National League
Guiseley 2-1 Maidstone United
Simon Walton, in action for Garforth Town in August, scored a penalty for Guiseley
Guiseley made it eight home games unbeaten in the league after beating Maidstone United.
It looked like it would finish a draw with both teams scoring a penalty, but Michael Rankine scored on the volley late on to give The Lions the win.
Maidstone defender Kevin Lokko had the first chance, when a cross found him but he fired over when we’ll place in the area, he was then excellently denied by Guiseley keeper Jonny Maxted who got his body in the way when the centre-back had a free header.
The away side looked comfortable in possession, but their forwards were unable to create real opportunities.
Guiseley despite being in the relegation places were in a good run of form at home, they nearly took the lead when Jordan Preston from the edge of the area over hit his shot just wide.
The home side were given the ideal chance to get the first goal, when they were awarded a penalty and Simon Walton’s effort just about went in with Maidstone keeper Lee Worgan getting a hand onto the ball.
The away team almost got level in added time in the first-half but Delano Sam-Yorke who joined from Woking on loan earlier in the week headed straight at Maxted who saved.
Guiseley pushed forward in the opening of the remainder of the 45 minutes, as they looked to double their advantage first, Preston let the ball past his body and then shot, but he could only hit the outside of the bar.
Then Will Hatfield saw an effort cleared off the line, he collected the rebound and past to Michael Rankine but his effort was collected by Worgan.
After withstanding the pressure Maidstone were awarded a penalty when Sam-Yorke was brought down and with his first touch Bobby-Joe Taylor calmly with the penalty.
With the game now level, both teams pushed for a potential winner, yet chances were at a premium.
Guiseley though had the quality to win it with a Will Hatfield header finding Rankine and on the volley he smashed it home.
What They Said
Guiseley manager Adam Lockwood
“We keep our good home form going, it was a tight game, we both knew what was on the line. We knew that if the chances come Rankine can score them and he has done that today.”
The Team
Guiseley: Maxted, Brown, Green, Palmer, Williams, Hatfield, Wesolowski, Walton, Preston (Logan 66) Cassidy, Rankine. Subs unused: D Atkinson, Vidal, Lawlor, Johnson.
The Rest
York City drew 2-2 at Dover Athletic, while North Ferriby United lost 4-0 at home to Dagenham.
In the North, Harrogate Town beat Alfreton Town 6-3, Bradford (Park Avenue) won 1-0 at Worcester City and FC Halifax Town lost 1-0 at Stalybridge Celtic.