Darryn Stamp’s brace saw the Lions come from behind at Skinner Lane to clinch a through to a semi-final spot away at AFC Halifax Town who won 3-2 at Harrogate Railway this evening.

As expected Manager Steve Kittrick made several changes ahead of Saturday’s FA Trophy tie at Eastbourne and gave several of the squad players a run out and although they had 95% of the first half possession Guiseley were unable to find a way through the massed Ponte defence as the home team got nine men behind the ball every time the Lions had possession.

Collieries had one meaningful attempt on goal and it proved decisive  when Carl Martens made a hash of a clearance and his defensive colleagues were unable to clear the ball it fell to Luke Forgione, who seeing Martens off his line lobbed home a peach of a strike from 20 yards out.

Danny Ellis replaced Simon Ainge at halftime and the Lions continued to play the ball around searching for an opening. As the home side began to tire Liam Needham looped a header over from Jake McEnearney cross and James Walshaw flashed a low shot just the wrong side of the upright.

It seemed only a matter of time though before the visitors levelled and it came courtesy of Danny Boshell’s deep cross from the left which allowed Stamp to plant a header wide of Sam Dobbs.  Walshaw then set up a simple tap-in for the big striker after McEnearney had fed him down the channel. And despite a late flurry of substitutions that saw Ponte mount a couple of attacks that came to nought, the Lions eventually cruised through to the semi at the Shay on a date yet to be decided.

Team:

1. Carl Martens
2. Ryan Toulson
3. Jake McEnearney
4. Danny Boshell
5. James Cotterill
6. Simon Ainge (Ellis 45)
7. Gavin Rothery (Roberts)
8. Luke Sharry
9. Darryn Stamp 2
10. James Walshaw
11. Liam Needham (Spivack)

12. Joe Spivack
14. Danny Ellis
15. Grant Roberts
16. Dave Merris