Will Longbottom’s second half stoppage time winner grabbed Guiseley all three points against Leek Town, writes David Bridson.
Longbottom tapped home following neat interlink play between John Lufudu and Jordan Thewlis.
Thewlis made a dazzling run and provided Longbottom with a sublime cross to nick victory at the death.
Guiseley began the game at relentless pace as Amir Berchil, once again a nuisance to the opposition, rattled the crossbar with a volley in the opening seconds.
Thewlis saw his cracking strike into the bottom left corner disallowed in the fifth minute.
The Lions’ leading goalscorer then had two quick shots well blocked by a resilient Blues defence.
Town grew into the game before George Goodman’s teasing 26th minute cross-come-shot was well held by visiting goalkeeper Dino Wisser.
Berchil put his body on the line prevent Liam Buckley’s 33rd minute strike.
A crafty passing exchange between Jack Emmett, Thewlis and Longbottom forced Wisser to save well from the latter a minute later.
Connor Heath’s header slipped agonisingly wide for the visitors in the 36th minute.
Lions shot stopper Joe Cracknell was at full stretch to palm away Adam Porter’s fierce 38th minute effort.
Berchil’s dangerous 40th minute cross was cleared by the strong away defence as both sides pressed to take the lead.
The same player’s shot was blocked with the goal seemingly at his mercy three minutes later.
Jack Emmett’s attempt flew straight into the hands of the grateful Wisser four minutes into the second half.
Connor Ferguson smashed his 52nd minute opportunity over as the Lions grew frustrated during this sometimes scrappy encounter.
Just two minutes later Longbottom fired wide when presented with arguably the best chance of the game so far.
The clever Thewlis played a defence-splitting 62nd minute ball through to Longbottom but the dynamic attacking midfielder was ruled offiside.
Away substitute Oliver Shenton saw his attempt well blocked by an equally bullish Guiseley backline with 20 minutes to spare.
With the match looking like it could swing either way Leek’s Ollie Heywood thumped over in the 78th minute.
Longbottom’s 90th minute tap-in was greeted with vociferous cheers from a delighted Guiseley faithful.
Heywood couldn’t find an equaliser as he shot high into the Railway End deep into added time.
The victory sees Guiseley climb up to 15th in the league table. The Lions are now five games unbeaten under Ian Richards’ leadership.
Debutant Calum Hudson, on loan from Scarborough, was awarded Sponsors Man of the Match following a sterling performance.
New signing Franklin Denison, who joins after training with Guiseley, was an unused substiutute.
Guiseley are next in league action away at Prescot Cables on Saturday 13th December with a 3pm kick-off.
Guiseley 1-0 Leek Town | Saturday 6th December 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 547
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Connor Ferguson, 4. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 5. George Goodman, 6. Calum Hudson, 7. Harrison Hopper, 8. Jack Emmett (80′ Silva), 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Will Longbottom and 11. Amir Berchil (65′ Lufudu).
Subs: 12. John Lufudu, 13. Spencer Booth (GK), 14. Joao Silva, 15. Franklin Denison and 16. Derren Boyle.
