Fleetwood Town U23s ended the Lions’ pre-season in defeat with a single goal just before the half-time break from Donnie O’Boyle, writes Adam Bridson.
On a fine sunny Nethermoor afternoon Mark Bower’s men finished the friendlies without a win with four defeats and two draws across the prepation games for the 2025/26 campaign.
Jordan Thewlis had looked to have broken the deadlock just five minutes into the game when he got on the end of a neat through ball and slotted past Luke Hewitson with ease but the assistant referee had his flag up for offside and the goal was ruled out.
The home side continued to threaten and Lebrun Mbeka’s header was deflected over on its way in, the visiting defender knew little about the block but he had played a big hand in preserving his side’s clean sheet.
The sharp Thewlis went on a mazy run from the right wing leaving three defender’s in his wake but shot straight at Hewitson who was keeping his side in the game.
Thewlis had another chance not long after but again couldn’t get it past the impressive stopper.
Two minute before half-time the visitors struck, O’Boyle getting on the end of a drilled cross just in front of Joe Cracknell to slot into the bottom corner.
This brought the academy side to life and they nearly doubled their lead in first half injury time, from a set piece Owen Devonport’s curled shot drifted just wide of the top corner.
The second half brought with it the usual high volume of substitutions seen in friendlies but there were still opportunities for the home side.
Trialist B stung the palms of Hewitson with a powerful drive from 25 yards out but the keeper dealt well with the shot.
Substitute Sam Bentley did have the ball in the net midway through the second half but once again the assistant referee had spotted an infringement and the precise strike was ruled out for offside.
Late on in the game there was a moment of excitement for the 204 in attendance when Trialist D was introduced, it was the central midfielder’s first appearance at Nethermoor since he appeared in the John Bridson Tribute Match in 2024.
The Lions start the 2025/26 Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division campaign on the road at Bamber Bridge on Saturday 9th August in a 3pm kick-off.
Guiseley 0-1 Fleetwood Town U23s | Saturday 2nd August 2025 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 204
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2.Ollie Brown, 3. Trialist A, 4. Jamie Spencer (83′ Trialist D), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor, 7. Joao Silva, 8. Trialist B, 9. Taylor Bowen (62′ Trialist C), 10. Jordan Thewlis (71′ Bentley) and 11. Amir Berchil.
Subs: 12. Sam Bentley, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Trialist C and 15. Trialist D.
