2014/15: Sky Bet Championship Review – October 2014

My enthusiasm for this review waned throughout a miserable, dispiriting month for my own club.  Not a solitary victory and of course another coach through the revolving doors at LS11. I am of course referring to Leeds United, a club which should be stamped with a Government Health Warning.

However, putting aside my pain, anguish and desperation for now I will don my impartiality hat and look back over the merry month of October. Another side to sink like a stone is Nottingham Forest; Psycho ably demonstrating that playing heroes are not always the best choice to return to former glories. I believe a top six position will still be achieved but the weight of expectation needs to be overcome.

AFC Bournemouth heads the table alphabetically and staggeringly statistically as Eddie Howe’s men gather goals and points with alarming regularity. The demolition of Birmingham City was positively rude in its execution, borne by a freedom to play uncomplicated, slick attacking football other supporters crave. The majority of clubs and opposing fans have The Cherries as low priority and I think they thrive on the small town mentality, little history to speak of but possibly to make.

Now they have reached the summit we shall see how they cope with expectation and pressure, very well I think and serious contenders for top six. Geographically, Middlesbrough couldn’t be further away, but a consistent run of results has catapulted The Smoggies to their highest League position in years and one I forecast in previous reviews. Pitiful crowds at The Riverside never seem to dampen the Chairman’s ambition for his club and shrewd work in the permanent and loan market over a period of time make Boro‘ a real force.

The panic button was pressed at Bolton, Birmingham, and Blackpool – oh and again at you know who? Fulham and Leeds appointed from within, Bolton and Birmingham successful young managers and Blackpool hired Lee Clark or Red Adair, such is the task ahead of him.  The Tangerines currently the only club adrift with a host of sides battling to join them.  Could fifty points see a club go down this year? I suspect it will.

Honourable mentions must go to Huddersfield Town & Brentford, teams traditionally living in the shadows of near neighbours now looking imperiously over their shoulders. Chris Powell is a manager destined for big things in my opinion, very possibly the first Black England manager, you heard it here first!

Away from the Championship one of my pet hates raised its ugly head again the other week, the abominable ‘half-scarves’ at Old Trafford for the Chelsea game. Football tourists sporting cringe worthy red and blue…I can’t go on…am getting annoyed.

Back to reality, Wolves and to a lesser extent Rotherham have made the step up one division with conviction and potentially none of the three promoted clubs will be returning from whence they came.  The same could be said for the three relegated sides with Norwich, Cardiff and Fulham spluttering to find form and any consistency in the toughest of leagues.

The majority of other sides take on step forward and two back or vice versa as the middle of the table is as congested as the M62, M25 or wherever you reside on a rush hour afternoon.

Another half a dozen games and we will reach the Christmas period and the January sales, the best wheelers and dealers have much to gain or lose in search of riches or sanctuary from the drop.

As always, I won’t wish supporters of other clubs the best as it would be a hollow gesture but support your team, lambast referees, moan at you Chairman and generally conduct yourself in a manner fitting of a biased, embittered loser like myself.

 

David Goodwill

2014/15: Sky Bet League One – Chesterfield v Yeovil Town

An usually mild and sunny afternoon greeted the first day of November at the Proact Stadium.

Neither side came into the game with any sort of form. Home side Chesterfield were without a win since 04 October with a 3-2 win over Sheffield United, whilst Yeovil Town’s dreadful run of a single point from six games had seen the side from Somerset drop into the relegation zone.

Changes were the order of the day for both camps. Chesterfield boss Paul Cook was without his captain Ian Evatt who was suspended, so Charlie Raglan came into the team, with Ollie Banks coming in for Jimmy Ryan who dropped to the bench. Yeovil manager Gary Johnson brought in a number of players on loan during the week with right-back Jordan Clarke arriving from Coventry City and keeper Jed Steer and defender Stephen Arthurworrey from Aston Villa and Fulham respectively – all three went straight into the starting line-up.

The Spireites kicked-off in a game which began with an open quarter of an hour.

After three minutes, Dan Gardener broke into the Yeovil box, but his cutback was comfortably cleared. The visitors though responded just a minute later, when from a free kick on-loan defender Stephen Arthurworrey headed over the bar.

Shortly after this chance, the first corner of the game came for Chesterfield following good work between, captain for the day, Samy Morsy and Daniel Jones. However, debutant keeper Jed Steer punched clear.

But it was the visitors who had the first real chance of the game after eight minutes, when from a Foley free kick, a flicked header gave Moore a chance at the far post, where Tommy Lee made a superb reaction save.

There was no panic from the home team though as they looked to create an opening opportunity with Darikwa and Clucas combining well, but Yeovil were proving dogged opposition and their second corner came on twelve minutes. Tommy Lee in the Chesterfield goal was equal to the task though, punching clear.

Just a couple of minutes later, he was in action again, as he had to deal with a dangerous in-swinging free kick from Foley, which come about after a foul which earned Darikwa a booking.

After this bright opening, the game hit a five minute spell in which neither side made much impression.

However, Chesterfield were the next team to show, as they tried at every opportunity to get wide through Doyle and Gardener. Nonetheless, Yeovil were proving solid at the back with Steer in goal confident in his handling and kicking game.

There was a moment of controversy on twenty six minutes when from a ball into the Yeovil box the awkwardly bouncing ball seemed to strike the arm of a Glovers player. However, despite huge appeals from the home fans, referee Oliver Langford waved play on. Chesterfield were now dominating and on twenty seven minutes had a free kick in a central position. However, the Yeovil wall did their job and the effort from Doyle was comfortably blocked.

Foley though was continuing to probe for the visitors and Tommy Lee had to be alert to punch clear just before the half hour mark. However, Chesterfield continued to look to work the ball wide with Clucas and Gardener proving dangerous, but ultimately the home side were unable to get anybody on the end of the crosses.

The visitors were forced into a change on thirty four minutes, with Moore being replaced by Hiwula-Mayifuila. Yeovil were struggling as the half entered the last ten minutes with Doyle, Clucas and Gardener looking dangerous for Chesterfield; however as with much of the opening half it was possession that came without an end.

Half-time:  Chesterfield (0) – (0) Yeovil Town

The home team may have finished the first-half on top, but it was the visitors who came out more positively in the second period. Within two minutes of the restart Grant had a shot on target, but it was an easy gather for Tommy Lee. Just a couple of minutes later Chesterfield’s Morsy slipped allowing Yeovil in which resulted in a corner for the visitors. From the kick, Arthurworrey had a free header which forced a save from Lee low down.

It wasn’t until fifty minutes on the clock that the home team provided any threat with Doyle drawing a good save from Steer and instigated the first of three successive corners for Chesterfield. The Spireites were now building some momentum; however, the good approach play was lost through poor crossing on a number of occasions.

