Lions leave it late to seal victory as Whitham makes long awaited injury return

GUISELEY recovered from a heartbreaking Emirates FA Cup exit at Stevenage to grab a narrow win on the road at Mickleover, writes Edward Robertson.

Manager Mark Bower was pleased with his side’s energy after a draining cup run. “We gave the lads Tuesday night off after all their efforts on Saturday. We deserved to win the game, the lads put in a really strong performance without being spectacular and did what you have to do.”

The game began in a turgid fashion, as neither side were able to register a clear opportunity.

Twenty minutes in, the Lions took the first shot. Will Longbottom’s corner was scrambled away only as far as Adriano Moke. The midfielder’s effort span over the crossbar.

Moments later, the visitors threatened again. Jack Emmett’s powerful effort was turned away by Yusuf Mersin, only for the ball to fall at the feet of the in form Will Longbottom. The forward’s effort, however, was somehow cleared off the line.

It was then Mickleover’s turn to attack. An accurate cross found Andy Dales. The energetic forward’s head forced an acrobatic save from Joe Cracknell.

The hosts emerged from the break keen to take the game to the Lions, and looked set to break the deadlock. Cieron Keane’s long range effort was palmed away by Cracknell.

Mickleover threatened the Guiseley goal again ten minutes later as Jack Bennett’s cross slid dangerously close to the goal line.

With only ten minutes left, Longbottom struck what was arguably the biggest chance of the game. His powerful effort slammed against the post after a quick counter attack.

A landmark moment followed as full time neared as Lewis Whitham was introduced from the bench. The forward was making his first appearance for the club since March 2023 after being sidelined with an ACL injury. His return was just reward for his diligence, hard work and determination to wear the Guiseley shirt again.

The substitution seemed to invigorate the Lions. Whitham came close to making a perfect return after he produced an effort that shaved the crossbar.

With four minutes remaining, the visitors snatched the three points. John Lufudu raced away from his marker in a lethal counter attack. The winger drew the ball towards substitute Jordan Thewlis who rolled the ball home with an accurate finish. It was an impressive strike for the forward who also had returned from a spell on the sidelines.

The Lions showed character to emerge from from their FA Cup hangover victorious. They were closely tested by a resilient Mickleover side.

For Bower, the win was symptomatic of his charges’ focus on their league campaign. “Our drive has to be the league now that’s what we’ll work towards, and that’s our job that has to be done.”