Guiseley Academy lost this top end of the table clash with visitors AFC Fylde after leading 2-0, writes Rachel O’Connor.
A number of times Guiseley went close but were unable to provide the required finish. Fylde, after looking on the verge of capitulating, reduced the arrears before the break.
In the early stages of this game, played at Nethermoor, Fylde saw a long range shot tipped over the bar by Oli Brackenbury. The aggressive running of English Schools’ captain Josh Stones and newcomer Brad Wood up front for Guiseley was unsettling the Coasters while Oli Reape was a dynamic force up and down the right flank.
Fylde created a few chances but the frantic pace of the game at that stage saw them not have the steadiness to convert them. Reape provided a chance for Stones who just failed to connect. The big striker, looking to increase his 20 goal tally, under hit a shot and it was an easy take for the ‘keeper. The two strikers then combined for Guiseley to open the scoring in the 29th minute, Wood producing a good flick on to Stones who played a great ball back for Wood to fire into the far corner.
Guiseley almost added to their score when full-back Fole Nkem saw his effort pushed over the bar on 31 minutes. Stones was then instrumental in the next goal as his great touch saw the ball picked up by Lewis Hey to make it 2-0 on 39 minutes with a great strike.
Fylde’s response was immediate and they netted via the post on 40 minutes but before the break they had a couple of let offs as Nkem’s free-kick went straight into the arms of the ‘keeper. In a further Lions’ attack the ball ricocheted straight at the custodian.
In the second-half Guiseley continued to push forward and Stones headed over before getting a half chance where he was unable to untangle his feet and shot wide. The striker was being given a lot of balls to chase, some leaving him a little too much to do.
Just as Guiseley were looking to increase their lead they lost the ball in midfield and Fylde moved forward only to hit the post. The ball was re-cycled and hit towards goal but it finished wide of the far post.
Guiseley should have heeded the warning as Fylde started to get back into the game and a free-kick from 30 yards out which went just over the bar was a precursor to what was to come.
Fylde attacked again on 72 minutes and the Guiseley defenders were unable to prevent Fylde levelling at 2-2 from within the six yard box.
Fylde stepped up the pressure and hit the side netting before moving 3-2 ahead on 75 minutes. Guiseley replaced Ball and Mather with Ricardo Grey and Miguel Valsau.
Fylde moved further ahead at 4-2 in the 85th minute following three successive blocks by Brackenbury. Guiseley responded with a 21st goal of the season from Stones in the 86th minute but they were unable to level the scores and share the points.
The three points won by Fylde see them in third place on 25 points, the same as second placed Guiseley who have a better goal average from one game less. Solihull Moors top the table on 31 points but they have played two more games than Guiseley.
The young Lions have 11 league games left to play but for some will be without their strike pairing of Josh Stones and Jakub Hebda who will be involved in training and games with the English Schools U-18 squad, which Stones captains.
Guiseley: Oli Brackenbury; Oli Reape, Folefac Nkem, Dexter Ball (Ricardo Grey), Harrison Leigh, Ellis Farrar, Oli Metcalfe, Lewis Hey, Brad Wood, Josh Stones, Alex Mather (Miguel Valsau). Subs not used: Thierry Hendrickson, Jayden John
