Guiseley triumphed in spectacular style at play-off rivals Worksop Town, writes David Bridson. The Lions netted four goals in a fantastic advert for non-league football.
John Lufudu opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a run resembling a Usain Bolt sprint. The defender darted past the Town back-line and coolly slotted home following a neat Ollie Brown pass.
The determined hosts equalised in the 36th minute via a stunning Joe Leesley free-kick. Leesley clinically buried the ball in the bottom right corner past a despairing Joe Cracknell.
With both sides creating chances in an end-to-end contest it was fair the game was level at half-time. But just three minutes into the second half Jameel Ible placed a smart header past home ‘keeper Tommy Taylor.
Lebrun Mbeka’s 72nd minute effort slipped underneath Taylor to give the away side a crucial two goal advantage.
The rout was complete five minutes from time when substitute Lewis Whitham curled in a sweet shot.
The game began frentically with both sides eager to assert their authority. An early Lufudu cross only just evaded Harry Ibbitson while Adriano Moke’s cross was cleverly headed wide by Luke Shiels in the tenth minute.
Liam Hughes headed over for the home side in the 16th minute before they found themselves behind just three minutes later thanks to Lufudu’s dazzling run.
Hughes’ header skimmed the bar in the 24th minute before former Lion Aaron Martin fired the rebound wide as Worksop pushed for a leveller.
A deflection took Josh Wilde’s effort over two minutes later. Guiseley were forced to absorb constant Town pressure before Adriano Moke’s shot was superbly blocked by Shiels’ acrobatic header.
The visitors were unable to prevent Leesley’s pinpoint free kick equaliser which came despite Ibbitson seemingly being pulled back on the edge of the opposition box only moments earlier.
Guiseley stormed out of the tunnel to take the lead through Ible’s header and went on to take all three points in fabulous fashion despite mounting Town pressure.
Hall’s shot was well blocked by Mbeka in the 53rd minute while Jordan Burrows fired over three minutes later.
Ibbitson’s attempt trickled past the post in the 61st minute as the Lions looked to build on their slender lead.
The same striker should have scored with a free header in the 65th minute but Mbeka’s strike seven minutes later gave Worksop a mountain to climb.
A sizzling sliding tackle by Prince Ekpolo prevented a Town attack in the 76th minute but Guiseley secured all three points through Whitham in the 85th minute.
The victory keeps Guiseley in second place. They trail Maccesfield by 16 points but have two games in hand on the league leaders.
Guiseley travel to Morpeth for more league action on Tuesday 28th January with a 7.45pm kick-off ahead of a home clash with Lancaster City on Saturday 1st February at 3pm.
Worksop Town 1-4 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 25th January 2025 | Windsor Foodservice Stadium
Attendance: 838
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Ollie Brown, 7. John Lufudu (88′ Ackroyd), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Harry Ibbitson (70′ Whitham), 10. Gabriel Johnson and 11. Jack Emmett (89′ Bentley).
Subs: 12. Sam Bentley, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Jordan Thewlis, 15. Joe Ackroyd and 16. Lewis Whitham.
Video and images from the game including all of the goals except our first one
