Taylor Bowen helped Guiseley hold a Leeds United XI to a draw in a lively encounter at Nethermoor, writes David Bridson.
Despite the visitors taking a third minute lead through Harvey Vincent who latched onto Joe Cracknell’s save from Freddie Lane’s curled effort Guiseley’s second half persistance led to Bowen’s leveller.
Bowen slotted home from close range after quickly latching onto a loose ball via Amir Berchil’s dazzling shot in the 53rd minute.
Trialist B blazed over two minutes after United scored before a sterling Harrison Hopper tackle prevented Leeds adding to their opener.
Lebrun Mbeka spurned the first of three headed opportunities in the 13th minute as a leaping save by Leeds ‘keeper Darryl Ombang stopped him equalising.
Louie Dudley shot just wide of the left hand post in the 21st minute as the pacey visitors looked to extend their advantage.
Joao Silva’s header was well caught by Ombang on the half hour mark.
Jamie Spencer was booked for a fierce challenge on a Leeds attacker six minutes later.
Mbeka’s second headed chance was palmed away by Ombang just prior to the half time whistle.
Jake Lawlor, John Lufudu and Berchil’s introductions in place of Spencer, Jordan Thewlis and Trialist B inspired Guiseley towards a scintillating second half performance.
Despite the persistant rain in contrast to the sizzling Golcar sun of last week Guiseley ironically turned the heat on Leeds.
Mbeka’s third header of the game was once more well saved by Ombang in the 49th minute before Bowen levelled four minutes later.
A fabulous interchange between Trialist B and half-time sub Silva led to a strike flying across goal from the latter in the 59th minute.
The visitors were on the backfoot but Sam Bentley made a great tackle to avert a Leeds attack in the 66th minute.
Lufudu’s teasing cross forced substitute ‘keeper Alex Baird into a diving save moments later.
Vincent charged down Guiseley’s left hand side before shooting over in the 74th minute.
The visitors press following intense Guiseley pressure was nearly rewarded as substitute Lewis Pirie was an eyelash away from poking home via fellow replacement Logan White’s cross in the 78th minute.
The crafty Berchil hit high and over from the edge of the box five minutes from time.
Silva then blazed over with just a minute of regulation time to go.
A frenetic stoppage time finish saw Trialist B’s ferocious shot blocked before Pirie’s effort proved too weak to trouble Cracknell.
Guiseley’s next friendly is at Bradford Park Avenue on Monday 21st July with a 7:30pm kick-off.
Guiseley Leeds United XI | Saturday 19th July 2025 | Nethermoor Park
Attendance: 975
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Sam Bentley, 3. Ollie Brown, 4. Jamie Spencer (46′ Lawlor), 5. Lebrun Mbeka (C) (76′ Spence), 8. Harrison Hopper (69′ Trialist C), 9. Jordan Thewlis (46′ Lufudu), 11. Trialist A (46′ Berchil), 14. Joao Silva, 15. Trialist B and 19. Taylor Bowen (76′ Trialist D).
Subs: 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. John Lufudu, 10. Amir Berchil, 12. Marley Spence, 13. Spencer Booth (GK), 16. Trialist C and 17. Trialist D.