On the hour though a great through ball gave Doyle a one-on-one with Steer, but the visiting keeper spread himself well to block the effort.

Chesterfield boss Paul Cook decided that on sixty one minutes it was time for change and carried out a double-change, with Gardener and Banks giving way to O’Shea and Johnson. The Aston Villa loanee Johnson was soon involved bringing a new energy to Chesterfield.

It gave the home side a sustained period of possession and pressure, but they were unable to create a decent chance as the game moved to the last fifteen minutes. Looking to give his side some fresh legs, Yeovil boss Gary Johnson brought on Hayter for Grant.

Chesterfield continued to look for a winner and manager Paul Cook made his final change as Ryan replaced Gobern on eighty one minutes.

However it was the visitors who nearly grabbed a winner as on eighty six minutes Tommy Lee raced outside his area to bring down substitute Jordy Hiwula, earning the keeper a booking.  Despite its promising position, the resulting free kick came to nothing.

The home side though weren’t done and a couple of corners in the dying minutes produced a volley from substitute Ryan, which sailed high over the bar. There were three minutes of time added-on, but neither side could conjure up a winner.

Full-time:  Chesterfield (0) – (0) Yeovil Town

* * * * * * * * *

Post-match interviews:

Question:  A clean sheet today and a point away, so a sign of some progress Gary?

Gary Johnson (Yeovil Town manager): Yes it was important that we came here and looked solid. We’ve seen a couple of games they’ve played, not the last one, but even their last one they started very bright against Swindon and the crowd gets behind them and they get runs of attacks – and we had three new players in the team so we had to blood them in as best we could and so we thought we had a bit of a position of strength and then try and keep the ball and break on them.

Again we’ve had the first couple of chances that end, Kieffer Moore’s header and a shot or two, so although you’re never happy with just the one point – as there were three points on it – of course as long as you win your next home game, then that’s not a bad point from our position against a team like Chesterfield that have been going quite well up until the last couple of weeks. I was proud of the boys because they worked their socks off, our quality was a little bit lacking at times, but we can build on that now. I was so pleased with the three new lads because they came in and all had an effect on the game.

Question:  Jed Steer – clean sheet on his debut and made some fantastic saves.

GJ: Yes, one with his feet – and some others – I thought was the match-winning saving save. So yes it was a great debut for him. I don’t think he was peppered as such; I don’t think he was the only one that kept us in the game. Although as I said, I thought he had a terrific game along with everybody else.

Question:  Stephen Arthurworrey looks a different type of centre-half. You’ve had some big powerful lads in there, but he seems to read the game, he’s got pace as well and he can come forward.

GJ:  I thought him and Jordan Clarke both showed pace and were decent in the air. They both don’t panic when they are on the ball. So I think as you say it’s a step in the right direction.

There’s a long way to go of course. To win football matches as this level you not just only have to create the chances, like we did, you’ve got to go and score them as well. Even if you only get one or two chances away from home, you have to go and get one goal and walk away with a little bit of a ‘smash and grab’. So we are going to have to work a little bit on our final third play, especially when we are at home.

Question: Still no goal for Jordy Hiwula. What did you make of the challenge on him by Tommy Lee? It looked pretty cynical as he rushed out and Jordy appeared to be clean through on goal.

GJ: Well I mean obviously if the keeper misses him, he is clear in on goal. He was going at a little bit of an angle, but he would still have been able to get on the ball and tuck it in the net. It was a professional foul by their very experienced keeper and he got away with it.

Question:  And Kieffer Moore obviously he had to come off. Is that the same hamstring problem he’s been nursing?

GJ: Yes he’s really disappointed that it’s his hamstring again. It’s just something that keeps recurring. We give him a little bit longer each time, but it still breaks down. We’ll have to investigate even more really or give him a bit of a longer rest, because we can’t keep waiting for him, bringing him in and plays only half an hour or so. We can’t do that.

Question: Of course a break from league action now. A FA Cup tie with Crawley Town next weekend. How important is the FA Cup for Yeovil. I know in previous season, you’ve been ‘Giant-killers’. How important is it this season?

GJ: Well over the years it has been important for Yeovil. Yeovil and the FA Cup will always go together. Maybe it’s just in recent years that it has not worked out that way. But I mean, we want to beat Crawley, they beat us down there, and they are a side in our league.

So as you say if we are going to build on this performance we got to treat it like a league game and although we are not going to get the three points, you do get a chance to go into the next round and that’s what we’re after.

I think we should mention now because the FA Cup we always get a good atmosphere at Huish Park and our supporters here today were great – they were our twelfth man that’s for sure. That must have been a record for the length of time they sung that one song. Unbelievable. They certainly sang more than the home crowd anyway and we certainly appreciate it, and they can claim half a point.

Question:  Just one final question. Your loan players played a key role in the performance here today. Do you know in advance how many of those can play in the FA Cup or have you work to do this week?

GJ: Yes, I do. All of them can play. So that was a god bit of negotiation on our part. Certainly the ones we just brought in we couldn’t afford to pay them and then not play them in the Cup because they’d have had two weeks of doing nothing. They are all allowed to play in the Cup, so we’ve done well and our friends out there have done well for us.

 * * * * * * * * *

Question: After a few bad losses, on days like this a draw can be important?

Paul Cook (Chesterfield manager): Absolutely, it’s a good result. Every substitution becomes a challenge. What I never like is when people start shouting “get him off” from behind you. I don’t understand that and never will in football. Our lads to a man – not one of our players deserve that and I just appeal to supporters, for anyone who shouts behind me to get them off, that’s not the way forward. Have a bit of respect. I have respect as a manager, try and have it as a supporter. That’s an opinion and it’s valid one. You don’t have to shout, especially when a lad gives the ball away or something like that. The majority of our players now have been with us for a period of time through very successful times and its times like this when you find more out about people and that includes us all, me as a manager, supporters.

Question: Some great performances out there today. Georg Margreitter for example was superb.

PC: I thought Georg was excellent today, I really did. Looks like he’s done his hamstring, so we’ve got another blow there. But that’s part and parcel of the game.

We’ve got to look at what we are doing now. We keep working away; we keep trying to maybe sign a player or two that might help the situation. I think it’s apparent there’s an area of two on the pitch we might need that bit of help. That’s for me, the Chief Executive and the Chairman to try and sort out.

Question: How far along are you?

PC: You know you’ve got to have, if you can, a brighter outlook. I look at Liverpool as a club today, my own club that I love. Three or four months ago they are the best thing in the world and in the space of a blink it changes. I’m not saying that Chesterfield are the best, I’m just saying we are trying to go forward. Now and again we get little hurdles and obstacles to jump and sometimes they are not as easy as people think. My job is to manage the team to the best of my ability and I’ll always do that until the day somebody tells me different.

