National League Premier
Guiseley 0-2 Cheltenham Town
Guiseley lost 2-0 to champions-elect Cheltenham Town
Guiseley conceded two late goals to champions-elect Cheltenham Town, who are now within four points of sealing their return to the Football League at the first attempt.
Guiseley though still hold safety in their own hands and boss Mark Bower was disappointed with the result but not the performance: “We have played the best team in the division and done really well, this has to give us confidence for the next games.”
Rob Dickie was found in the area in the 80th minute and made no mistake in heading home from a cross, with a powerful effort, then in a similar incident Dan Holman made no mistake with a side foot finish, as the away side got the win.
This was a crucial game for both sides, at the top and the bottom, yet the first half saw both sides with chances, though Town were unlucky not to be leading going into the break.
Guiseley had the first opportunity, when James Hurst fresh from scoring against Eastleigh last week, saw his effort deflected off Danny Parslow, but it went wide of the goal.
The hosts were then dealt a blow, when on loan York City striker Emile Sinclair fell to the floor with a hamstring problem and had to be subbed early.
Cheltenham then started to show the mark of champions, first Dan Holman cut inside from the left and saw his curled effort go just wide of Steven Drench’s goal.
Then a Jack Munns corner found an unmarked Parslow, but he could only head over the bar, when well placed.
Town then had the best chance of the half, when Holman produced a run forward and with no one approaching him, from 30 yards out he struck a fine dipping effort, which Drench had a turn over the bar.
The second half started again with Town getting forward, while Guiseley showed they could get into areas as well, yet neither side could create a big chance early on.
After a period of play, where both sides cancelled each other out, Town had a free-kick from James Dayton which from 25 yards out, looked to be going into the bottom right hand corner but Drench yet again was there to make a smart save.
Town got their goals but saw Pell sent off due to two bookable offences, but that did not dampen the away sides spirit, while Guiseley know Tuesday is now a must win game against Wrexham.
Cheltenham Town manager Gary Johnson:
Guiseley: Drench, Lowe, R.Atkinson, Parker, Toulson, Hurst (Johnson 82) Lawlor, Rothery, Hatfield (Craddock 85) Norburn, Sinclair (Boyes 10). Subs not used: Atkinson, Dudley.