Guiseley continued their stellar run of form with a routine 3-1 victory over Whitby Town at Nethermoor Park, writes Edward Robertson.
A combination of facing both in-form visitors and Storm Darragh, tested Guiseley’s resilience. However, Mark Bower was pleased by how his side stood up to the challenge. “Really tough game in terms of trying to play decent football so it was a game of moments, trying to get the ball in the final third as effectively as you could and trying to make things happen.”
Will Longbottom had an early chance to score six minutes in, as John Lufudu’s cross picked out the forward. However, he could only flash the ball across the face of goal.
Ten minutes later, the hosts broke the deadlock. Adriano Moke’s accurate corner was deftly headed home by former Whitby player Jameel Ible.
With the game twenty four minutes old, Guiseley doubled their lead. A perfectly weighted ball from Jack Emmett released Longbottom, whose curling finish rippled the top corner.
The game sparked into life six minutes later when the Seasiders grabbed a vital goal back. Adam Gell’s battling run saw the midfielder into the penalty box. The Lions failed to clear their lines presenting Gell with the opportunity to prod the ball home into the bottom corner.
The second half started brightly for the visitors. A Whitby corner had to be tipped over the bar by Joe Cracknell’s reassuring glove.
As the game creeped towards the hour mark, another chance passed the Seasiders by. Connor Simpson’s powerful run and shot was palmed away by Cracknell.
However, the Lions regained their two goal lead ten minutes later. Substitute Jordan Thewlis pounced to steal the ball in midfield and launch a counter attack. He squared it expertly to Prince Ekpolo, who then picked out Longbottom. The in-form forward sliced home from a tight angle.
Yet Whitby continued to test Guiseley. An accurate ball from Layton Watts was headed over the bar by frontman Campbell Darcy.
The Lions substitutions responded strongly to Whitby’s test. Lewis Whitham, who continues to strengthen following his long lay off, caused problems for the visitors after being introduced from the bench. His accurate ball landed at the feet of Longbottom, however he couldn’t prise it past the cluster of blue shirts.
It was an impressive three points for the Lions in torrid conditions. The win reinforces Guiseley’s second place berth as they continue to gain pace in their promotion push.
Bower was pleased his team was able to get a result from a tough game. “A really good win, Whitby have been on a good run won a couple of games, so always knew it would be difficult but we were well worthy of three points.”
Guiseley AFC 3-1 Whitby Town | Saturday 7th December 2024 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 593
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Jameel Ible (C), 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu (64′ Whitham), 8. Adriano Moke (76′ Ridehalgh), 9. Joe Ackroyd (64′ Thewlis), 10. Jack Emmett (58′ Johnson) and 11. Will Longbottom (90′ Bentley).
Subs: 12. Liam Ridehalgh, 14. Jordan Thewlis, 15. Sam Bentley, 16. Lewis Whitham and 17. Gabriel Johnson.