Question: And sometimes games like this and little periods like this can strengthen players can’t it?

PC: Imagine the mood if we’ve got beat 1-0. When Tommy Lee comes flying out the box late on, we all think the 1-0’s coming don’t we. That’s what football does to you. I’m honest enough to know and I keep telling everyone, I’m a lucky man me. I feel the pressure of all the world like you wouldn’t believe between three and five o’clock, but you can see by mood now I don’t feel it now.

This clubs been here for x amount of years and by the time we’ve all gone – it’ll still be going strong and that Kop will still be singing, but they won’t be singing “Cookie give us a wave” !

Question: A wonderful reception for Daniels Johnson when he walked off. I appreciate he’s going back to Aston Villa today, but how good has he been for you?

PC: He’s been outstanding. It’s a tough league and you’ve got to have good players. Our own players – Gary Roberts – Ollie Banks today, comes back in the team – people forget Ollie got 9 goals in twenty odd games last year. And then the fella behind me shouts “get him off” and I think to myself, I don’t grasp that – you know I really struggle to grasp that. Listen, makes no bones about it, any fan who pays money – I’m the most respectful person towards supporters you’ll ever get – but come on that’s just not right.

So let’s finish the interview on a positive – we got a point.

Question: And a nice positive at the end of the game, Gary Johnson coming out and thanking the ground staff.

PC: Gary’s a good man. Football is about the media nowadays building pressure on managers, and they get sacked and someone else gets the job. That’s football today and we’ve all got to love it, because when it’s going well there’s no better job in the world – it’s the best job – you go and get bought a pint and you’re a genius. When it’s not going so well, you don’t get bought a pint and you have to buy your own and you’re not such a genius. I’ll just keep enjoying it.

2014/15: Sky Bet Championship Review – September 2014

Issue of the Month

To be honest, this could be any month of any year, but recent events have provoked me to making comment on the thorny subject of pricing, particularly for away supporters. Ticket prices are dictated by supply and demand or are they? I am confident every one of the 24 clubs could do more to encourage people attending.  The competition for bums on seats is greater than ever, television has made millions of armchair experts and a generation is in danger of being lost. I am heartily fed up of seeing games moved to midday on Saturday often at late notice with transport booked and paid for. Leeds have lost 5,000 supporters each game against Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday to satisfy TV viewing figures and it has to stop.

September Review

I made the rather bold prediction at the end of August that a not one club would occupy the same position at the end of September, I was wrong. However, only Birmingham City of the 24 teams stayed in their likely finishing position of 20th.

The accepted wisdom is that any league table takes shape after ten games or in this case eleven, but this notion can be skewed by the fixture list computer. That will   never stop trigger happy Chairman or Owners to reload, aim and fire. The latest casualty being the affable Dougie Freedman at Bolton who couldn’t reverse a long sequence of poor results and exited stage left.

Watford made an enforced change due to ill health bringing the number of changes at the top to five in two months, multiply that figure until May 2015 and all twenty four Managers/Coaches will have left for pastures new. I have not included multiple sackings and appointments that will occur at my own club, Leeds United.

The top six is no great surprise other than Charlton Athletic, unbeaten and mastering the art of one goal victories under the tutelage of Bob Peeters, not an ex-Greenwich cabbie but a former Belgian International who has brought several of his countrymen to South London with immediate success. The diet of chips, mayonnaise and strong lager appears to be doing the trick.

The money still swilling about at Norwich makes them my favourites for an automatic return to the Premiership and for charging £40 on a Tuesday night for the pleasure of travelling 400 miles I won’t be sad to see the back of them. However, pressure will be immense and Delia may require another alcohol fuelled rant to galvanise the expectant Canaries. Forest and Derby won’t thank me for mentioning them in the same sentence, but I find it difficult to separate them now with both likely play-off candidates playing a brand of attacking, entertaining football that Cloughie would be proud of ‘young man’.

Middlesbrough have impressed me this season, astute additions to an under achieving squad and the perennial backing from Steve Gibson suggests better times ahead for the Smoggies, sadly their home support hasn’t yet reflected that. Watford are Watford and their impressive home form at the intimidating Vicarage Road will ensure they remain in and around the top places.

Team of the month has to be Ipswich Town, wily old fox McCarthy has the Tractor Boys rumbling down the road being a nuisance to others. The loan market is now an essential tool for lower league Managers and ‘Big Mick’ clearly uses his contacts and nous very well. I doubt they can maintain that challenge, but keep Burnley in mind, not for long though because we all know they are coming back. Wolves and Sheffield Wednesday have begun encouragingly and both would bite your hand off at a comfortable mid-table finish with the occasional flirt with the play-off positions.

My other team deserving of praise and comment is Brentford, having seen my team spanked there a couple of weeks ago I expect many others will suffer the same fate. A small dilapidated ground, vocal home support and some very useful players eager to impress make Griffin Park a tough challenge. The move to a brand new, shiny stadium will bring its financial rewards but lose the intensity of an old school ground. Might pick up a few disillusioned Fulham fans I suppose.

Bournemouth, Blackburn, Reading and Leeds all might be a little disappointed with their points haul but find themselves only 6 points off top spot on Saturday evening.  The next couple of months usually see suspensions and injuries play some part and those with bigger squads have a slight advantage.

The bottom half of the Championship makes uncomfortable reading for Bolton, Blackpool and Fulham but Huddersfield’s renaissance under Chris Powell confirms a week is a long time in Football never mind Politics. Brighton are surprisingly hovering in the lower reaches and one of the best sides I’ve seen this season and won’t be there much longer I suspect.

Approaching a quarter of the season as Autumn arrives, who will be the next Club to shed the boss? Uwe Rosler has a demanding Chairman who will not want to see his Club falter for much longer, but I suspect will hold his nerve when others might not. Now we must all pause for a weekend for England to play San Marino – ridiculous!  A weekend wasted and replaced by supporters travelling thousands of miles in a cold, wet winter evening to fulfil the void.

Until the next time, good luck to all. I don’t really mean that but does any Football fan genuinely wish other sides to prosper?

 

David Goodwill

2014/15: Sky Bet Championship Review – August 2014

The season is barely a month old and The Championship along with the Premier League has been halted by the obligatory and ludicrous ‘International Break’…

…And my credentials for voicing an opinion on such matters? For the record I have watched in excess of 1,500 games over thirty five years, the vast majority of this millennium at Championship level (or Division Two in old money), but also a brief sojourn in the third tier of English Football. My name is David Goodwill and I’m a Leeds United fan.

