Chester clash was a game too far, admits Guiseley joint-boss Russ O’Neill

Guiseley saw their four-match unbeaten run come to an end after losing 1-0 to Chester in the National League yesterday.
Guiseley's Aram Soleman.Guiseley's Aram Soleman.
Guiseley's Aram Soleman.

Ten minutes were on the clock when the visitors took the lead, a corner was delivered to the back post and James Jones was in the right place to head in from four yards out.

Chester continued to control the opening stages of the game, with Brad Jackson seeing an attempt on goal well saved by Marcus Dewhurst.

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Guiseley tried to get a foothold in the match as Chris Sang saw a header go just wide, while Aram Soleman saw a dangerous cross cleared well.

Farsley Celtic's 
Will Hayhurst.Farsley Celtic's 
Will Hayhurst.
Farsley Celtic's Will Hayhurst.

Just before the break Chester so nearly doubled their lead in a repeat of their first goal – this time though Simon Grand could only see his header hit the crossbar.

Chester would have the one of the only real opportunities of the second half when Anthony Dudley saw his low-driving effort from the edge of the area blocked by Dewhurst.

Guiseley pushed players forward in the final stages with substitute Scott Smith seeing his shot go just past the right-hand post.

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With moments to go, the hosts had a final chance with a corner being delivered butit was eventually cleared by Chester, who celebrated the win.

In the end the Lions were defeated and will aim to start a new unbeaten run when they face Altrincham away from home on Saturday.

“It’s obviously disappointing to lose the match,” said Guiseley joint manager Russ O’Neill after the match. “We’ve played a lot of football in recent weeks and this game just came a little too soon perhaps.

“We now go back to be a normal routine, with a week’s break between games and we can work on a few things.”

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Meanwhile, Farsley Celtic went down to substitute Michael Richens’ 30-yard strike at Kettering, with both teams failing to convert penalties.

Shortly after Richens’ 20th-minute effort, he conceded a spot kick after colliding with Tyler Walton, but Paul White denied Will Hayhurst from 12 yards. Just a minute later, Brett Solkhon then hit a post after Daniel Nti was brought down by Celts keeper Kyle Trenerry.

Both sides had further chances with a Marcus Kelly shot cleared off the line and Tre Mitford hitting the bar for the Poppies.

Nathan Cartman also had the ball in the net for the visitors, but his effort was ruled out for a push by Danny Ellis.

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A sixth straight defeat represents the worst sequence of Bradford Park Avenue’s sorry season following a 2-1 reverse to Boston.

Avenue fell behind in the first minute when Liam Hughes failed to clear and Dom Knowles was gifted a simple finish.

Keeper Joe Green then failed to gather a corner and Simon Ainge doubled the advantage.

Nicky Clee reduced the deficit on 39 minutes, with a 20-yard volley and Tom Clare came closest to snatching a point when his firm drive was pushed on to a post by Peter Crook in first-half stoppage time.

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It was far from pretty, but Harrogate Town’s fourth consecutive victory lifted them up to third place in the National League standings, writes RHYS HOWELL.

Connor Hall’s 60th-minute goal proved sufficient to earn his side all three points against visiting Maidenhead United on a freezing cold, blustery afternoon at the CNG Stadium.

And the 26-year-old centre-half believes that yesterday’s success only serves to underline the fact that Town are very much in contention as far as the title race is concerned.

They now find themselves behind second-placed Yeovil on goal difference alone and are just three points shy of leaders Barrow after a run of five wins in their last six league outings.

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“We knew if we could go on a run then we’d climb the table,” said Hall, who forced home Alex Bradley’s right-wing corner to decide what was Harrogate’s fifth fixture in the space of only 15 days.

“We’ve been there or thereabouts recently and if we can keep winning games then there’s no reason why we can’t be pushing for that top spot.

“We knew we could do it anyway, from the start of the season. From when I came into the building the aim has been to get promotion, to win the league, and I’ve felt that was realistic ever since I’ve been here.

“Now we’re in a really good position, I don’t see why we can’t go on and get it [first place].”

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Elsewhere in the National League, Jack Redshaw celebrated his new contract with a goal as FC Halifax Town drew 1-1 at Barnet.

Redshaw, who along with Charlie Cooper signed a contract extension to the end of the season before the game, put Town into a 1-0 half-time lead, which was wiped out by Jack Taylor after the interval.

Halfiax took the lead on 24 minutes when a lovely cross to the far post by Jeff King found Redshaw who shifted his body quickly to meet the ball on the bounce and finish smartly first time.

But Barnet hit back when substitute Ephron Mason-Clark’s ball fell to Taylor, who finished low across goal from near the penalty spot on 58 minutes.

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A BATTLING defensive performance from 10-man hosts Tadcaster Albion earned them an excellent point in a goalless draw with BetVictor League North West Division rivals Pontefract Collieries yesterday.

The game appeared to swing in Pontefract’s favour after just 21 minutes when Albion’s Adam Porritt was sent off after he was adjudged to have stopped a clear goal scoring opportunity.

The home side were awarded a penalty a minute into the second period but Jake Day’s spot kick was saved by Seb Malkowski. As 10-man Albion tired towards the end, Pontefract created a number of good chances but could not find the net. The result means Pontefract and Tadcaster remain in fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Ossett United put further daylight between themselves and the relegation zone following a 2-1 victory over Dunston.

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Andy Monkhouse and Tom Greaves scored two goals in two minutes as Ossett took a 2-0 lead just before the interval. Dunston converted a penalty in the second half however, the home side held on to win back-to-back games for the first time this season.

Tenth-placed Brighouse Town suffered a 3-1 defeat at Marske United. Joshua Grant netted Town’s goal.

Bottom-side Pickering Town went down 3-2 at Ramsbottom United with Flynn McNaughton and Ryan Cooper scoring.

In the South East Division, sixth-placed Frickley Athletic went down 2-1 at home to Belper Town.

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In the Northern Counties East League Premier Division, Hemsworth MW moved level on points with leaders Penistone Church after a 2-2 draw at Eccleshill United. Sam Jones and Seon Ripley netted the goals.

Elsewhere, Knaresborough Town crushed Handsworth 10-1 with Daniel Thirkell and Colin Heath netting braces, Liversedge won 4-2 at Barton Town and Yorkshire Amateur claimed a 1-0 victory at Garforth Town.