Report by: David Bridson

THE first victory of the Mark Bower era was secured against his former side as The Lions defeated Bradford City 2-1 on Saturday.

The game began as a cagey affair with both sides engaging in a midfield battle. Ollie Brown single-handedly averted Bantam attacks with several superb challenges and headed clearances in the early stages.

A solid Joe Cracknell block stopped Antoni Sarcevic giving City the lead in the 27th minute before the Guiseley ‘keeper tipped a free kick over just a minute later.

City enjoyed plenty of possession as Jake Young fired over the bar in the 32nd minute while Jameel Ible’s decent tackle ensured Clarke Oduor didn’t give the away side a 37th minute lead.

But just a minute later Guiseley went ahead as a poor trialist backpass allowed Jake Wright to slide a strike past Sam Walker.

A superb trialist shot from the edge of the box into the bottom left-hand corner doubled The Lions’ advantage in the 43rd minute.

The outstanding Brown shot agonisingly wide early in the second half before Walker reacted quickly to tip over a Guiseley cross in the 50th minute.

City halved Guiseley’s lead in the 59th minute when Alex Pattison latched onto Andy Cook’s header.

Guiseley made multiple changes midway through the half in a bid to stem ongoing Bradford pressure.

Substitute away goalkeeper Colin Doyle was on hand to avert a goalmouth melee in the 71st minute but an away trialist backpass slipped past the post five minutes later.

A splendid Cracknell save prevented Cook’s header from finding the back of the net as the game entered the last ten minutes.

Cook found the superb Cracknell on high alert in the 85th minute as the home ‘keeper dived well to stop him sliding home an almost certain equaliser.

Despite City doing all they could to find a leveller The Lions’ resilience held out to see off the League Two side 2-1.

A busy week sees Guiseley travel to Avro on Wednesday evening with a 7.45pm kick-off before visiting Liversedge on Friday evening also with a 7.45pm start.