After their reverse at York City Guiseley Academy will be looking to get back to winning ways when they visit Stockport County on Wednesday, writes Rachel O’Connor.
Second-placed Guiseley will be seeking a win to hopefully move them closer to league leaders Solihull Moors, who have played a game more than The Lions. There is currently a six point gap between the sides and Guiseley have yet to play Solihull this season.
The defeat at York on a wet and blustery afternoon was a big disappointment for Guiseley as they lost out to a late goal from The Minstermen when a scoreless draw had looked on the cards. The Guiseley side had battled hard after having Ricardo Grey sent off in the 68th minute.
An early Guiseley cross into the box was easily gathered by York ‘keeper Maison Campbell before York had a couple of chances. Guiseley then had a strike from outside the box which was easily held by Campbell. York hit back but were thwarted when ‘keeper Hagie Damba saved with his legs. Campbell made a brilliant save from close range on 31 minutes to prevent Guiseley from taking the lead and produced another one-handed save in the 40th minute on a day when both custodians were earning their keep.
In the second-half heavy rain started to add to the already difficult conditions but both sides continued to give their all in what was a real battle. With the wind behind them York had the advantage and they appealed for a penalty when Damba took out Knowles but the referee waved play on.
Guiseley were reduced to ten men in the 68th minute when Grey got his marching orders with a straight red when, as last man, he prevented Shepherd’s progress. It then became a bit of an uphill battle for Guiseley with Damba making a smart save from Knowles as the York side gained the upper hand for a period.
The killer blow came in the 84th minute when York’s Jonny Haase hit the bar and the ball came back for substitute Luke Jones to head home. As the game drew to a close Jones had another opportunity but was denied by Damba. Guiseley had one last throw of the dice in added time but Campbell pulled off a brilliant save from a curling effort by Ellis Farrar.
York City 1-0 Guiseley Academy
GUISELEY: Hagie Damba; Oli Reape, Jayden John (Thierry Hendrickson), Harrison Leigh, Ellis Farrar, Ricardo Grey, Miguel Valsau (Alex Mather), Folefac Nkem, Brad Wood (Josh Stones), Jakub Hebda, Harry Glover. Sub not used: Dexter Ball.
