Guiseley’s FA Cup adventure was abruptly halted by a stunning stoppage time winner at National League North table toppers South Shields, writes David Bridson.
Cain Sykes’ 93rd minute thumping edge of the box strike secured Shields’ place in the Third Round Qualifying with a 2-1 victory.
Jack Emmett’s clever back flick via Will Longbottom’s pinpoint corner midway through the first half gave the Lions the lead against the run of play.
Home substitute Cedwyn Scott, the home side’s joint top scorer, slotted home in the 71st minute after Joe Cracknell parried Paul Blackett’s pacey shot into his path.
Jay Buchan’s straight red card for a tackle on William Jenkins came eight minutes later.
The home side forced Guiseley to defend resolutely as they enjoyed plenty of possession throughout the game.
Their first clear-cut chance came when an unmarked Jenkins blasted wide with a scissor-esque attempt in the 11th minute.
Just two minutes later a ball to Daniel Ward, who was a menace on the right wing, split the Guiseley defence. An unmarked Blackett hit home from his cross but was ruled offside.
Connor Ferguson did well to stop Ward mounting another Shields attack in the 17th minute.
Moments later Jake Lawlor’s short backpass nearly let Jenkins in.
John Lufudu’s cross was blocked as Guiseley made their first foray into the opposition box shortly after.
Emmett’s silky finish in the 25th minute left the home side shocked.
A superb Cracknell save from a fierce Sykes attempt prevented a sure-fire equaliser in the 38th minute.
Blackett shot straight at Cracknell in the 39th minute following penalty box head tennis as Guiseley endured relentless home pressure.
A fabulous Longbottom block followed by a calm Ollie Brown headed clearance a minute before half-time kept South Shields at bay.
A sprawling sliding block by the resilient Brown broke up a Shields attack early in the second half.
The dangerous Emmett won a free kick in the 53rd minute but Lions attackers failed to latch onto Buchan’s neat ball.
David Carson’s shot was well blocked by the strong visiting defence in the 59th minute.
Blackett’s header from a decent Jenkins cross dropped just wide on the hour mark as Shields sought an equaliser.
The threatening Jenkins dragged an opportunity wide in the 64th minute.
Cracknell splendidly scooped the ball over his bar after Robbie Tinkler’s 66th minute effort took a wicked deflection.
Caden Kelly struck straight at Cracknell two minutes later as the home side’s search for a leveller wore on.
But their reward came through Scott who was in the right place at the right time to neatly place Cracknell’s parried save into an empty net.
Shields nearly went ahead just a minute later as Jenkins shot from Kelly’s cross slipped wide.
Buchan’s dismissal gave the leaders of the league above even more impetus to secure victory.
Jenkins’ vicious shot flew over the bar in the 82nd minute.
Blackett’s header seemed destined for the top corner seven minutes later but Cracknell denied him with a scintillating full-stretch stop.
Guiseley finally succumbed to the home side’s persistant push for a winner as Sykes hit an early goal-of-the-season contender.
The Lions exit the competition but gave a great account of themselves against tough opposition in this narrow defeat.
Guiseley return to league action as they travel to Stockton Town on Tuesday 16th September with a 7.45pm kick off.
Morpeth Town visit Nethermoor in another Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division game on Saturday 20th September.
South Shields 2-1 Guiseley | Saturday 13th September 2025 | 1st Cloud Arena
Attendance: 1,016
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2.Ollie Brown, 20. Connor Ferguson, 4. Jay Buchan, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu (75′ Odunston), 8. Harrison Hopper (35′ Spencer), 9. Jordan Thewlis (68′ Bowen), 10. Jack Emmett (86′ Silva) and 11. Will Longbottom (90′ Berchil).
Subs: 12. Lucas Odunston, 14. Jamie Spencer, 15. Sam Bentley, 16. Taylor Bowen, 17. Tom Senior, 18. Joao Silva and 19. Amir Berchil.
