Guiseley now go to the Bucks Head next Sunday to face AFC Telford United in the BSN Play-Off Final for a place in Non-Leagues top tier. In an epic encounter it took extra time and penalties to separate these two well matched sides in what must go down as one of the Blue Square games of the season.
Leading 1-0 from the first leg the Lions welcomed back leading scorer James Walshaw and midfielder Danny Boshell who both missed the firs leg. The Pilgrims squared things on aggregate after just 10 minutes when a well practiced corner routine saw Shaun Pearson head home.
It took the visitors some time to settle and Ryan Toulson came to his sides rescue clearing off the line and Boston also hit the bar either side of the break just before on the stroke of half-time before Gavin Rothery converted Darryn Stamps knock down from Toulson’s cross on the hour, only for Anthony Church to restore parity on aggregate with 11 minutes remaining.
Simon Baldry and Gavin Rothery made way for Luke Sharry and the returning Liam Needham shortly after and the game went into extra time where Stamp restored the Lions advantage on 108 minutes, blasting home a superb volley from fifteen yards. Yet there was still more drama to come when Danny Davidson headed the Pilgrims back on level terms 5 minutes later to make it 3-2 on the day and force the lottery of penalties.
- Church converted Boston’s first and was matched by Walshaw 1-1.
- Steve Drench saved Sleath’s effort whilst Stamp did the business 1-2
- Drench again the hero saving from Jelliman whilst Boshell fired straight at Bastock 1-2
- Adam Boyes hit the upright whilst Toulson skimmed the top of the bar 1-2
- Dudfield gave the home side hope but although Warren Peyton scuffed his effort it was enough to put Guiseley through 3-2 on penalties.
Written off by many even before the season began, Steve Kittrick and Chris Holland have assembled a team that never knows when it’s beat and shows a character and fortitude that propels the club to even greater heights and continues to surpass the expectations of even the most optimistic supporters. No team has ever won the BSN play-offs that has not finished as runners up in the league since their inception.
Next Sunday might just be the opportunity to put the record straight..
Guiseley (4-4-2): Steven Drench; Ryan Toulson, Simon Ainge, Danny Ellis, Dave Merris; Simon Baldry (Luke Sharry 81), Warren Peyton, Danny Boshell, Gavin Rothery (Liam Needham 81); Darryn Stamp, James Walshaw. Subs (not used): Jez Fitzgerald, Joey Spivack, James Coates .
