Their first game of the New Year saw Guiseley Academy come back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with Chester but in reality they deserved all three points, writes Rachel O’Connor.

Chester, who moved up to fifth place with this win, led 2-0 at half-time but were rattled early in the second-half when with Guiseley in the ascendency they pulled a goal back.

Great work from striker George Sebine provided Jack Lorriman with the chance to execute a calm finish for his seventh goal of the season.

Leading scorer Sebine had returned to the side after missing The Young Lions’ last game back on December 16th.

There was as yet no return to the side for influential centre-back and captain Freddie Westfall who is still suffering from the effects of a car crash in November.

Full-back Robbie Murray had returned to the side but had to be replaced on 30 minutes by Yasin Hayes.

After Lorriman’s goal on 55 minutes it was all Guiseley but they suffered what they deemed an injustice when the home side were awarded a penalty to re-establish their two goal lead.

Undaunted Guiseley pressed on and had the upperhand. A brace of goals in a two minute spell (the 78th and 80th minutes) by right-back Lawrence Ford saw them level at 3-3. These were Ford’s first goals of the season.

Guiseley continued pressing and on their second-half performance deserved to win this National League U-19 North contest.

After the game Head Coach Dave Currie said: “On our second-half performance we deserved to win, it was a performance to be proud of. Unfortunately just as we were beginning to take control of the game, Chester were awarded a penalty from which they scored. “Video evidence shows that this was simulation by the Chester player so we are disappointed with that.”

Guiseley’s next scheduled game is on 22nd January when they entertain York City at Nethermoor Park in the National League Academy Cup. This will be a tough game for the Young Lions so all support is welcome.

When they return to league action after that game Guiseley will be looking for a win to improve on their ninth place in the league table. They do however have games in hand on the teams around them.

Guiseley: Spencer Booth; Lawrence Ford, Joe Taylor, Max Dickinson, Robbie Murray; Jack Lorriman, Marley Spence, Dan Fotherby, Zac Rushworth; George Sebine, Derren Boyle.

Subs: Oli Storr (Fotherby 60), Yasin Hayes (Murray 30), Lucas Alexander (Rushworth 60).