GUISELEY extended their fantastic run of form with a narrow home victory against struggling Basford United on Saturday, writes Edward Robertson.

Mark Bower was pleased his side could gather another three points, after a challenging afternoon at Nethermoor Park. “I thought we started very well, but in the second half we did struggle to string together some fluent moves and we had to grind it out, which we did well.”

The hosts began strongly. With only ten minutes on the clock, debutant Harry Ibbitson picked out Jack Emmett. The midfielder’s accurate shot took a deflection and shaved the post.

The Ambers responded ten minutes later. Revarnelle James’s curling cross into the path of Kane Richards was palmed away by the glove of Joe Cracknell.

James troubled the Guiseley goal again ten minutes later. His arrowed effort was turned aside by Cracknell.

Another Basford United effort forced Cracknell into a save with ten minutes left of the half. Jordan Hallam’s direct effort from a free kick had to be punched over the crossbar.

With the game teetering towards half time, the Lions broke the deadlock. Ibbitson’s precise ball found Ollie Brown who picked out Gabriel Johnson. The forward’s shot trickled toward the far post and nestled into the bottom corner.

The second half found Guiseley stronger. A tricky run and accurate shot by Emmett was collected coolly by goalkeeper Saul Deeney.

With twenty five minutes left, disaster struck. A cross by Richards was poked clear of danger by Lebrun Mbeka, into the path of Brown. The defender inadvertently made contact with his hand. Referee Sam Clayton signalled for a penalty kick much to the collective dismay of home fans and players. Hallam’s finish from the spot was impressively saved by the outstretched palm of Cracknell to keep the Lion’s lead intact.

The hosts could have doubled their lead ten minutes later. Ibbitson’s shot glided over the crossbar.

Basford had one last chance to equalise deep into stoppage time. A cross by Josh Barnes was thumped over the bar by the head of Kevin Bastos.

It was a vital three points for the Lions as the season progresses. Guiseley travel to Worksop Town on Saturday, in a crucial play off clash.

“It will be a huge task for us next Saturday. Good players, good team who combine well, unfamiliar 3G and they were the last team to beat us in the league which sets it up for a good game.”