After opening their National League U-19 account with a 3-0 win over Notts County Guiseley Academy further impressed when they progressed to the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Youth Cup with an impressive display at Nethermoor to demolish an energetic Tadcaster side.
The FA Youth Cup rules meant that Guiseley’s Under-19 squad could only field players at Under-18 level and the youngsters really took the game to a side coached by two former Guiseley players in ex-Leeds United youth players Alex Purver and Jason Blunt.
Guiseley shocked their visitors by scoring after just 30 seconds as Josh Stones, who had netted twice against Notts County, found the net. The Young Lions produced a superb performance full of running, determination and crunching tackles and all credit to Tadcaster, who although they never really tested ‘keeper Oliver Brackenbury, never gave up trying.
Stones was given a further opportunity following one of many good runs by right-back Oli Reape but he blazed his effort over the bar.
The game was played at a fast pace and Guiseley continuously created openings and forced numerous corners. Jakub Hebda hit a fearsome shot just wide before Reape again forced his way into the penalty area but shot over.
Stones had two bites at the cherry as the ball passed in front of goal but both were blocked. A great effort by Folafec Nkem cannoned out to Hebda whose effort resulted in yet another corner for Guiseley.
Stones then fired the ball in and it hit the far post before hitting Harrison Leigh in the face and going into the net to put Guiseley 2-0 up after 33 minutes. A fine through ball to Hebda saw the No 9 calmly hit the ball home to make it 3-0 on 41 minutes.
By this stage Tadcaster were being overrun by Guiseley with Stones and Hebda giving the visitors nightmares with their strong running and ferocious battling for the ball. All over the pitch the Young Lions were certainly roaring as to a man they produced a memorable display.
The half ended with Hebda putting a chance just wide of the post.
Early in the second-half Guiseley introduced Jnai Trought for Reape and Guiseley continued to create chances with Stones forcing a good save from Ben Young with the Tadcaster ‘keeper putting the ball out for yet another Guiseley corner.
Stones threatened again with a header as the pace started to slow in the second-half with Tadcaster looking a beaten side with Guiseley’s pace and power having an effect. Tadcaster’s only real effort on goal saw Brackenbury make a good catch before that man Stones bagged his second of the match on 75 minutes to seal the win at 4-0.
Young made a great save from a pile driver from Guiseley substitute Sam Meeson but there were no takers when Guiseley played a ball across the face of the goal.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 205 and they were thoroughly entertained by two committed sides but Guiseley had the upper hand throughout with their strength in the tackle and their pace and their power all round.
Guiseley: Oliver Brackenbury, Oli Reape, Jayden John, Dylan Kouemou, Harrison Leigh, Ellis Farrar, Folafec Nkem, Dexter Ball, Jakub Hebda, Josh Stones, Harry Glover. Subs: Jnai Trought (for Reape 64), Sam Meeson (for Kouemou), Oliwier Grzelak (for John), Thierry Hendrickson, Jack Wilman, Josh Sorley, Callum Bradbury.
