Will Longbottom’s 75th minute penalty rescued Guiseley a point at fellow play-off contenders Hyde United, writes David Bridson.
The Lions had fallen behind following Ewan Bange’s clinical finish in the 24th minute. The Lions’ defence was ruptured by a pacey Harry Bunn run before he found Bange inside the box.
Longbottom’s chance to level came when Jordan Thewlis was clattered at the back post by Jack Byrne as the ball seemed to be trickling into the right hand corner.
The league’s top scorer smashed the kick off the underside of the bar to bank what could be a precious point.
The game began tentatively with both sides keeping things tight. Ayo Quadri’s early header was straight at away goalkeeper Joe Cracknell. Longbottom’s curling free-kick in the sixth minute didn’t have enough pace to trouble home goalkeeper and former Lion Callum Hiddleston.
A second Longbottom free-kick effort eight minutes later was caught well by Hiddleston. Longbottom, the instigator of Guiseley attacks, saw his cross to captain Jameel Ible blocked well in the 18th minute.
Hyde’s lead came courtesy of the surging Bunn run. He played the ball across well to Bange who slotted home with composure.
The home side could have doubled their advantage just three minutes later but Matthew Fearnley fired just over the bar from outside the box.
Guiseley quickly sought to level but Jack Emmett’s strike was straight at the away ‘keeper.
A crunching Bange tackle on Jake Lawlor shortly afterwards saw the defender limp off but thankfully return to action before being substituted in the 42nd minute.
Fearnley’s good ball found Bange in first-half stoppage time but the lively home striker dragged his shot wide.
A superb Lebrun Mbeka block kept out a fierce Hyde attack on the hour mark with United seeking to put the game to bed. Bunn’s 66th minute effort could have done just that but with just Cracknell to beat he hit wide.
The away ‘keeper was alert to another Bange chance, saving well with his legs to prevent a 71st minute attempt.
Just four minutes later Thewlis was fouled in the penalty box to enable Longbottom to level from 12 yards.
The leveller spurned both sides on to take all three points as Bange slammed the post in the 80th minute before substitute Gabriel Johnson was denied by Hiddleston after Adriano Moke’s corner and Mbeka’s subsequent knockdown.
United nearly won it in the 89th minute but Skaleel Jones-Griffiths header found the roof of the net.
Guiseley next face Stockton Town at Nethermoor on Saturday 21st December with a 3pm kick-off.
Hyde United 1-1 Guiseley AFC | Saturday 14th December 2024 | Ewen Fields
Attendance: 563
Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Jameel Ible (C), 3. Liam Ridehalgh, 4. Prince Ekpolo (64′ Farrell), 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jake Lawlor (42′ Brown), 7. John Lufudu (80′ Ackroyd), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Jordan Thewlis (90′ Bentley), 10. Jack Emmett (57′ Johnson) and 11. Will Longbottom.
Subs: 12. Ollie Brown, 14. Joe Ackroyd, 15. Sam Bentley, 17. Leo Farrell and 18. Gabriel Johnson.
