Match Report

FC United’s title aspirations took another dent with a 2-1 defeat to promotion rivals Guiseley at Gigg Lane on Saturday afternoon.

The West Yorkshire side went ahead in the 22nd minute with a tap in from Liam Needham and then doubled their lead five minutes later when the number four pounced again, this time from a corner.

Just under 10 minutes later United managed to get one back through Jerome Wright when he ran into the 18 yard box and fired a powerful shot past the keeper. It looked like it was game-on but try as they might, the Reds couldn’t find an equaliser.

United started strong with lots of possession but couldn’t get any clear cut chances. Carlos Roca had a chance to take the lead in the seventh minute after a through ball was met by Ben Deegan. His shot was blocked and Roca couldn’t quite put away the rebound.

Guiseley also had chance when a cross from Holland was met by Merris who hit the ball into the bottom corner only for Sam Ashton to save. United could have gone 1-0 up if it wasn’t for a superb save from the keeper after a powerful header from Tong.

The Reds paid for their missed chances after Guiseley took the lead in 22nd minute after the ball was put across the box by Burton for Needham to slot home calmly. Five minutes later Guiseley doubled their lead after Needham was left free at the far post to nod the ball over line form a corner.

FC United continued to pressure and got some reward in the 36th minute when they got a goal back after a superb solo effort form Wright charging into the Guisley box before smashing the ball into the net at the near post.

The Reds continued to pressure in the second half but Guisley always looked dangerous on the counter attack and proved so in the 71st minute when Reeves broke and was left one-on-one with Ashton but Sam pulled off a great save.

FC could have stolen a point in the 84th minute after Wright headed the ball across only for substitute Phil Marsh to miss from the 6-yard box. The Reds continued to press and a mistake by Ellis nearly cost them three points after misdirecting a header back towards his goal only for the goalkeeper Worsnop to save.

In the end it was another disappointing result for FC United but they must pick themselves up for the trip to struggling Worksop on Wednesday night before they travel to North Ferriby for their Second Qualifying Round tie in the FA Cup on Saturday.

Report by Joel Duncan.