GUISELEY earned a hard-fought victory over Leeds United Under 21s in their latest pre-season encounter at Nethermoor, writes David Bridson.

Jake Lawlor’s close-range volley in the 58th minute, his first Lions goal in 2472 days, was enough to separate the two sides.

Lions’ legend Vince Brockie’s son Devon had the first chance of the game for Leeds as he shot straight at Joe Cracknell in the fifth minute.

Opposition ‘keeper Darryl Ombang reacted well to stop John Lufudu’s glancing header in the 17th minute as the home side sought a lead.

Home midfielder Joe Ackroyd found himself booked for a fierce challenge as the game approached the half hour mark.

Just two minutes later Lufudu’s mazy run past several Leeds defenders was halted before he could get a ball into the box.

Guiseley continued to create chances with Will Longbottom’s 34th minute off-target header shortly followed by Prince Ekpolo’s dragged attempt from the edge of the box.

Harvey Vincent fired straight at Cracknell in the 37th minute while shortly later Jordan Thewlis thought he’d opened the scoring for the Lions, but his neat finish was ruled out for offside.

Lawlor was in the thick of the action as he somehow blazed the ball over after Darryl Ombang parried a hard-hitting strike into his path.

Cracknell was equal to an early second half curled effort from Dan Toulson before a solid Leeds challenge once again prevented Lufudu.

But it was Lawlor who put the Lions ahead via his smart finish as the hour mark beckoned.

Just a minute later the same player was on hand at the other end to boldly block a Leeds attack.

Rhys Chadwick’s 25-yard shot was fired over the bar in the 63rd minute as Leeds looked to level quickly.

Substitute Gabriel Johnson tormented away defenders with some neat touches shortly after his introduction.

United’s Kris Moore’s header flew over the bar in the game’s final stages before Jack Mason slid an attempt straight at Ombamg in the 86th minute.

Despite a late Leeds surge Guiseley held on to secure a third pre-season victory.

Guiseley took on a Barnsley XI at Nethermoor on Tuesday 30 July.

In other news, unfortunately it has been confirmed following a scan, that forward Jake Wright suffered a ruptured ACL and meniscus tear in the club’s fixture against Avro in pre-season.

Mark Bower commented: “We are devastated to lose Jake for the season, but even more so for the player himself.

“Jake reported back for pre-season in tremendous condition and was looking forward to playing a key role for the team. His influence both on and off the pitch will be missed, however we are confident that he has the character to commit himself to his rehab to ensure he makes a full recovery.”

Sporting Director Russ O’Neill added: “This is a devastating blow for everyone involved. Unfortunately, these type of injuries seem to be a common occurrence these days around these levels of football.

“The affect to the team and club of losing a player and character of Jake’s ability and personality is a real blow to us, but to have to watch another young man go through this type of injury it’s heartbreaking.

“Personally, for the player this affects their everyday life and is a huge strain on them. Fortunately, he’s already felt the warmth and togetherness that this football club is well known for and I’m sure he will have the full support from everyone at this difficult time.”