National League North
Guiseley 0-1 York City
A last gasp wonderstrike from Kurt Willoughby sent York City home with all three points in a Yorkshire derby at Guiseley.
A Yorkshire derby away to Guiseley awaited York City after success in the FA Trophy versus Blyth. 19th placed Guiseley had also had a similar triumph, overcoming Ashton United in the competition too.
After a slow start to the game from The Minstermen, they got their first shot on target when, after 13 minutes, Kurt Willoughby’s inswinging cross found the head of target Mark Beck but he couldn’t get enough power to take it past the ‘keeper.
Beck almost had the breakthrough again after his header from inside the box nearly looped over the Guiseley ‘keeper but somehow it was prevented from crossing the line.
29 minutes played and Akil Wright was the next City player to try his luck against Brad Wade, being played through and his strike going inches wide, via a deflection.
About 7 minutes from the interval, Guiseley were given their first real chance. Jordan Thewlis tested Jameson from close range with a low shot but the York ‘keeper was there to successfully deny him.
About 15 minutes into the second half, York fans were given some false hope after a Kurt Willoughby strike found the back of the net but it was unfortunately ruled out after an offside decision.
With 15 minutes left, Guiseley had multiple opportunities to take the lead but failed to capitalise on any of them. It started off with Pete Jameson having to palm a goalbound shot back out and then the rebound ricocheted off a few bodies before being cleared. The clearance fell to a white shirt in Prince Ekpolo, who fired in a rocket which beat Jameson but thundered back off the crossbar.
A dramatic end to the game saw York City clinch a late winner and pick up all three points – in incredible fashion too! ‘King’ Kurt Willoughby picked up the ball from 30 yards out and struck an absolute wonder goal to seal the win in a scrappy ‘smash and grab’ game that looked to be heading for a draw.
A huge game for The Minstermen awaits following this, a trip to Gateshead on Tuesday night (19:45). After just being eliminated from the FA Cup, they are unbeaten in the league at home so a difficult game is expected. City now sit in 9th place, just four points behind The Heed.
The Teams
Guiseley: Wade, Cantrill, Nicholson, Ekpolo, Bencherif (captain), Mbeka, Hull, Spencer (Gratton 81′), Thewlis, Hey, Brown. Subs unused: Hollins, Tuton, Stones, Haw
York City: Jameson, Senior, Brown, Newton (captain), Barrow, Wallace, Wright, McLaughlin, Donaldson, Willoughby, Beck. Subs unused: Campbell, Hancox, Hopper,
Who Was In Charge
Dale Baines
How Many Were There
1376 (591 away)
Man of the Match
Kurt Willoughby