Poor five-minute spell proves so costly for Guiseley against leaders Gloucester

The management duo of Russ O’Neill and Marcus Bignot were celebrating their 100th game in charge of the Lions and this was always going to be a tough match against the undefeated pacesetters Gloucester.

The hosts made the brighter start with George Cantrill producing a positive run into the area but his initial shot was saved by Louie Mouldon and the keeper made himself big to deny him a second time.

On the half-hour mark, Gloucester so nearly took the lead. In-form striker Matt McClure was found in the area and on the stretch, he fired towards goal, but his effort hit the inside of the post and rebounded out to Ben Morgan, who could only shoot wide.

Almost immediately from the restart Gloucester should have taken the lead. Liam Daly was found from a corner and his powerful header forced an impressive reflex save from Brad Wade.

The pressure was being ramped up by the Tigers and the league leaders were soon ahead. A foul in the area led to a penalty and McClure added to his goal tally from the spot, aiming his effort down the middle.

Just two minutes later Gloucester were 2-0 up. Another corner wasn’t properly cleared and Akwasi Asante shot through a crowd of bodies into the back of the net. That looked to be that, but there would be some late drama.

Guiseley’s Lebrun Mbeka would halve the deficit after scoring a penalty won by Prince Ekpolo as the game entered added time, with Kevin Dawson sent off in the process, but they could not get the equaliser, despite throwing players forward and left empty handed.

After the match joint-manager O’Neill said: “We had chances during the first half and just had a five-minute spell, that cost us. We have to focus on the next game now.”

Next up for the Lions is a trip to Kettering Town on Tuesday when they will go head to head with former boss Paul Cox.

Meanwhile, Farsley Celtic shared the spoils in a 2-2 home draw against Kidderminster Harriers.

The home side opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Tom Allan bundled the ball home following Paddy Lane’s corner.

But Kidderminster hit straight back with two goals in as many minutes before the first half’s midway point – the first a spectacular Samuel Austin strike and the second an Omari Sterling-Jones effort.

Deep in stoppage time at the end of the half, Farsley squandered a chance to level terms when Jordan Richards hit a post from the penalty spot after Allan had been shoved over in the box.

Two minutes into the second half, however, a point was secured when Carl Johnston followed up to score after Jimmy Spencer’s shot was saved by Luke Simpson.

The Celts are back in action on Tuesday when they host Chester.

Bradford Park Avenue went down 2-1 to Telford at Horsfall Stadium, falling behind to two edge-of-the box Dominic McHale attempts.

Former York City midfielder Andy Bond was then red carded for a second bookable offence on 52 minutes, leaving the visitors down to 10 men.

Lewis Knight duly replied following a left-wing raid by Brad Dockerty, but Telford hung on for victory.

Support the YEP and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news and the latest on Leeds United, With a digital subscription, you see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click HERE to subscribe.