Guiseley 3, Brackley Town 1

Guiseley had to beat Conference North promotion rivals Brackley Town to reach the second round of the FA Trophy, and they did so in a pulsating match that enthralled Nethermoor yesterday.

After being on the end of some rough justice in midweek, when they ended with nine men, the decisions went the way of the Lions in this tie.

The home side won it with two penalties and a goal-of-the-season contender from Kevin Holsgrove.

It was a clash between two of the top three in the Blue Square Bet North Division, and the quality on display reflected that.

The sides preferred different formations but played them with such expertise that the tactical battle was as gripping as the sumptuous football.

Both sides had seen efforts cleared off the line before the deadlock was finally broken in the 38th minute from the spot.

Holsgrove burst into the area and was felled by Brackley centre back Josh Green, who was booked for the foul.

The visiting players appeared incensed by the decision, which was ironic as Town’s Owen Story had gone down in the area in the sixth minute only to be urged to get back on his feet by the referee, and a minute later Marvin Robinson bought himself a free-kick on the halfway line with a very theatrical fall.

There was little doubt that Holsgrove had been impeded, and Nicky Boshell stepped up to drill the spot kick but it only found the back of the net via the gloves of Brackley keeper Billy Turley and his left-hand post.

The next good move from Guiseley was ended when Wayne Brooksby was blocked off in the D but Andy Holdsworth’s free-kick flicked off the wall for a corner.

Brackley stepped up their challenge after the break and forced several early corners. The Lions defence held firm until midway through the second period when Glenn Walker equalised with a thumping shot from the edge of the area.

At that time it was a deserved leveller but Guiseley were awarded a second spot-kick when Brooksby hit the ground.

He was racing through and Turley came sliding out to meet him. Brooksby was knocked off balance but the ball was travelling away from goal.

More protestations followed from the Brackley players but the yellow card came out again before Guiseley substitute Gavin Rothery fired the spot-kick high into the net.

Two minutes later the icing on the cake was the goal of the game - indeed a possible goal of the season.

Holsgrove latched onto a through ball as Turley raced to the corner of his area but the keeper could not risk another error and was indecisive.

Holsgrove retained possession and reeled away towards the left touchline before hitting a perfectly flighted lob over the retreating Turley which nestled in the net.