In preparation for facing one of their biggest challenges to date, an open age Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup final, Guiseley Academy defeated South Shields 3-1 on Tuesday, writes Rachel O’Connor.
Guiseley’s Young Lions battled back from an early reverse in a free-flowing game and the win moved them up to second place in the National League U-19 North League.
Guiseley showed their intent by forcing a corner in the opening minutes. Zac Rushworth created an opening and shot just wide before Emre Can was stopped by a good challenge from the ‘keeper.
Derren Boyle maintained the pressure by forcing a save from the ‘keeper but it was Shields who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when the ball was powered past Spencer Booth in the Guiseley goal.
Non-plussed Guiseley levelled the scores within two minutes when the impressive Rushworth drove the ball in from the edge of the box.
Shields had an opportunity but fired over the bar before a good move saw Ronnie Skelton’s free-kick moved on by Lucas Alexander for Boyle to head home for 2-1 in time added on in the first-half.
Shields had an early effort to level but Booth claimed the ball at the second attempt.
The first-half came to a close with Boyle having a shot pushed wide by the ‘keeper and Rushworth having a further attempt.
In an all-action performance Rushworth opened the second-half by firing across goal. Shields were awarded a free-kick to the right of the penalty area but the effort was cleared.
Booth did well to save a fierce shot while at the other end Alexander’s corner was claimed well by the ‘keeper.
Centre-back Freddie Westfall made a welcome return 27 minutes into the second-half. His influential presence in defence has been missing for much of the season.
Alexander’s free-kick following a foul on Rushworth was deflected for a corner before
Guiseley added a vital third goal with a 79th minute penalty converted by Can to wrap up the win.
The Academy now turn their attention to the Wharfedale FA Challenge Cup final in which they will be faced by West Yorkshire League side Otley Town.
The game kicks-off at Nethermoor Park at 2.30pm on Sunday, April 19th.
The Academy, made up of mainly 16 and 17 year-olds, have defeated three men’s open age teams to reach the final.
They had a 2-1 win at Burley Trojans, a 13-0 win at Pool AFC and a 4-2 win at Horsforth St Margaret’s Seconds.
Otley Town made their way to the final with a walk-over against trophy holders Ilkley Town, a 3-2 win over Bramhope and a 4-1 win over Rawdon Old Boys.
The Wharfedale FA Wilf Chatwin Junior Cup for Under-16s also takes place at Nethermoor Park on Sunday. The kick-off at 10.30am will see Guiseley Juniors U-16 Whites take on Ilkley Town U-15 Bears.
