GUISELEY got just reward for their dominance as they beat a battling FC United in a five goal thriller at Nethermoor on Saturday, writes Edward Robertson.

It was a victory that was earned in large part by a stellar performance from youngster Leo Farrell and ably assisted by a Gabriel Johnson goal.

Manager Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s performance, but was still keen to learn the lessons from the game. “One frustration for us was that we didn’t make it more comfortable for ourselves, we should’ve put that game to bed before we did. But in terms of the performance, I thought we were dominant and we controlled spells of the game.”

The hosts started sharply as Jordan Thewlis’ effort shaved the far post, trickling wide, as his first competitive goal at Nethermoor since his return continued to elude him.

It was then Guiseley’s turn to defend. A fantastic run from the tricky Jay Fitzmartin released him through on goal. However, a fantastic lunging tackle from Ollie Brown prevented his effort, much to the relief of the home support.

Thewlis continued to test FC United with his energetic performance. Another sliced shot was palmed away by Oliver Byrne.

With just under ten minutes before the break, the Lions broke the deadlock. A defensive error gifted the ball to Adriano Moke, who alertly nodded it to Johnson. The forward’s well timed pass threaded through to Farrell who finished with a calmness beyond his years.

It wasn’t to last. Only one minute later, former Guiseley frontman Jordan Preston slotted a pass to Fitzmartin. The FC United winger made no mistake this time, curling the ball past Joe Cracknell to level the game.

But only five minutes later, the Lions edged in front again. Moke produce a superbly accurate corner that he swung in from the flag next to the new John Bridson tunnel. His delivery was deftly glanced in by Johnson’s head at the near post.

The second half started in the same fast-paced vein as the first. Fifty five minutes in, the visitors equalised again. Substitute Jordan Buckley went to ground inside the six yard box, which the referee judged to be a penalty kick. Former Premier League striker Adam Le Fondre stepped up and confidently smashed the ball into the bottom right corner.

The game slowed, as neither Guiseley nor FC United wanted to risk conceding again. The home side enjoyed the majority of the opportunities with both Thewlis and John Lufudu coming close to scoring.

But it was 18-year old Barnsley loanee Farrell who restored the Lions’ lead. After swerving past three defenders, the striker curled his shot past substitute keeper Flynn Proctor, sending the home fans into delirium.

It made for a nervy end, as Guiseley clutched onto their narrow lead. The visitors, however, struggled to register a response as Bower made changes from the bench, including Jake Lawlor, to add further steel to the back line.

Preston came close to haunting his former side in injury time. The forward’s jaunting run allowed him to power an effort on goal, only for his shot to be tipped over the bar impressively by Cracknell.

Bower was happy with the result after the match, but urged his charges to quickly produce a similar performance at Bamber Bridge.

“We have to back it up now, we put ourselves a little bit behind where we should be so it was nice today but we hope to come back on Monday with another result.”

Guiseley AFC 3-2 FC United of Manchester | Saturday 24 August 2024 | Nethermoor

Attendance: 694

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Lucas Odunston, 3. Ollie Brown, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Lebrun Mbeka, 6. Jameel Ible (C), 7. John Lufudu (68′ Longbottom), 8. Adriano Moke, 9. Jordan Thewlis (87′ Ackroyd), 10. Gabriel Johnson (90′ Lawlor) and 11. Leo Farrell.

Subs: 12. Joe Ackroyd, 14. Will Longbottom, 15. Jake Lawlor, 16. Jack Emmett and 17. Sam Walters.