A blustery opening day in Warwickshire saw the Lions continue last season’s fine run of League form, courtesy of a long-range Danny Forrest strike early in the second half.
Following the injuries to Danny Hall and Danny Lowe, latest acquisition Alex McQuade lined up at left back for Guiseley, while Ben Parker was paired with the returning Danny Ellis in central defence. Oli Johnson was preferred on the right wing to motorway breakdown victim Wayne Brooksby, who joined new signings Ryan Toulson, Jack Stockdill and Nicky Boshell on the bench.
Guiseley lined up facing a strong breeze, and Leamington showed first when Steven Drench did well get in the way of an effort from the Lions’ old adversary Stefan Moore. At the other end, Oli Johnson came close to giving the visitors the lead when he brought the best out of home keeper Neil Collett.
It proved an end-to-end first half, both keepers earning their corn. Drench was having some difficulty with the swirling ball – and a couple of hefty challenges – but his shot-stopping was up to his usual standard. However, he was grateful to Ellis on the half-hour when the defender smuggled the ball off the line following a corner.
As half-time approached, a Jake Lawlor shot from distance tested Collett again, but the scoreline remained blank at the interval despite no shortage of entertainment or goalmouth incident.
With the wind at their backs Guiseley were quickly out of the blocks, and Adam Boyes pulled a shot narrowly wide. Then, after 57 minutes, Danny Forrest unleashed one of his long-range specials and it arrowed past the unsighted Collett and into the left-hand corner to give the visitors the lead.
Leamington responded by bringing on Richard Batchelor for Lee Chilton and although Danny Boshell, set up by Boyes, had a chance to double the advantage, it seemed to move the home side up a gear as the Lions found themselves under pressure. One incident in particular, when following a corner the ball struck Gavin Rothery on the arm, had the home fans howling for a penalty.
Further substitutions followed, the Brakes introducing Lee Moore for Aron Wint and Guiseley replacing Oli Johnson’s silky skills with Nicky Boshell’s more dour qualities. Leamington continued to press forward, but with Drench in ‘sweeper keeper’ mode their efforts came to nothing. In the final minutes Lee Moore had a sharp chance to rescue a point for the home side, but the Guiseley goal held out for what could be three invaluable points.
Guiseley Team:
1. Steven Drench
2. Andy Holdsworth (C)
3. Alex McQuade
4. Ben Parker
5. Danny Ellis
6. Jake Lawlor
7. Oli Johnson (Sub Nicky Boshell)
8. Danny Boshell
9. Adam Boyes
10. Danny Forrest (Goal, 57)
11. Gavin Rothery
Subs: 12. Ryan Toulson
14. Wayne Brooksby
15. Jack Stockdill
16. Nicky Boshell
18. Steve Dickinson