Guiseley concluded their pre-season campaign with a spirited 1-3 victory at North Ferriby United, writes David Bridson.
The Pitching In Northern Premier League East Division side opened the scoring in the 37th minute but the Lions equalised mere moments later before adding to their tally in the second half.
The away side created early chances as Will Longbottom nearly cheekily flicked in an opener in the third minute prior to Joe Ackroyd firing straight at home ‘keeper Ben Bottomley.
An impressive Guiseley trialist saw a strike well saved in the 15th minute before Jordan Thewlis hit just wide five minutes later.
Ferriby created their first effort on goal in the 27th minute as Sam Aynsley was an eyelash away from getting his head on the end of a dangerous cross.
Just three minutes later referee Luke Tomkins waved away Guiseley penalty claims as a quick Ackroyd free-kick saw Thewlis allegedly brought down in the box.
When Thewlis belted an effort straight at Bottomley in the 36th minute the rebound fell to Longbottom but his attempt slipped agonisingly wide of the post.
But it was the Hull based side who took the lead against the run of play when Aynsley netted after the ball pinged round the penalty area.
Longbottom’s leveller just seconds afterwards was a thing of beauty – the tricky striker beautifully curling a strike into the bottom left corner.
It was early in the second half that Ferriby succumbed to more Lions pressure with their scorer finding his own net following a decent Longbottom cross.
The effective Longbottom also headed just wide in the 51st minute as Guiseley sought to widen their advantage.
Ferriby, however, forced Jake Lawlor to stoop low to head an attack clear in the 55th minute. Only five minutes later Guiseley goalkeeper Joe Cracknell splendidly tipped Tom Corner’s attempt over the bar.
Home substitute Danny Clarke shot straight at Cracknell in the 63rd minute before Jameel Ible’s defensive slip nearly let the opposition in 20 minutes from time.
But in the 74th minute Guiseley extended their lead when substitute Gabriel Johnson shielded the ball to the majestic trialist who hit a handsome shot into the bottom right corner.
The Lions nearly found four goals but John Lufudu’s attempt whistled over the bar in the 82nd minute. The same player headed just over five minutes from time.
Guiseley’s win followed a 0-4 loss to Barnsley on Tuesday evening but also came after friendly successes against Bradford City, Avro and Leeds United Under 21s.
The Lions begin their 2024/25 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division season with the 3pm visit of Workington on Saturday 10th August.
North Ferriby 1-3 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 3rd August 2024 | Dransfield Stadium
Attendance: TBC
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Trialist A, 3. Lucas Odunston, 4. Lebrun Mbeka, 5. Jameel Ible (C), 6. Jake Lawlor (77′ Burrows), 7. Reece Kendall (89′ Nkem), 8. Prince Ekpolo (73′ Walters), 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Will Longbottom and 11. Joe Ackroyd.
Subs: 12. Adriano Moke, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. John Lufudu, 16. Gabriel Johnson, 17. Jack Mason, 18. Foley Nkem, 19. Oliwier Grzelak, 20. Sam Walters and 21 Miguel Valsau.
