Guiseley got off to a strong start in their first game of the 2012-13 season, comfortably easing past a dogged Histon outfit.
With the visitors lacking the injured duo of James Walshaw and Chris Mason, striking responsibilities were handed to Josh Wilson, playing in front of Wayne Brooksby, Gavin Rothery and Nicky Boshell.
Both sides had their fair share of possession in the opening exchanges, the hosts forcing a number of corners and a good save from Steven Drench while Guiseley struggled to create too many clear-cut chances.
It was to be a 17-second period just before the stroke of half-time that would contain the most excitement for both sides. Dan Holman made the most of the space afforded to him to smash past Drench and put the home side 1-0 up, then in the blink of an eye the Lions were level.
Nicky Boshell, suffering from illness and having vomited before the game, meandered forward from the restart, saw the Histon ‘keeper off his line and proceeded to lob him neatly to restore parity.
The Lions returned with renewed vigour for the second half, having been told by boss Steve Kittrick to push forward and pose more of a threat, and inside five minutes had the lead. Nicky Boshell was again the man on the spot, taking close control of a loose ball in the box to prod home.
Many of the travelling contingent would have expected the Lions to push on and grab a third shortly after. but they were made to work hard by Histon. The Stutes’ wingers, along with Holman, continued to threaten, and it wasn’t until the 88th minute that the Lions could sit comfortably.
Substitute Danny Forrest curled a delightful effort past the Histon goalkeeper, and then Gavin Rothery opened his account for the season three minutes later with a similarly-enjoyable curled finish.
4-1 perhaps flattered Guiseley, but the three points were well deserved and it leaves the Lions in joint-first place.
Hear Steve’s views below.
Lions: Drench, Clarke, McWilliams, Holdsworth (Meynell), Ellis, Ainge, Brooksby (Dale), Danny Boshell, Wilson, Nicky Boshell (Forrest), Rothery.
Subs: Bower, Forrest, Meynell, Dale, Giles.
Star Man: Nicky Boshell.
