The Vixens were unlucky not to pick up any points on the road at Blackburn yesterday, as they lost 3-1 in a well-contested game.
For large spells of the game, Guiseley matched last year’s league winners but were outdone in the end with goals from Alex Taylor, Chelsey Jukes and Saffron Jordan. The Vixens’ came from an own goal by Kayleigh McDonald.
Blackburn took the lead early doors when Taylor chased a loose ball which bounced over the Guiseley defence off the slippy surface before she went round ‘keeper Beth Davies to put it home.
From here, Guiseley played their way into the game more, enjoyed spells of possession and made Rovers play it around their defence.
Nikki Berko and Debs Hastings had opportunities to draw level but their efforts were gathered up by Blackburn goalkeeper Danielle Hill.
Blackburn doubled their lead just before halftime. Jukes found herself on the edge of the Guiseley box and drilled a shot low into the bottom corner out of the reach of Davies.
Guiseley started the second half much brighter than the first, attacking with intent and won a freekick on the edge of the Blackburn box. Berko stepped up but her curling effort went narrowly wide of the stanchion.
On the hour mark, Guiseley were rewarded for their efforts via an own goal by McDonald. Charlie Blythe attacked the right wing, crossed a wicked ball into the box where McDonald put the ball into the back of her own net.
Minutes later Chantelle O’Hara tried her luck from distance on the half volley but the effort went narrowly wide of the upright.
Blackburn were denied a third on the 70th minute when Tash Fenton’s swerving freekick was met by Davies’ heroics to push it onto the crossbar before it was cleared away to safety.
There was a late chance for substitute Ebony Njie to draw the Vixens level. She went past the Rovers’ backline and pulled the trigger early but her shot was saved by Hill.
Jordan managed to add a third for Blackburn late on for a rather flattering score-line of 3-1. She went beyond the defence and finished in the bottom corner.
The next task for Guiseley is this Sunday at Nethermoor Park when they face West Yorkshire rivals Bradford City Ladies. Kick-off for that one is 2PM.
Listen to manager Glen Preston’s thoughts after the game: https://soundcloud.com/guiseleyvixens/glen-preston-post-blackburn-rovers.
Words: Oliver Coultas, Photo: Alex Daniel
