The Lions extended their run of consecutive league defeats as Liversedge ended their home hoodoo at the Clayborn Stadium thanks to a brace from Joe Walton, writes Edward Robertson.
Danny Forrest was frustrated with his side’s performance. “We have to start showing some character and be more ruthless”, the interim manager said after the match. “We’ve found that at times this season. I think that’s what it came down to in both boxes.”
The Lions boss recognised that there had been off-field distractions but felt that it was now time to focus on the football. “Obviously it’s been a tough week for everyone, but once you’re out there on the pitch your mentality changes. We have to be professional and we can’t let these things linger.”
It was the home side who started the match on the front foot. It was the impressive Walton who gave Guiseley an early scare after 10 minutes after he latched onto a looping through-ball only to be denied by quick reactions from Guiseley goalkeeper Kyle Trenerry.
As the Lions grew into the game, Joe Ackroyd produced a low cross that found it’s way through to Lewis Whitham via the head of Jake Cassidy. However, Whitham’s effort was stopped by the stretching arms of goalkeeper Jordan Porter.
Liversedge broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after a long range freekick was floated towards target-man Walton who used his strength to win the ball on the edge of the area. The striker reacted smartly by producing an improbably powerful shot that flew over the head of Trenerry and under the crossbar, rippling the net, and sending the home crowd into jubilation.
However, the lead only lasted fifteen minutes. The Lions levelled after a cross by Kwame Boateng was coolly collected by Guiseley frontman Cassidy, who cut inside and produced a powerful shot that nestled in the bottom corner.
After a tense first half the Lions returned from the break rejuvenated and set about their task positively.
Guiseley should have taken the lead just after half-time. Nicky Walker took the initiative and dribbled into the box before laying the ball into the path of Cassidy who was well placed on the edge of the six yard area. However, his shot was cleared off the line by a defender.
Joe Ackroyd then instigated a fine move down the right-hand side that involved both Walker and Mohammad Qasim. After making a clever run into the penalty area, Ackroyd latched onto a return pass from Qasim but could only fire the ball just over the crossbar.
The Lions were once again left to rue their chances on the 67th minute. This time it was Whitham’s turn to feel frustrated after leading an incisive counter-attack only for Porter to produce an acrobatic save to deny his long range shot.
Guiseley were undone on the 71st minute as Liversedge reclaimed their lead. A curling corner kick from youngster Bobby Pointon found Walton, who had wriggled free of his marker, to nod home from the edge of the six yard box.
The Lions struggled to respond. The home side maintained a solid shape that prevented Guiseley crafting any clear-cut chances. It was Liversedge that could have made it three in the dying moments of the match after Luke Aldridge found himself free in the area with only Trenerry to beat. However, he could only knock the ball past the upright.
The full-time whistle marked the end of a difficult match at the end of an even more difficult week for Guiseley.
Liversedge 2-1 Guiseley | Saturday 26th November 2022 | Clayborn Stadium
Attendance: 522
Subs: 12. Adam Haw, 14. Andy Kellett, 15. Keegan Hartley, 16. George Smith and 17. Angus Chapman.