So to business.  As a rule, The Championship includes a host of teams fallen from the promised land of the Premier League, others trampling over each other to acquire the financial fruits promotion delivers, more happy to prevent the bigger and arrogant clubs from doing so and finally those desperate to avoid the apparent oblivion of League One.

The current season is three weeks and five games old and Messrs Robins, Hockaday and Sannino have departed and nobody is particularly surprised. Managers or Coaches are the equivalent of Mobile Phones, signed up on a two year contract but after six months you want an upgrade or replacement. The service provider or board usually succumb frightened of losing their patrons custom.

They say the table never lies; I disagree and will wager not one single club will be in the same position come May 2015. The Championship season is brutal, relentless, exhausting and for the vast majority disappointing to a greater and lesser degree. I would lose at least two clubs, four fixtures to reduce the volume of midweek games and the financial burden on the pocket of the watching spectator.

The returning messiah, Stuart Pearce has Forest aptly top of the tree despite pre-season disagreements with the hierarchy. The acquisition of multi-million pound players to an already heavily bank rolled side should see The Reds last the course and distance but possibly require a photo finish to make the winning enclosure. I will endeavour to mention each and every team on this early review and whilst not a fan of WWF I can’t deny that Wolves, Watford and Forest are the top three!

The Black Country side are proving that momentum is a huge force in any sport and one has to credit Kenny Jackett with waking, if not a sleeping giant, then a weary tall person. Sarf London is represented twice in the top six, both Millwall and Charlton under relatively new Management are putting the Blackwall Tunnel on the map for matters other than traffic delays – will it last? I don’t think so. Norwich make up the early play off positions and I doubt will leave them for the remainder of the campaign, the shrewd signing of Lewis Grabban finally providing the goals for a very talented squad.

Trying to remain objective and considered about other clubs is quite a challenge; I don’t really care for any team other than my own. On that note, I despise half scarves, applauding the opposition scoring and appreciating the referee has a “difficult” job to do. Football is meant to be one eyed, partisan, painful and ultimately end in misery and dejection for all but a few. Rant over and back to the task in hand.

The remainder of the top half reminds me of the geographical diversity of this League with Bournemouth, Wigan, Brentford and Cardiff representing the South, North, London and a foreign country respectively. All will have aspirations to remain there or thereabouts and the deeper pockets of Wigan and Cardiff should see they do well, but Burnley bucked the trend last season, so why not Bournemouth or Brentford? Imagine that Premier League fixture in 2015 – no neither can I, but they will take scalps up and down the country for sure. Derby and Sheffield Wednesday represent the plethora of sides in this division where history weighs heavy and success is craved to the point of desperation. McLaren has The Rams in the fast lane and few would begrudge The Owls to soar to the higher echelons – although once again I would.

Twelve down, twelve to go. Teams resting in the bottom half have proved before to be in a false position, Reading was one such case achieving promotion from a dire start in previous years and Brighton, Blackburn and Middlesbrough have all recruited well in my view and I expect to see them mount serious challenges as the season progresses. The ability to use the loan market is essential for these sides unable to compete financially with the parachute payments for clubs rewarded for failure.

The Yorkshire duo of Leeds and Rotherham hover above the bottom six, both with colourful characters at the helm. Who can forget the touch line dash of Steve Evans at Wembley? I for one have had nightmares ever since. His methods might be controversial, but his results are there for all to see and I expect The Millers to retain their Championship status. The last six weeks at Elland Road has seen players depart and arrive at a phenomenal rate and nobody knows where the journey will end, but most likely in disappointment, acrimony, tears and financial ruin…again.

The bottom six will have a fortnight to ruminate about their position, point fingers at colleagues and coaches reminding themselves it’s a marathon and not a sprint and use the next two weeks to reinvigorate themselves and their supporters for ‘act two’ of the long running Championship saga. Bolton, Fulham and Blackpool currently sit below the dreaded dotted line having drawn two and scored ten goals between them in fifteen games. The Tangerines require the football version of speed dating for players to introduce themselves to each other, chances are they are no match and early form supports that. Bolton look a million miles away from the side that slugged it out year on year with the big boys in the Premier League and Fulham have placed all their eggs in one Scottish basket, and who has yet to hatch.

Ipswich, Huddersfield and Birmingham have made inconsistent starts but come the end of September might all be singing the Blues! The reality of Championship life is most teams are capable of beating each other, winning when least expected and losing to relegation fodder for no apparent reason. I will enjoy my fortnight of inactivity, pretend that new acquisitions will catapult my team up the division and then bemoan the loss of former idols not fit to wear the shirt a matter of weeks ago.

 

David Goodwill

2014/15: Vanarama Conference North – Guiseley AFC v Gainsborough Trinity

Preview:

Coming into this game after four league fixtures, The Lions sat in second place in the table with ten points, having won three games (1-0 v Leamington [A], 3-0 v Stockport County [H], 1-0 v Worcester City [H]) and a draw (0-0 v AFC Fylde [A]). Visitors Gainsborough Trinity were in seventeenth place with four points after a win (1-0 v Hednesford Town [H]), two losses (v Barrow AFC 3-1 [A], v Brackley Town 3-2 [A]) and a draw (0-0 v Lowestoft Town [H]).

Match Report:

Guiseley AFC (0) 1 – 3 (2) Gainsborough Trinity

Guiseley: A. Holdsworth (62)

Gainsborough Trinity: T. Davie (27), C. Bateson (39), C. Higginson (68).

Guiseley warm-up before kick-off

Under a grey sky and in squally showers, Gainsborough kicked-off this Bank Holiday fixture at Nethermoor. Almost immediately the action was halted as Guiseley centre-back Danny Ellis needed treatment for a knock to the head. With play restarted Gainsborough quickly settled into a solid looking 4-5-1 formation and were neat in possession in the opening five minutes.

However, it was Guiseley who created the first chance of the game, when good work from Nicky Boshell provided a decent shooting opportunity for Jake Lawler. This spurred the home side to dominate with full-back Alex McQuad getting forward down the left whenever possible, which in the opening quarter of an hour produced efforts on goal for Adam Boyes, Nicky Boshell and Gavin Rothery, although none troubled visitors keeper Mike Emery.

Gainsborough also had a sight of goal on fifteen minutes when Tom Davie did well out wide before firing a shot narrowly wide of the Guiseley goal. However, it was the home side who continued to press with Boyes and Nicky Boshell combining well to create shooting opportunities for each other as the game approached the twenty minute mark.

With the weather conditions not improving, the immaculate green surface was becoming greasy and a few sliding challenges were inevitable. From one such tackle Trinity’s Ciaran Toner was booked on twenty one minutes and he may feel a tad unlucky to have received a yellow card given the circumstances.

