Guiseley ended their three-match losing run after a battling 1-1 draw with play-off hopefuls Ilkeston Town, writes Edward Robertson.
Mark Bower was glad to be shot of the streak, but was aware his side could have won a valuable three points. “Overall, a draw was probably a fair result. In terms of chances created, we could have won the game. It was a good battle, not really a good game as a spectacle, but a good battle between two decent sides.”
The match began as it meant to go on. The first twenty minutes were uneventful as possession was handed to and fro, with neither side able to string together a cohesive move.
Guiseley had a huge opportunity to take the lead on the half hour mark. Tidy interplay between Liam Ridehalgh and Lewis Whitham on the left flank gave Ridehalgh space. The left back’s curling cross found the head of Harry Ibbitson. The loanee’s flying header agonisingly shaved the post and bounced clear.
Five minutes later, the deadlock was broken. Ilkeston’s incisive short corner picked out Colin Daniel on the edge of the box. His effort was drilled into the bottom corner to give the visitors the lead.
The Robins’ joy wouldn’t last long. Two minutes later, the Lions were on the attack. Whitham’s shot on the edge of the area was deflected by the hand of Tom Marshall. The referee conclusively flung his finger at the penalty spot, much to the satisfaction of the home fans and players alike. Jordan Thewlis stepped up to take the spot kick and confidently tore the ball down the middle.
The game was played on a knife edge in the second half. Both teams attacked tentatively, wary of the other’s counter attacking capabilities.
With an hour gone, a chance fell Ilkeston’s way. Jamie Walker’s inviting ball across the face of goal skimmed the outstretched feet of the oncoming Robin’s attacker.
It was then Guiseley’s turn to attack. Substitute Jamie Spencer’s clever short free kick found Whitham. The forward’s powerful shot rebounded off Matthew Yates at the near post, and out of play.
The Lions then turned the screw. Another Spencer set piece came in the form of a corner five minutes later. His ball picked out the leaping frame of Lebrun Mbeka. The defender’s header grazed the upright.
With time ticking away, the Lions had one final chance. Jameel Ible’s thunderous header was collected by Thewlis at the edge of the box however the striker’s shot was saved coolly by Yates.
The result means that the Lions second placed position relies on the slender margin of goal difference, while third placed Ashton United have a game in hand.
However, the losing run had been put to an end, and Bower concluded that Guiseley will travel to Leek Town next Saturday determined to get back to winning ways. “We’ll have a good training week this week, work on a couple of bits from today, and be fresher for Leek. They’re a good team. They had a sticky start but are coming good now so we’ll have to be on top of our game.”
Guiseley AFC 1-1 Ilkeston Town | Saturday 15th February 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 664
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Jordan Thewlis, 8. Adriano Moke (57′ Emmett), 9. Harry Ibbitson (74′ Johnson), 10. Joe Ackroyd (57′ Spencer) and 11. Lewis Whitham.
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 14. Jamie Spencer, 15. Ollie Brown, 16. Gabriel Johnson and 17. Jack Emmett.
