Guiseley succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Worksop Town in the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division Play-Off Final, writes David Bridson.
Town took the lead on the brink of half time via a Jordan Burrow header before doubling their advantage through the same player ten minutes into the second half.
Will Longbottom halved Town’s lead with a trademark strike in the 74th minute to give The Lions hope but Town ultimately prevailed.
The first half was a tight affair with both teams developing chances but also not wanting to make a crucial error.
Liam Hughes’ header just wide was Worksop’s first decent chance in the sixth minute before Gabriel Johnson’s acrobatic effort was blocked in the ninth.
The game developed into a midfield battle prior to Prince Expolo slamming his outside-the-box shot over on the half hour mark.
Moments later Johnson’s deflected header was denied by the resolute home ‘keeper Tommy Taylor.
Ollie Brown’s shot was fiercely blocked in the 35th minute as Guiseley sought the advantage.
Eight minutes later the pacey Brown provided a decent cross for Longbottom but his header was off target.
In the opening minute of first half stoppage time Hughes headed well wide but Burrow made no mistake with his close range header just two minutes later.
Town’s crucial lead gave the home side added confidence with Jameel Ible superbly blocking former Lion Regan Hutchinson’s attempt in the 50th minute.
Joe Cracknell’s superb streched save unluckily fell to Burrow who pounced to head his team two in front five minutes later.
Guiseley sent on the creative Lewis Whitham a minute later as they chased the game.
Jack Emmett came on in the 63rd minute to add attacking prowess as the visitors looked for a way back in.
Jake Lawlor headed wide in the 67th minute before Whitham’s fiery effort was palmed away well by Taylor.
Longbottom’s strike into the bottom right corner from Whitham’s pass halved the deficit and put Town on the back foot for the remainder of the game.
Guiseley attacked the opposition as they looked to level but could not find a way past a determined home defence.
Whitham’s 88th minute strike was forced out for a corner by Taylor before Longbottom curled over the bar in the first minute of added time.
Liam Ridehalgh’s blocked shot deep into stoppage time proved to be Guiseley’s last chance at staying in the tie and moving up a division.
The Lions will begin their 2025/26 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign in August.
Worksop Town 2-1 Guiseley AFC | Monday 5th May 2025 | Windsor Foodservice Stadium
Attendance: 2,032
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown (86′ Odunston), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Jameel Ible (C) (63′ Emmett), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Jamie Spencer (55′ Whitham), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Gabriel Johnson, 10. Prince Ekpolo and 11. Will Longbottom.
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 13. Jack Dallimore (GK), 14. Jack Emmett, 15. Joe Ackroyd and 16. Lewis Whitham.
