Guiseley 3

Bradford PA 1

A BRACE of goals from 16 year-old Danny Forrest, making his first start for Guiseley, rocked Conference North side Bradford Park Avenue back on their heels.

Avenue never recovered and Guiseley went on to progress in this West Riding County Cup tie.

Boths sides experimented with their squad Guiseley using some of their bench players and handing a debut to centre-back Adam Williams who has impressed in their reserve team over the past couple of seasons.

Young Forrest had made a number of substitute appearances for Guiseley but this was his first start and he soon showed what he is capable of in front of Bradford City's assistant manager Bobby Davison.

Forrest has been on trial at City in recent weeks.

After an early effort from David Henry which 'keeper Andy Britton did well to collect with his fingertips Guiseley had further chances with Scott Jackson putting an effort wide before Forrest opened the scoring in the ninth minute after good work by Dave Henry.

Jackson then had a right foot shot saved before making it 2-0 in the 21st minute with a tap in after Steve Ball's free-kick.

Jackson again shot wide as did Henry before Forrest emphasised Guiseley's superiority with a right foot shot past Britton in the 35th minute.

Avenue were looking a sorry side at this stage but they rallied to pull a goal back before half-time through Steve Pickles.

Guiseley had a much changed midfield lacking Grayston, Hunt and Stuart but Illingworth, Chattoe, Henry and Donaldson battled away as they sought to banish the cobwebs after spending some time on the bench over recent months.

Williams gave a tidy performance on his first senior outing partnering James Stansfield in the heart of the defence but it was young Forrest who stole the show.

Jackson was glad to get a full game under his belt after recent injury problems and Guiseley manager Neil Parsley had the right to look a happy man after this performance.

His fringe players got some much needed match practice, the goals continued to flow and he has teenage midfielder Jon Hunt safely on a contract after joining the club on a permanent basis from Scunthorpe.

Guiseley had gained a hard-earned 1-0 win at Frickley Athletic on Saturday which moved them up to fifth place and into a play-off spot.

The match was decided by a stunning goal from Neil Grayston, his first for Guiseley.

On Saturday Guiseley entertain Matlock Town in a UniBond League Premier Division Clash (3 pm).

The Reserves travel to Southport for their Lancashire League game on Friday night with Phil Hunter's youthful side seeking their fourth successive victory.