Guiseley’s 2025/26 campaign began in less than ideal fashion as the Lions fell to a 2-0 defeat at Bamber Bridge, writes Edward Robertson.
Manager Mark Bower was disappointed the Guiseley could not capitalise on a strong start to the game.
“To be fair, I think we had a decent enough start to the game, we had a couple of big chances, but we just lacked that killer instinct. The game ebbed and flowed a bit, but they came out better in the second half.”
The Lions started brightly at the Sir Tom Finney Stadium. Debutant Connor Ferguson’s looping cross was latched onto by Jordan Thewlis. However, the striker’s powerful shot shaved the crossbar from close range.
Another chance passed the visitors by with the contest less than half an hour old. A short corner picked out another debutant, Amir Berchil. His accurate ball came agonisingly close to meeting the stretched foot of Lebrun Mbeka, before skimming past the defender and out for a goal kick.
Moments later, an assertive Bamber Bridge side began to pepper the Lions’ penalty box. Jack Baxter’s incisive run opened up space for him to fire towards goal, but his shot arrowed wide.
Brig threatened again two minutes later when a cross found the thrusting head of Michael Potts. His effort was acrobatically saved by Joe Cracknell.
The second half quickly arrived after an eventful, closely contested first forty five minutes, and the hosts turned the screw.
Potts’ chipped ball into the penalty box was met by the outstrectched leg of Ewan Bange. His overhead kick was impressively denied by the reaching palm of Cracknell. However, much to the visitor’s dismay, Chris Churchman sharply turned in the rebound to give Bamber Bridge a narrow lead.
Guiseley struggled to respond as the home side continued to trouble the Lions’ defence. Churchman’s speculative effort flew over the bar as the clock struck the hour mark.
Things went from bad to worse for Guiseley as Brig doubled their lead five minutes later. Some neat interplay found Bange on the edge of the box. His powerful half volley steamed into the bottom right corner.
Former Lion Lewis Hey nearly made it three as the full time whistle approached. His free kick was saved once again by Cracknell.
The visitors nearly had a consolation with just under ten minutes remaining. John Lufudu’s accelerating run and subsequent cross picked out Taylor Bowen. Unfortunately, the debutant’s header was fired straight into the path of goalkeeper Aidan Dowling.
Guiseley next host Hebburn Town on Tuesday night at Nethermoor Park. Bower was keen to see an improved performance on home soil.
“On Tuesday night, we have to step up and show a stronger mentality, and put this one to bed.”
Bamber Bridge 2-0 Guiseley | Saturday 9th August 2025 | Sir Tom Finney Stadium
Attendance: 412
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2.Ollie Brown, 3. Connor Ferguson, 4. Harrison Hopper (80′ Buchan), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu, 8. Jamie Spencer (68′ Silva), 9. Jordan Thewlis (65′ Bowen), 10. Amir Berchil and 11. Will Longbottom (73′ Knight).
Subs: 12. Jay Buchan, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Lewis Knight, 15. Joao Silva and 16. Taylor Bowen.
