Despite a second-half fightback Guiseley Academy could not overcome a strong, physical and well-drilled York City and so exited the National League Academy League Cup at Nethermoor on Wednesday, writes Rachel O’Connor.

York won 3-1 after establishing a 3-0 lead in the 61st minute against their under par opponents.

Guiseley lacked the influence of their centre-back and captain Freddie Westfall who has been out since November.

They were also lacking other players and just did not appear able to click into gear fully with mis-placed passes and losing possession in the tackle.

There was an early chance for leading scorer George Sebine but his flicked header to a Zac Rushworth cross lacked direction.

York had a couple of efforts before George Grumley attacked a corner with some power to give them the lead in the 12th minute with the Guiseley defence ball watching.

Sebine did well to get ahead of the York defence but was ruled off-side.

Guiseley gave away a free-kick but the York player was not satisfied with the referee’s decision and started a scuffle which led to two players from each side being booked.

Rushworth worked hard and had his shot collected by the ‘keeper before a good ball from Max Dickinson put Sebine through but his shot went just wide.

York were awarded a free-kick on the left corner of the penalty area and Guiseley paid the penalty for failing to deal with the ball as it landed in the six yard box in the 26th minute as Grumley doubled his tally.

Sebine again got through a prodigious amount of work and put in a superb tackle worthy of any defender.

The game progressed but Guiseley were unable to impose themselves on the game. Sebine produced a good run but his shot lacked power. In a good spell for Guiseley they just could not find the net.

A rough challenge on Sebine saw him down for treatment and as the half drew to a close Rushworth was shown a red card.

Guiseley’s ten men emerged for the second-half and made a bright start but York rocked them back on their heels with Jake Roberts hitting the Minstermen’s third goal in the 61st minute. Just prior to the goal the sides were levelled up when York’s number 9 was shown a red card.

Guiseley introduced three substitutes in the 67th minute with Yasin Hayes, Mckenzie Aylward and Emre Can replacing Derren Boyle, Oli Storr and Jack Lorriman.

With an injection of pace, especially from Hayes, Guiseley upped their game.

They pulled a goal back in the 68th minute when Sebine netted his 13th of the season after combining well with Can.

Sebine had a further opportunity but the ball bounced badly for him and the chance was gone.

Guiseley: Spencer Booth; Lucas Alexander, Joe Taylor, Max Dickinson, Lawrence Ford; Zac Rushworth, Marley Spence, Oli Storr, Jack Lorriman; George Sebine, Derren Boyle.

Subs: Yasin Hayes (Rushworth 67), McKenzie Aylward (Storr 67), Emre Can (Lorriman 67).