Jordan Thewlis fired home a last-gasp penalty to send Guiseley into the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup at the expense of National League side Sutton United, writes David Bridson.
The striker, who replaced Cam Wilson in the 78th minute, won the spot-kick after being felled by a panicked United defence.
Thewlis sent visiting goalkeeper Spike Brits the wrong way before dazzling fireworks lit up the night skies in celebration.
The result sent the Lions into the second round of the Emirates FA Cup for just the third third time in the club’s 117-year history.
It also extended Ian Richards’ longest Emirates FA Cup run as a manager and is the first time the club have reached this stage of the competition whilst competing in the Northern Premier League.
The away side had the first opportunity with Joe Knight dangerously close to connecting with Jermaine Francis’ sizzling fifth minute cross.
Three minutes later home ‘keeper Jack Hall latched on to a neat ball with Sam Folarin ready to pounce.
Emmanuel Osadebe blasted a yard wide in the 11th minute as Sutton piled on the pressure.
Charlie Staniland’s shot was well claimed by Brits just a minute later.
Ollie Brown’s tremendous clearance prevented Francis creating a 13th minute chance.
Knight’s 14th minute strike slid past an enrushing Osadebe.
Both sides battled ferociously in midfield before Brown blazed narrowly wide in the 29th minute.
Brown blocked Folarin’s 33rd minute effort with sterling precision before Elliot Owen headed the resulting corner clear.
Lucas Odunston’s solid challenge halted a 36th minute attack spearheaded by Francis.
Jack Emmett hit wide via a misplaced pass seconds later as the Lions matched United ball for ball.
Charlie Carter picked up the first of a number of bookings for a 37th minute foul on Brown during a fiery contest.
Owen slammed over following superb 40th minute chest control.
Jake Taylor thumped an effort wide in first half stoppage time.
The second half was delayed due to a medical incident.
Amir Berchil’s crafty 49th minute cross evaded Lions attackers.
Hall held on well to Folarin’s scintillating 51st minute cross.
Ben Brookes’ 53rd minute ball in flew precariously across the box.
Staniland’s shot slipped agonisingly past the post five minutes later.
Wilson’s teasing 62nd minute free kick was headed behind by the sturdy Alex Kirk.
Harrison Hopper’s blistering shot was blocked following an in-box melee mere moments later.
Brits stood tall to claim Owen’s header from the resulting corner.
Substitute Jack Tinker made a vital header behind to halt Osadebe’s cross during an action-heavy spell.
Lebrun Mbeka made a fabulous tackle to stop another Osadebe-led attack mid-way through the second half.
Thewlis and Kyle White were introduced in the 78th minute as Lions boss Ian Richards sought victory.
The latter let rip with a fierce 86th minute hit but Brits made an excellent save to deny the defender.
Berchil’s dazzling foray into the box culminated in a desperate block from Taylor in the 91st minute.
Owen’s breathtaking low header saw off another intense Sutton attack a minute later.
Dan Urpens went for glory from 40 yards but Hall was equal to his effort.
Thewlis’ menacing run earned the Lions that 94th minute penalty which he buried to rapturous applause.
Lions substitutes dashed on to the pitch to join Thewlis and company in wild jubilation in front of the FA’s cameras and a brilliant 1,556 attendance.
Referee Zak Kennard-Kettle brought an end to a pulsating match. In a strange twist of fate he is the son of Trevor Kettle who officiated our last Emirates FA Cup first round home win in 2018 when we knocked out Cambridge United 4-3.
The Second Round draw is on Monday 9th November at 6.45pm on TNT Sports 1 and the TNT Sports Youtube channel. The Lions are ball number 32.
Guiseley are in league action away at Warrington Rylands on Tuesday 10th November with a 7.45pm kick-off.
Guiseley 1-0 Sutton United | Saturday 7th November 2026 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 1,556
Team: 1. Jack Hall, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Ollie Brown (78′ White), 4. Harrison Hopper, 5. Elliot Owen, 6. Lebrun Mbeka (C), 7. Jack Emmett (57′ Tinker), 8. Charlie Staniland, 9. Kallan Murphy, 10. Cam Wilson (78′ Thewlis) and 11. Amir Berchil (90′ Iggulden).
Subs: 12. Paul Iggulden, 13. Michael Roxburgh (GK), 14. Jack Tinker, 15. Adam Lund, 16. Jordan Thewlis, 17. Kyle White, 18. Will Longbottom, 19. Noah Wadsworth and 20. Frankie Sinfield.
