Guiseley were held by a resilient Stocksbridge Park Steels side as the Yorkshire rivals played out a 1-1 draw at Nethermoor Park, writes Edward Robertson.
Mark Bower was pleased his side worked their way back into the game against determined opposition. “We conceded a poor goal, and in fairness they gave us a few problems in open play. After that, we worked well and did okay, and I think we had more of the play at times.”
The game began in less than ideal fashion for the Lions as the visitors opened the scoring with the game less than a minute old. A ball from their own half released ex Guiseley man Oliwier Grzelak, who steered his looping effort over the head of Joe Cracknell and into the net.
A chance to double their lead followed for Stocksbridge. A sharp counter attack found Grzelak on the edge of the box. His effort shaved the far post.
The hosts struggled to respond, and as the first half edged on, looked doomed to go into half time behind.
However with half an hour gone, Lebrun Mbeka produced a leveller. Connor Ferguson’s sweeping cross from a free kick was latched onto by the head of the defender to bundle home.
The Lions raised their game. Lewis Knight and Jay Buchan’s ambitious efforts on goal were deflected and saved reflectively.
But it was Stocksbridge who came closest at the end of the first half. Jordan Barnett’s powerful effort was turned away acrobatically by Cracknell.
In the second half, the Steels showed their metal. A corner from Kurtis Turner was met by the head of Elliot Owen, fortunately Buchan produced an impressive goal line clearance to keep the contest level.
Minutes later, they challenged again. Grzelak tore towards the Lions’ net, but once again the shot was punched clear by Cracknell.
It was then the hosts’ turn to attack. Amir Berchil’s impressive shot across the face of goal was cautiously palmed away by Ben Townsend.
Substitute Jordan Thewlis also came close, as the experienced striker cut into the box and shaped for the shot, only for his effort to blaze over the bar.
Deep into stoppage time, Guiseley had one final, ultimately futile chance to take the lead. Ollie Brown’s searing run found Thewlis, whose header fell into the grateful hands of Townsend.
It was a close, competitive afternoon at Nethermoor, one in which both sides could acknowledge that the scoreline reflected the action. However, there was one victory for Lions’ fans, as they caught a glimpse of a new stand in the Railway End, the huge steel frame at the far end of the ground a welcome intrusion into the match at Nethermoor.
Bower’s men compete in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday, after a well-earned rest following a busy week and a difficult afternoon at home.
“Its always difficult to come from behind, and its important we did that. It was a tale of a hot, dry day, a very busy fixture list and a small squad today it was a difficult one. We’re just glad to get through these first couple of games, have a little breather, and bring back a few more players from injury.”
Guiseley 1-1 Stocksbridge Park Steels | Monday 25th August 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 733
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2.Ollie Brown, 3. Connor Ferguson, 4. Jay Buchan (67′ Emmett), 5. Lebrun Mbeka (32′ Spencer), 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu (80′ Bentley), 8. Harrison Hopper, 9. Lewis Knight (50′ Thewlis), 10. Amir Berchil and 11. Joao Silva (63′ Bowen).
Subs: 12. Sam Bentley, 14. Jack Emmett, 15. Jamie Spencer, 16. Taylor Bowen and 17. Jordan Thewlis.