Gainsborough Trinity warm-up prior to kick-off

As the game reached mid-point in the half, The Lions continued to apply more pressure on the Trinity defence, with Alex McQuad continuing to be a dangerous outlet down the left flank. On twenty four minutes, Guiseley came very close to taking the lead when a shot from Danny Boshell hit the post with Trinity keeper Emery rooted to the spot. At this point Gainsborough weren’t helping themselves as they too often conceded possession.

However, on twenty seven minutes it was Guiseley who gave the ball away which allowed Trinity to break and Tom Davie struck a fine shot into the corner, which Steve Drench could not keep out despite getting a hand to the drive from the young forward to give the visitors the lead. To their credit the home side responded and on the half-hour mark Gainsborough keeper Mike Emery was brave in coming out and taking the ball at the feet of Adam Boyes as the Guiseley forward chased through.

Trinity though continued to work hard in all areas of the pitch, typified by forward Curtis Bateson, on-loan from Scunthorpe United, who created a chance for himself cutting inside before shooting over the bar. The visitor’s efforts were further rewarded on thirty nine minutes, when a cleverly weighted Ciaran Toner pass split the Guiseley centre-backs, where Bateson coolly finished past Drench, to put Trinity 2-0 ahead. Indeed Gainsborough were finishing the half stronger and after The Lions gifted possession once more, Tom Davie was given another sight of goal, although this time his effort was straight at Drench. Guiseley were struggling at this point and couldn’t wait for the half-time whistle.

However the agony was extended as there were three minutes of time added-on at the end of the first-half, which saw Guiseley desperately try and grab a goal before the break. However, despite seeing plenty of the ball they were unable to fashion a chance with a through ball which ran away from Adam Boyes on the wet surface, summing up a miserable opening forty five minutes for the home team.

There was no let-up in the wet and windy conditions as the players emerged for the second-half. Guiseley kicked-off, attacking the Otley Road end and were immediately on the front-foot with Nicky Boshell having a header that flashed wide. However, Trinity continued with their organised approach as in the opening half, as Lobjoit, Bateson and Davie continued to work hard up front and earned the visitors a corner on fifty minutes.

Guiseley though dominated the play for the next ten minutes with plenty of possession, but without creating a telling chance. With an hour gone The Lions manager Mark Bower was aware that he had to shake things up and introduced midfielder Jack Stockdill on fifty eight minutes and forward Oli Johnson three minutes later. The changes provided the breakthrough demanded by the home fans, as captain Andy Holdsworth fired in a curling left-foot shot beyond Emery. Suddenly Guiseley were back in the game and the crowd sensed that maybe an equaliser was possible.

However, that optimism was short-lived. On sixty eight minutes the visitors made their first substitution of the game as Connor Higginson replaced Billy Lobjoit. It proved to a masterstroke from Trinity boss Steve Housham as immediately Curtis Bateson got down the left and his cross was fired in at the far post by substitute Higginson with his first touch. However, this was pretty much the last action for Bateson as on seventy three minutes he limped off, replaced by Grant Roberts.

Second-half: Trinity on the attack.

As the game entered the last fifteen minutes, Guiseley manager Mark Bower made his last substitution as Wayne Brooksby was replaced by Danny Forrest. It nearly paid dividends as Danny Ellis had a towering header turned round the post by Emery on seventy nine minutes. The Trinity keeper was in action again just two minutes later having to make a double save as Oli Johnson looked to slot home from the initial save. However, Gainsborough were holding firm and although Guiseley striker Adam Boyes had another chance five minutes from time, his header was wide and the home fans sensed it was not going to be their day.

With ninety minutes up, Trinity had five minutes of time added-on to negotiate before they could claim the three points. In the first of those the visitors had a chance to score a fourth, but after a good run the shot from Tom Davie lacked power and was easily gathered by Drench in the Guiseley goal. Despite it being a lost cause, The Lions continued to press and they created a chance on ninety four minutes when Gavin Rothery had room in the box to get a shot off, however as with much of the Guiseley’s efforts on the day, it came to nothing.

At the whistle, Gainsborough players and fans celebrated a well-earned three points after a thoroughly professional performance, whilst for Guiseley their unbeaten start to the season was over.

Guiseley: S. Drench, A. Holdsworth (c), A. McQuade (J. Stockdill [58]), B. Parker, D. Ellis, J. Lawler, W. Brooksby (D. Forrest [77]), D. Boshell, A. Boyes, N. Boshell (O. Johnson [61]), G. Rothery. Substitutes not used: R. Toulson, S. Dickinson.

Gainsborough Trinity: M. Emery, D. Roma (c), J. Lacey, C. Binns, A. Quinn, J. Picton, S. Russell, C. Toner, B. Lobjoit (C. Higginson [68]), C. Bateson (G. Roberts [73]), T. Davie. Substitutes not used: L. Davis, C. Salt, N. Plumtree.

Attendance: 572

Post-match interviews:

Courtesy of David Granger, Gainsborough Standard.

David Granger (DG): So pretty much a perfect away performance.

Steve Housham (SH) Gainsborough Trinity manager: It was, we ‘ve come with a game plan and I said to the players before the game if we stick to it and we are disciplined…not many people will expect us to come here …we didn’t have the pressure on us to come here and win a game. We were massive underdogs. It might say they had about 75% of the possession, but it says Gainsborough 3 Guiseley 1. We were clinical and when we had the ball, first-half I thought we give it away too cheaply, but we stuck to our game plan and we did the job.

DG: The game plan seemed to be to press high and that really did cause problems for them.

SH: Yeah, I can remember when I first took over at the club and we played Guiseley, they are a good footballing side, always have been, and I did the same at our place. They can’t really hurt you if they are just playing from left back to right back, centre back, and we had to be patient and sometimes those sorts of teams can lose their patience and just look for long balls forward. Their movement was good and they are a good side, so we’ve got to take credit for that. We’ve come to a good side and beat them 3-1.

DG: A note on Tom Davie and Billy Lobjoit – first starts of the season. I thought they were terrific.

SH: Yeah, like you say…game Saturday. Me and Stampy (Assistant Manager Darryn Stamp) looked before the game, we had an inkling you know…I think they thought they just had to turn up. They looked a bit lacklustre in the warm-up, things like that and I said to our lads…fresh legs, with Tom Davie, Billy Lobjoit and Charlie Binns, who was magnificent in the middle of the park, all came in and were lively for us. Mike Emery in goal, not forgetting about him…it makes a good headache, but a difficult situation for next week now.

DG: Is there an injury worry with Curtis (Bateson) – superb today a goal and two assists?

SH: I think it’s just his ankle, just got a knock. Just having a joke that he can go back to a proper physio for a week. He won’t have to see our physio now and again…he’s got a proper physio to see daily. Fingers crossed he should be alright for next week.

