Guiseley’s 2-0 victory over Workington saw them top the Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division as the 2024/25 campaign got underway, writes David Bridson.
A sublime first-half Will Longbottom free kick was followed by a fierce John Lufudu finish with 15 minutes to spare to give the home side all three points.
Longbottom was denied by the offside flag in the seventh minute after latching on the end of a pinpoint Reece Kendall cross.
The visitors reacted to the warning quickly as a Jamie Allen effort was blocked shortly before David Symington’s strike fell an eyelash wide.
Lufudu’s ball into the box somehow evaded three Guiseley players in the 17th minute as the Lions looked to make their home advantage count.
Both sides engaged in a midfield battle with each team cancelling each other out via defensive clearances.
But when Jordan Thewlis was fouled on the edge of the penalty area Longbottom curled a stunning strike into the top left corner to give the Lions a 42nd minute lead.
Guiseley nearly doubled that just moments before the half-time whistle when Lufudu’s effort was parried away by visiting goalkeeper Alex Mitchell.
The Lions began the second half brightly with Jameel Ible’s header from Longbottom’s cross only inches wide of the right-hand post.
Jake Lawlor reacted well to prevent Allen breaking through the home defence as the Cumbrian outfit sought an equaliser.
Mitchell palmed away Thewlis’ attempt mid-way through the half as Guiseley tried to secure victory against an always threatening Workington side.
Jordan Little’s header slipped just shy of the net in the 74th minute before Symington steered his effort across goal.
But the outstanding Lufudu fired home in the 76th minute to secure the first league win of Mark Bower’s reign.
An 80th minute burglar alarm which rang the ears of both sides after a ball hit a compound roof at the Railway End was not enough to prevent victory and a clean sheet.
The Lions are next in action at Stockton Town on Wednesday evening with a 7:45pm kick-off.
Guiseley AFC 2-0 Workington AFC | Saturday 10th August 2024 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 590
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Reece Kendall, 4. Jameel Ible (C), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu (90′ Brown), 8. Prince Ekpolo (88′ Emmett), 9. Jordan Thewlis (90′ Walters), 10. Joe Ackroyd (75′ Moke) and 11. Will Longbottom (78′ Johnson).
Subs: 12. Sam Walters, 14. Ollie Brown, 15. Adriano Moke, 16. Gabriel Johnson and 17. Jack Emmett.
