This win over third-placed Chester Scholars saw Guiseley Academy move up to fifth place in the National League Under-19 Alliance, writes Rachel O’Connor.

Guiseley now have the same number of points as both Chester and fourth-placed Solihull Moors.

In this Under-19 league Guiseley’s squad is mainly 16 and 17 year-olds and they did well to keep Chester at bay, ‘keeper Callum Bradbury making some impressive stops but also directing things from the back with a good vocal presence.

Guiseley forced a couple of early corners but these came to nothing. At this stage Bradbury kept them in the game with a great one-handed save low down to his right with Kyle Burrows completing the clearance in a crowded penalty area.

Oliwier Grzelak made a great tackle in midfield to set up a move that proved unproductive in the end. Chester reminded Guiseley that they were still in the game with a deflected shot going just over the bar on 21 minutes to earn them a corner.

They had a further attempt on goal with an overhead kick but this posed no real threat.

Guiseley were a little wasteful with some of their play, in particular hardly ever maintaining possession from throw ins.

Too often they were caught in possession but to give them credit they held firm until the break with Chester firing wide when well placed and Bradbury making an excellent block at close quarters.

On the stroke of half-time Guiseley took the lead when Miguel Valsau turned inside, beat a man and unleashed a superb swerving shot that curled into the left side of the net beating the ‘keeper all ends up.

Early in the second-half Sam Walters produced an excellent tackle to halt a promising Chester move while at the other end Guiseley striker Danyaal Khan shot over the bar.

Guiseley just failed to convert two chances to increase their lead but Chester came more into the game and levelled after 72 minutes.

Guiseley hit back and Jack Mason made a break but his shot lacked power and was easily taken by the Chester ‘keeper.

In a bid to up the tempo Guiseley replaced Khan and Jake Kilbride with subs Tom Ingham and Will Sergejeus.

Shortly after, with just six minutes remaining, midfielder Grzelak sealed the win with a fine goal. Chester made one last ditch attempt to level the score but Guiseley remained calm to clear off the line.

Guiseley: Callum Bradbury; Kyle Burrows K’marni Miller, Sam Walters, Tanaka Maumbe, Ricardo Grey, Miguel Valsau, Oliwier Grzelak, Danyaal Khan (Tom Ingham 75), Jake Kilbride (Will Sergejeus 75), Jack Mason.