DG: Defence looked resolute again, really defended the eighteen yard box well.

SH: We got asked questions today and I thought we answered them all. We didn’t look in any danger you know, the goal came from a long range shot, that’s all we restricted them to. There was the odd time where from corners they looked a wee bit dangerous, but we stood as soldiers, we were strong and like you say that’s near enough a perfect performance against a team that’s going to be up there come the end of the season. But you know, why shouldn’t Gainsborough be up there…we said we were going to surprise a few people. No surprise to me and the lads that we were going to come here and win today.

DG: Any news on the injures to your assistant Stampy and Bees (Paul Beesley)?

SH: Bees could be a bit longer than we thought, but hopefully he’s looking for next week as it’s his old club. Stampy should be okay, but we’ll assess that…we got a full week to assess it and we’ll see how they are – probably Thursday.

* * * * * * * * *

DG: First start of the season, first goal. Just take us through it.

Tom Davie (TD), Gainsborough Trinity forward: It was a great way to start. I’ve had to bide my time and work hard to get into the team. The team has been doing well, but Houshy’s put his faith in me today and I hope I’ve repaid him.

DG: It was a brilliant strike; you had a tester just before that went wide. It was a good finish, how did you see it?

TD: To be fair I had one a couple of minutes before and I’ve got it in exactly the same position and luckily this time its gone it. But as a team I thought we were brilliant today – the defence was brilliant from Mike to Billy up front.

DG: Exactly, your manager has talked about how you stuck to the game plan, pressing high and how you did a really good job – you Billy and Curtis up front really worked your socks off today.

TD: We are all young lads so we have to learn off this experience. We came here with a game plan and we’ve all stuck to it and that’s what happens when you stick to it, we’ve come to a top side and got a good three points.

DG: Where do you go from here – you just going to keep working hard, knocking on the door and pushing?

TD: We’ve just not got to get complacent. We’ve got Bradford on Saturday. We’ll come in on Thursday and train again…then it’s another bigger push on Saturday.

DG: Do you think you’ve got a good chance on Saturday against Bradford?

TD: Yeah, I think…the lads are confident. The key is to keep our feet on the ground and do what we did today. Houshy will get us in Thursday, so I’m sure he’ll have another game plan for Saturday and if we stick to it I’m positive we’ll come out with the right result.

2014/15: Capital One (League) Cup – Leeds United v Accrington Stanley

Arriving at the ground an hour before kick-off with the intention of grabbing a pint and having a leisurely read of the match programme, I was greeted by the sight of the East Stand turnstiles not open and people stood outside in the rain. There were puzzled looks all-round as time ticked closer to the 19:45 start with the gates still locked and no communication as to what was happening. Then just before 19:00 some turnstiles were opened, although no explanation was forthcoming as to what the problem was. But hey why should that happen, we’re just the paying customers…

Having lost their opening Championship fixture to Millwall, Leeds made a number of changes with Stuart Taylor, Lewis Cook, Gaetano Berardi, Tommaso Bianchi and Matt Smith coming into the starting eleven. Like their hosts, Stanley also lost their opening day fixture, 1-0 to Southend United and manager James Beattie made two changes to the team with Jordan Mustoe and James Alabi coming into the side.

Razzle-dazzle at Elland Road

The game was effectively over by half-time with two excellent finishes from Leeds new boy Souleymane Doukara. The Championship side played some neat passing football and dominated their League Two opponents. However, there were times that Leeds looked less than composed at the back and in midfield Bianchi was often wasteful with his distribution. The second-half was a pretty ordinary affair and it wasn’t until Accrington pulled a goal back on eighty four minutes that the game came to life. More drama came just before the end of normal time when Gaetano Berardi was sent-off for a poor challenge and meant it was an anxious last five minutes of time added-on.

So no banana skins for Leeds, instead a first competitive win for Head Coach Dave Hockaday and progress to the Second Round. However, the faithful at Elland Road will be more concerned about collecting Championship points, starting with a win against Middlesbrough this Saturday. Oh and hopefully the gates will be open on time…

2014/15: Toolstation NCEL Premier Division – Garforth Town v Parkgate

After watching three friendlies this pre-season, it was at last time for some competitive league action and so a trip to Garforth Town for their fixture against Parkgate. I didn’t realise until I checked my records, that this is the third season running that I have attended The Miners opening league fixture.

Back in 2012/13 Garforth lost 2-0 to Clitheroe in the Evo-Stik League First Division North in what was to prove a disastrous season for the team, as turmoil on and off the field threatened the very existence of the club. Last season, with a new management structure in place, Garforth hosted Thackley, but went down 2-1 in a game that had a dramatic finish.

So to today and this season, which this will mark the 50th Anniversary of the clubs history; an achievement given the chaos at Garforth just two years ago. Great credit must go to Chairman Brian Close, Manager Graham Nicholas, the committee and the army of volunteers that have worked hard to stabilise and start to take the club forward.

At the beginning of the season there is always that air of optimism for players and fans alike and at Garforth it is no different as they look to secure the title and promotion back to the Evo-Stik League. That task began today with a visit from South Yorkshire team Parkgate, who last season struggled finishing in 19th position.

Despite the heavy rain and flooding that occurred in the area on Friday night, the playing surface looked immaculate and at kick-off there were blue skies overhead Wheatley Park. However, even though it was a warm day, there were significant winds throughout the game which meant that in the opening quarter of an hour both sides struggled to judge the strength of their passing. Indeed the conditions had a part to play in the opening goal on twenty three minutes. An over hit ball out of defence by Garforth looked to be easily gathered by Parkgate keeper Daniel Morton, but he somehow managed to spill the ball giving Dominic Hackney the simple task of walking the ball into the net. However, Morton made up for his error later in the half when he superbly tipped over a deflected shot from Sam Akeroyd. 1-0 to The Miners at the break a lead they deserved.

A break in play.

The Steelmen though started the second-half the better of the two teams, and got their reward on forty nine minutes. Poor defensive play by Garforth enabled Scott Whittington to work his way into the box where he was crudely brought down by Andy Hawksworth. The Miners skipper was thankfully only shown a yellow card, when on another day a less lenient referee might have sent him off. Scott Lowe confidently scored in the top left hand corner from the spot and it was all square at 1-1. Both sides then had periods of possession although without creating a clear cut chance and as the game entered the last ten minutes it looked as though it was going to be a point apiece for both sides.

However, it all changed on eighty three minutes. Substitute Simni Oyebanji despite being marked by two Parkgate players managed to get the by-line and provide a cut-back pass which was superbly finished left-footed into the far corner by Luke Managham. It was 3-1 just three minutes later, when a well worked free-kick was brilliantly flicked in by Managham for his second of the afternoon.

