Lions hopes are hit by early Heed blow

With only one other relegation-threatened side playing last night, this was a big opportunity missed for the Lions.

Disappointed manager Paul Cox said: “We weren’t effective enough in front of goal, we tried to get in the areas but we didn’t make it happen.

“It was a result where a goal a bit of luck can change it.”

Gateshead took the lead with their first chance as a ball over the top found Wes York, who took the ball into area and fired his shot into the bottom left-hand corner.

The visitors dominated the first half as they created the chances and should have been 2-0 up with a cross finding Paddy McCloughlin who on the edge of the area fired just wide.

The hosts simply didn’t create a clear cut chance during the first half but upped the intensity for the start of the second half with Dayle Southwell forcing a smart save from James Montgomery.

There was clearly something said at half-time as the Lions tried to up the pressure on the Heed, the final pass though just wasn’t there.

Gateshead though had another great chance when Jordan Burrow hit the post with a header.

Guiseley would have a fine opportunity though when a cross found Rowan Liburd but with most the goal to aim at, he hit Montgomery who gratefully held onto it.

Gateshead should have gone 2-0 up when ex-FC Halifax Town man Richard Peniket received a pass but Luke Coddington did well to save with his legs. The result leaves Guiseley bottom of the table ten points adrift of fifth-bottom Barrow who drew 1-1 with Sutton United.

Guiseley left-back Marcus Williams has joined York City on loan until the end of the season. He links up once again with former team-mate Connor Brown, who has had his loan deal with the Minstermen made permanent.