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Post by adambrid on Dec 22, 2023 18:02:09 GMT 1
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Post by adambrid on Dec 23, 2023 18:48:45 GMT 1
A tough battle today but we came away with all three points in tough conditions as the wind swept around Basford.
Tongue took a free kick from 25 yards out in our first opportunity but it went straight into the wall.
Fenton nearly broke the deadlock a couple of minutes later with a free kick of his own but it flew just over Battersby's bar.
Battersby then had to be alert to keep out Thomas' cross which was dipping in as it got picked up by the wind.
Murphy and Johnson came close to scoring too as they both tried to connect with Kendall's teasing cross but it was just put of reach.
Walker then had to show great reactions at the other end to stop a certain goal with a block, Campbell was the one looking to score but the centre back flung his body in the way.
With half an hour gone we had a big chance, Murphy was found at the back post but Wonder made an excellent tackle to stop his initial shot before getting back on his to block the second attempt leaving Preston with an easy save.
Two minutes later Murphy had to clear an attempt off the line when a cross nearly went straight in.
The last attack of the half nearly produced another pleasing on the eye goal as Nsaka and Johnson linked up well but the home defence smothered the danger before Whelan fired over.
We started the second half much better than we had played on the first, Tongue clipping the post from 30 yards out after Preston got a strong hand on his volley.
Tongue tested Preston again after four second half minutes from a free kick too.
Then disaster, possession was lost in our own half and Ekpolo slipped in the area and touched the ball with his hand to give away a penalty.
Battersby had other ideas to deny Campbell with a strong stop before getting back to his feet to tip the rebound over!
Betts should really have opened the scoring a couple of minutes later but shot well wide when he was free at the back post.
Then with 25 minutes left came the winning goal, Denton chipped Johnson in with a sublime pass and moment of quality the game was calling out for, Johnson did the rest with a calm finish that kissed the post on its way in.
Murphy forced Preston into a late stop with a flicked header in the final chance of the game.
There was a few nervy moments in the four added minutes but the Lions stood tall to keep the ball out and keep hold of three precious points.
Well played Guiseley!
Onto Marske United at home on Boxing Day to finish off 2023.
Come on Guiseley!
AB
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Post by Nik on Dec 23, 2023 19:44:58 GMT 1
I wasn’t there but I love the result. The next two games are huge for us now - win them and we probably start 2024 in the playoff zone. Happy Christmas all, good to be in the mix again isn’t it?
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Post by tugger18 on Dec 24, 2023 4:04:20 GMT 1
Good result from Guiseley yesterday.
Workman like performance in difficult windy conditions.
Well taken goal from Gabbs from a great ball by big Tom who celebrated his 700 game some achievement.
Great performance from Walker at the back who just gets better every game. And a great penalty save from Battersby kept us in the game.
Well done to the travelling faithful who made themselves heard in a windswept Basford ground.
Happy Christmas all and hope Santa brings us three points on Boxing Day.
Onwards and upwards.
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Post by cdp on Dec 24, 2023 9:25:53 GMT 1
A terrible game as a spectacle - worst I can recall since we beat Basford at home back in August. The wind didn’t help but Guiseley seemed very flat in the first half and couldn’t string three passes together. Basford were poor but worked hard and showed plenty of fight. We improved in the second half with the wind advantage and rode our luck with the penalty which was well saved by Battersby. The stand out moment of quality followed when Denton’s perfect pass set up Johnson who finished calmly to give Guiseley the lead which they were able to protect through to the end of the match and take the three points from a game that will not live long in the memory. The teams that make the playoffs this season will be those that can grind out results when not playing well so in many ways a very encouraging performance. We are top of the form table over the last 10 matches and only Rylands have more points over the last 15, where we have averaged exactly two points per game. Half the season played now, 36 points gained and the same again over the second half of the season will probably secure a playoff spot. Two points per game definitely would. Plenty of excitement to come!! Merry Christmas to all!!!
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Post by mike25 on Dec 24, 2023 9:39:30 GMT 1
An underwhelming performance yesterday but an important three points against a team currently in the relegation zone.
The wind was undoubtedly a factor and managing to get into halftime at 0-0 playing into the wind was an achievement. Tricky conditions aside I lost count of the amount of times we gave the ball away, particularly in the second half.
I think the introduction of Denton proved crucial- he provided a steady head and did simple things right, and also created what proved to be the winning goal.
Ultimately if we are serious about competing for promotion this season, we need to ensure we pick up results when not at our best, which we managed yesterday. Hoping for an improved performance against Marske.
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Post by colin19 on Dec 24, 2023 12:16:01 GMT 1
Agree with much of the above. It wasn’t a classic match but I though Basford acquitted themselves well. Their workrate was excellent and the gave us little space in the first half when we were playing into a low sun and swirling wind. I thought we improved in the second. Battersby’s penalty save was superb- with a nice post match interview nod to our new goalkeeper coach. Denton made a good impact off the bench to set up the goal. I was also impressed with Jack Mason in the first half who had to work hard defensively in the first 45 and was very unlucky to be booked. Great to see Andy Welsh showing faith in the academy prospects.
As others have said, winning when not at your best/up against it is a good sign. Onwards to Boxing Day and hopefully another three points!
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Post by cdp on Dec 24, 2023 16:39:17 GMT 1
Just watched the highlights. If you want to see the Guiseley goal don’t bother watching - they missed it!!
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Post by ivor on Dec 24, 2023 18:28:51 GMT 1
I feel slightly more positive than some comments above. It was not a great match or performance, but the defending was resilient and there were a few decent attacking moves 2nd half. The Lions didn't roar but gave a menacing growl which proved enough to keep determined opponents away (I certainly don't agree that they were a poor side). They were fit, strong and full of effort and carried some threat.
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Post by lioncub on Dec 24, 2023 19:14:08 GMT 1
Not at our best but a result is a result and we need to keep on pushing for a play off place.
Wishing all fellow GAFC supporters a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful ,Happy and Healthy New Year.
Lioncub 🦁🦁🦁
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Post by adambrid on Dec 24, 2023 21:49:31 GMT 1
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