National League
Guiseley 2-1 Lincoln City
Action from Guiseley 2-1 Lincoln City. Picture: alexdanielphotos.co.uk
Guiseley gained a shock victory against fallen leaders Lincoln City after an injury time goal.
Guiseley’s Will Hatfield scored early and with practically the last kick of the game, Marcus Williams won it in between a header by Lincoln captain Luke Waterfall.
After York City’s lunchtime win this became a battle between the bottom and top team in the National League, but Guiseley were aiming to make it five games unbeaten while Lincoln had not tasted defeat in the division in 17 matches, so both were in good form.
Guiseley looked confident early on and took the lead after good work by Michael Rankine, who cut back to Will Hatfield and his calm finish gave the hosts the lead.
The hosts then nearly doubled their advantage when Jake Cassidy ran through on goal but Lincoln keeper Paul Farman closed down the angle to save.
After a spell without the ball Lincoln got back into the game and levelled when captain Luke Waterfall was found in the area and he powered his header into the top corner of the net.
The visitors should have taken the lead just before half-time when Theo Robinson had a free header from six yards out, he placed his attempt towards the bottom left hand corner but Guiseley keeper Jonny Maxted somehow scooped the ball away from the net.
The heavy wind was playing a role in the quality of the match, neither team could take advantage of the weather conditions.
Chances were now at a premium, as Maxted kept the score level with an amazing one handed save as Matt Rhead from three yards out looked bound to score.
As the game came to an end Michael Rankine was sent off for two harsh yellow cards as was Elliot Whitehouse moments later.
Guiseley though won it when Marcus Williams free-kick was crossed the line before being palmed away, in what could be a crucial three points for the Yorkshire side.
The Teams
Guiseley: Maxted, Brown, Lowe, Palmer, Williams, Hatfield (Purver 90), Wesolowski, Walton, Preston (Johnson 72), Cassidy (Boyes 72) Rankine. Subs unused: D Atkinson, Green
Lincoln City: Farman; Wood, Waterfall, Raggett, Habergham; Hawkridge (Muldoon 60) Woodyard, Whitehouse, Arnold; Rhead, Robinson. Subs unused: Howe, Power, Marriott, Miles.
The Rest
York City won an away game for the first time in 36 attempts after winning 1-0 at North Ferriby.
In the National North, FC Halifax lost 3-2 in front of 3,000 at Darlington 1883 – the first game staged at Darlington’s new home.
Harrogate Town lost 1-0 at home to Stockport County, while Bradford (Park Avenue) were beaten by the score-line at Salford City.