, it was a frustrating evening on the road for Guiseley and they will be looking to improve ahead of Saturday’s fixture against Lancaster.

It brought to an end a Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division record equalling 17 match unbeaten run with Mark Bower’s men failing to score for the first time in a league game since August.

Morpeth Town 2-0 Guiseley AFC | Tuesday 28th January 2025 | Craik Park

Attendance: 305

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Sam Bentley (46′ Whitham), 6. Ollie Brown, 7. John Lufudu, 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Harry Ibbitson (69′ Thewlis), 10. Gabriel Johnson and 11. Jack Emmett (85′ Sebine).

Subs: 12. Max Dickinson, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Jordan Thewlis, 15. George Sebine and 16. Lewis Whitham.