Perhaps 3-1 was a bit harsh on Parkgate, but Garforth deserved the win and had got the season off to the best possible start. The remainder of August will see The Miners travel to Retford United, and home games against Heanor Town and Bridlington Town in the League and an FA Cup tie at Newton Aycliffe. Fingers crossed that today is the start of something special as they celebrate 50 years of existence.

2014/15: Pre-season Friendly – Sheffield United v Fenerbahce

The great thing about friendlies is the unlikely pairings they sometimes throw together. Take the fixture last night that pitched Sheffield United from England’s League One against Turkish Champions, Fenerbahce; brought about by Blades Director Selahattin Baki who hails from Turkey. It was arranged to mark the 125th Anniversary of Sheffield United and to raise money for the Turkish Mining Disaster Fund.

In many ways it was a strange evening and one of contrasts. The game itself was a pre-season friendly, but because of the size of the crowd (12,950) and the large contingent of Fenerbahce fans (who were housed in the upper tier of the Jessica Ennis Stand), it had the feel and edge of a league game. The teams themselves also provided a significant contrast, with The Blades starting with youngsters such as 17 year old Louis Reed, whilst Fenerbahce fielded a starting line-up of internationals, including Cameroonian international Pierre Webo and the Portuguese pair of Raul Meireles and Bruno Alves, who had featured for their countries at the recent World Cup in Brazil.

Given the strength of the Turkish side it was no surprise that they dominated the chances in the opening half, with their ease on the ball and slick passing and movement. Within the opening ten minutes Meireles had his effort on goal well held by Mark Howard, but the United keeper could do nothing on eleven minutes when Caner Erkin’s cross was headed home by Webo. Indeed, the Cameroonian could have had a hat-trick in the first-half, but he was unable to take any of the chances. Turkish international Gokhan Gonul also had a decent opportunity to increase the visitors lead, but it proved to be another wasted opportunity. Sheffield United though did have chances of their own, the best a header from Marc McNulty from close range, which unfortunately was put over the bar. The other significant ‘action’ came off the pitch as mid-way during the half, a number of flares were lit by the away fans which had the stewards scurrying to put them out – a glimpse of terrace life, Turkey style.

Half-time and a chance to grab a well-earned pint. However, after spending the half-time break queuing, when we eventually reached the counter, we were informed that it was a food-only stand. Rather than join another queue the decision was made to leave the ground and head for a pub and so then have a leisurely wait for the train. It’s not something that would normally be considered, but with it being a friendly and knowing that I had to make the train for my connection, it was a fairly easy decision to make.

So what was missed in the second-half (besides copious substitutions)? Two goals by The Blades in the last fifteen minutes (Chris Porter and Neill Collins) which sealed what seemed an unlikely win after the first-half. A strange evening indeed…

2013/14: Toolstation NCEL League Cup Final – Eccleshill United v Knaresborough Town

Last weekend saw the 2013/14 league programme in the Premier and First Division of the Toolstation Northern Counties East League (NCEL) completed. However, there was one last game before the curtain came down on the NCEL season, and that was the League Cup Final at Bradford City AFC.

The two finalists were Eccleshill United and Knaresborough Town, both from the NCEL First Division. Eccleshill’s route to the Final was as follows:

First Round v Cleethorpes Town (H) Won 2-1
Second Round v Albion Sports (A) Won 3-1
Third Round v Tadcaster Albion (H) Won 2-1
Fourth Round v Nostell Miners Welfare (A) Won 1-0
Semi-Final v Heanor Town (A) Won 4-3

 

Knaresborough Town reached the Final through the following games:

First Round v Rossington Main (A) Won 6-0
Second Round v Hemsworth Miners Welfare (A) Won 2-1
Third Round v Garforth Town (A) Won 2-0
Fourth Round v Bridlington Town (A) Won 1-0
Semi-Final v Long Eaton United (A) Won 1-0

 

In the league fixtures between the two teams, Knaresborough took four of the six points. The first meeting was in October at Eccleshill. After a goalless first-half, the game burst to life in the second period, with Colin Heath opening the scoring on fifty minutes for Borough. However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Marcus Edwards levelled for the home team. But it was the visitors who took the points with a second goal for Heath and one for Steve Bromley to seal a 3-1 win. In the return game this February at Knaresborough, it was honours even as the game finished 0-0. However, Eccleshill finished higher of the two teams in the NCEL First Division, ending the campaign in fourth, with Knaresborough in sixth.

Today was the second Cup Final of the season for Eccleshill, after they triumphed 1-0 against Harrogate Town in the West Riding County Cup (also at Bradford City) and so were hoping to secure a Cup-double. For Knaresborough, it was the opportunity to secure their first silverware since coming into the NCEL in the 2012/13 campaign.

* * * * * * * * *

Prior to kick-off there was an immaculately observed minutes silence for the Leeds teacher, Ann Maguire, who was killed at Corpus Christie College last week. It was a chance to reflect on the cruelty that life can sometimes inflict, and that when people talk of ‘tragedy’ or ‘disater’ in terms of the outcome of a football match, it should be remembered that it is ultimately only a game.

* * * * * * * * *

Cup Finals can be very tense games often settled by a single goal. Thankfully this was far from it and was a tremendous advert for the NCEL and non-league football in general.

From the outset it was a fast paced and open game, with Knaresborough shading the opening few minutes. Borough made this count on ten minutes, when Eccleshill United fullback Ish Mills was beaten by Blaine Hobson and from the subsequent cross, Colin Heath clinically finished to put his team 1-0 ahead. Eccleshill responded immediately and were only denied an equaliser by good saves by Weston Murau from Connor Shefte and Doug Stevenson. However, their pressure brought its reward on twenty five minutes. From a corner, there was a melee in the box which saw the ball end up in the net and Charlie Flaherty credited with the goal. Borough keeper Murau indicated to the referee that he thought he had been impeded, but his pleas were ignored by referee Jason Knowles and the game was level at 1-1. The Eagles now had their tails up and were soon ahead. From a free-kick, the ball was delivered to fullback Tyler Tarango at the far-post, who out jumped the cover to head the ball back across the goal, where Marcus Edwards headed home at the near-post just two yards out. Knaresborough though held their nerve and didn’t panic and got a foothold back in the game, as Eustance and Heath had chances, but on each occasion their efforts were dragged wide, without troubling Ryan Smith in the Eccleshill goal. The Eagles too continued to look for more goals, with Marcus Edwards a constant threat. However, there were no further score and it remained 2-1 to Eccleshill at the break.

