Lions win from behind with ten

Adam Lockwood’s Lions pulled six points clear of the relegation zone with a battling performance at Torquay to come from behind and win 2-1 with ten men.

A long early break in play saw match referee Simon Barrow replaced by one of his assistants due to injury. Teenage Guiseley fan Josh Brayshaw, a qualified referee who is part of the West Riding County FA system, was drafted from the terraces to assist as Fourth Official on the touchline.

Conditions at Plainmoor were challenging, with a wet pitch and strong wind making it difficult for either side to settle into rhythm in the first half. The hosts suddenly took the lead in the 25th minute with a long range strike from captain Aman Verma. Further chances followed for Brett Williams, whose header rebounded off the crossbar, and Dan Sparkes, who forced a good save from Jonny Maxted.

Soon after the break, the challenge facing the Lions grew further as defender Jake Lawlor received his marching orders after picking up a harsh second yellow card.

Jake Cassidy drew the visitors level in the 64th minute as he improvised under a long ball before finishing at close range past Gulls keeper Brendan Moore.

Eleven minutes from time Guiseley completed their comeback as Will Hatfield deftly received a clearance from Maxted and rounded his marker before hooking the ball neatly past Moore.

The Lions defended resolutely and intelligently to see out the game and complete a remarkable victory.

Lineup: Maxted, Brown, Lawlor, Green, Williams, Walton, Hatfield, Rooney, Hurst, Preston, Cassidy.

Subs Used – Boyes (85, Cassidy), Vidal (90, Hatfield), Palmer (56, Lawlor)

Subs Unused – Rankine, Asamoah

Next Up:

3:00 pm
Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division

Prescot Cables vs Guiseley