Late goal from Jack Emmett proved not enough to claim a point at the home to Lancaster City, writes Niall Turner.
“We were unlucky with the chances we created but our passing let us down, too many going out for a throw or going too far and being collected by the goalkeeper.” Mark Bower
The game began with an eye-catching intensity in the opening five minutes, leaving both sets of supporters exited for an end to end game.
The Lions made use of this high intensity to their advantage as Lewis Whitham was played into space allowing for a low driven shot that narrowly passed the post of Lancaster City keeper Aiden Dowling.
Chances followed as Liam Ridehalgh continued to find space down the left channel and an early cross fell to the feet of Gabriel Johnson who was unable to convert the chance.
The Lions missed opportunities proved to be decisive as Lancaster striker Lewis Mansell netted an opener following a rebound in the box.
With the score 1-0 to Lancaster City entering the latter minutes of the first half, Whitham had a strike cleared of the line denying an equaliser.
The opening minutes of the second half highlighted a need for more intensity from the Lions, with substitutions made early in the second period hoping to be enough to draw the scores level.
As the game went on, Guiseley’s defence continued to be tested with balls into the box and over the top of the defensive line. Yet, a miskick in the Guiseley penalty area following a low cross left the ball at the feet of Mansell who netted his second.
The Lions responded well, combinations between Ollie Brown and Emmett on the right side of the pitch created chances for the home team.
A moment of great footwork from Emmett brought one back for Guiseley but it proved not to be enough, and the game ended in defeat for the Lions, ending their unbeaten run at Nethermoor.
In the game Lewis Whitham earned his first start of the season and since his injury layoff whilst Jamie Spencer was introduced late on from the bench for his third Guiseley debut.
Guiseley AFC 1-2 Lancaster City | Saturday 1st February 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 762
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo (87′ Lawlor), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jameel Ible (C), 7. John Lufudu (56′ Thewlis), 8. Adriano Moke (87′ Spencer), 9. Gabriel Johnson, 10. Jack Emmett and 11. Lewis Whitham.
Subs: 12. Sam Bentley, 14. Jordan Thewlis, 15. Joe Ackroyd, 16. Jake Lawlor and 17. Jamie Spencer.