Borough were quickest out the blocks in the second-half and were level at 2-2 on forty eight minutes. From a cross, Colin Heath stooped to head goal-wards and Smith was only able to push the effort against the post before the ball nestled into the Eccleshill net. Now Knaresborough had the initiative, but as the game moved towards the hour there was a ten minute spell when the game became scrappy and niggly, which required referee Knowles to brandish a number of yellow cards to take the heat out of the situation. On sixty five minutes Borough made their first substitution with fullback and assistant manager Paul Stanfield being replaced by Dave Thomas. With twenty minutes remaining the game settled again and as the second-half progressed, genuine chances were at a premium. Eccleshill made a change on seventy four minutes with midfielder Reid Harbach replacing Aaron Sanchez as The Eagles went in search of a winner. And they nearly got it, when in the closing minutes they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box. Marcus Edwards curled it towards the top corner, but somehow Murau climbed to claw away the effort. With the game entering time added on and extra-time looming, Borough brought on ex-Brighton and Leeds United player Seb Carole for George Eustance.

With both teams now tiring, the extra thirty minutes unsurprisingly lost some of the bite and intensity of the first ninety minutes. Carole looked threatening as he ran at The Eagles defence, but was unable to create a genuine opportunity for his side. For Eccleshill, their one major chance was created by the ever willing Marcus Edwards. His run down the by-line, through a fatigued Knaresborough defence was only halted by a brave save at his feet by the outstanding Borough keeper Weston Murau. At the whistle and after 120 minutes, players from both sides sportingly shook hands and congratulated the match officials on what had been a draining, but enjoyable Cup Final. They knew though now it was down to the lottery that is penalties.

In front of an empty Kop, Borough took the first penalty and Seb Carole put them 1-0 ahead. Up first for Eccleshill was the dangerous Marcus Edwards, but his penalty was brilliantly saved by Murau as he dived to his right. Murau didn’t watch as his teammate Dave Thomas stepped up to take the next penalty, but the keeper must have heard the ball smack off the post and away as Eccleshill celebrated the miss. The Eagles tied the penalties at 1-1 as Ryan Jones scored from the spot. Jim Bradley took the score 2-1 to Borough and the pressure swung back again to Eccleshill. Charlie Flaherty had the job of levelling the scores, but his penalty was high and wide and The Eagles were now struggling. Substitute Danny Wright scored for Borough to make it 3-1, which meant that Connor Shefte had to net to keep Eccleshill in with a chance. Shefte slotted home to reduce the deficit to 3-2, but the players and fans of The Eagles knew that if Borough converted their next penalty then it was game-over. Byron Littlefair was handed the responsibility of the spot-kick and he drove it home to clinch the NCEL League Cup 4-2 for Knaresborough. With the game won, Man of the match Weston Murau was swamped by the players and rightly so, as the keeper had been outstanding.

There was to be no Cup-double for Eccleshill, but they had played their part in a stirring occasion and their efforts and those of winners Knaresborough were acknowledged by the appreciative crowd. 2013/14 has proved to be a good season for both sides. What will 2014/15 bring?

 

Eccleshill United: Ryan Smith, Ish Mills, Tyler Tarango, Jermaine Springer (captain), Ryan Jones, Tyson Newell, Aaron Sanchez (Reid Harbach 74), Doug Stevenson, Marcus Edwards, Connor Shefte, Charlie Flaherty. Subs unused: Brendan Roslund, Daniel Mann, Zack Le Casse.

Knaresborough Town: Weston Murau, Paul Stansfield (Dave Thomas 65), Nick Radcliffe, Matt Duerden (captain), Will Lenehan, Jim Bradley, George Eustance (Seb Carole 90), Dominic Wilson, Colin Heath (Danny Wright 80), Blaine Hobson, Byron Littlefair. Subs unused: Tom Osborne, Liam Gray.

Attendance: 390

2013/14: Skrill Conference North – Guiseley AFC v Colwyn Bay

On 05 October 2013 Guiseley AFC slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Altrincham and after 10 games of the 2013/14 season they had just 8 points. Thoughts of a fourth successive trip to the Conference North Play-Offs must have seemed a very distant dream for The Lions.

Nethermoor – main stands.

Following that defeat at Altrincham, Guiseley didn’t lose another league game in 2013 and went eleven games unbeaten. There then followed a three game losing streak as defeats were suffered against Barrow, AFC Telford United and Worcester City. Following that sequence of losses Guiseley went on a thirteen game unbeaten stretch, which was only broken last Saturday by a 3-2 defeat at Hednesford Town, although The Lions were 2-0 ahead in the first-half. They immediately bounced-back in midweek defeating Harrogate Town 2-0 which left them in a Play-Off spot with three games remaining.

Today mid-table Colwyn Bay were the visitors to Nethermoor, hoping to spoil the day of Guiseley central defender, Danny Ellis, who was making his 400th appearance for the club. And for the opening forty five minutes the side from North Wales more than held their own. The Seagulls were solid at the back and in midfield and created the one real chance of the opening half, when Rob Hopley had his effort brilliantly pushed over the bar by Guiseley keeper Steve Drench.

Into the second-half, things got even better for the visitors when on fifty seven minutes, they were awarded a penalty, for a foul by Danny Ellis, which was hotly disputed by the home team. James Ellison stepped up and comfortably sent Drench the wrong way to give Bay a 1-0 advantage. Within minutes Guiseley manager Mark Bower decided to make a change, with Danny Forrest making way for Oli Johnson.  It proved to be an inspired substitution as Johnson caused problems for the Colwyn Bay defence from the moment he came onto the pitch.

On sixty six minutes Johnson ran at and beat two defenders before crossing for Adam Boyes, who slotted home despite the efforts of the defender on the line. Guiseley now looked a different team as they pressed forward with more purpose. They were rewarded on seventy two minutes when a clearance fell to Gavin Rothery who drifted wide of the defender and shot low into the left hand corner past Sanna.

Guiseley on the attack.

Now 2-1 ahead the home side went in search of a third goal with man of the match Oli Johnson driving them forward. Chris Sanna in goal for The Seagulls was outstanding in the last fifteen minutes as he made three excellent saves to deny two goal-bound efforts from Boyes and one from Rothery. The Lions had been slow to get into the game, but by the whistle, fully deserved the three points.

Guiseley all but assured a place in the Play-Offs with this win, as rivals Boston United could only draw at Leamington. It leaves the men from Nethermoor just needing two points from their remaining two games starting with an away trip on Easter Monday to relegated Workington and finishing at home to Gloucester City next Saturday. North Ferriby United and AFC Telford United are battling for the title and the one automatic promotion spot; the loser will join three from, Boston United, Guiseley, Altrincham and Hednesford in the Play-Offs.

What seemed like a lost season back in October is still alive six months later and maybe, just maybe, that dream of Conference Premier football at Nethermoor will finally be realised.