Guiseley 2

WINSFORD 3

A DOUBLE by young midfielder Lee Elam - the second an absolute beauty - failed to save Guiseley who showed defensive weaknesses in this game against fourth placed Winsford.

Three times Winsford were able to get away from their markers and score virtually unopposed as the Guiseley defence gifted them goals.

Manager Bobby dabison tolf Sports Editor Rachel O'Connor: 'We are conceding goals again, just like last season. You domn't expect to score two goals at home and come out of the game with noithing.

We have worked on trying to tighten up our defence but if this does not happen then Neil Parsley and I will have to be having a look around for new players to come in.'

Of young Elam's goals Davison said: 'I was well pleased for Lee. He took his goals well.'

A good strike from Winfield Steele had given Winsford the lead as early as the 10th minute with his shot from the edge of the area deceiving 'keeper Steve Dickinson.

Steve Shaughnessy then set up Gary Thomas with another chance but he shot wide before Winsford increased their lead in the 29th minute looking more comfortable on the ball than Guiseley.

Manager Bobby Davison however set up Lee Elam on the goalline to pull a goal back in the 32nd minute and Guiseley went in 2-1 down at the break.

Two minutes into the second-half and Guiseley were level. Simon Parke put Elam in for his second goal - a magnificent volley which left 'keeper Andy Oakes helpless.

Guiseley's hopes were raised by this goal and the general feeling was that they could get back into the game.

This was not to be as another defensive lapse saw central defender Gary Talbot power in a header in the 53rd minute and the stuffing was knocked out of Guiseley.

Guiseley had looked better up front in this game with Simon Parke restored to the side and they created a number of openings.

Davison's excellent angled shot was only just over the bar and Colin Hogarth's long range shot was just wide.

A brilliant effort by Parke was clawed down by the 'keeper and then Parke set up Des Hazel with a glorious chance but the midfielder took too long with the goal gaping and the chance was lost.

Psrke had another shot on the turn taken by the 'keeper and Guiseley really must make their chances pay.

Guiseley Reserves have a game in the Manchester area on Friday night prior to the first team visiting Runcorn on Saturday.

The first team will be in action again on Tuesday night when they entertain Worksop Town (7.30 pm).

Guiseley's Academy Under-19 side made its debut in the Northern Youth Academy League with a 1-1 draw at Harrogate Town.

Guiseley had most of the play but failed to turn their possession into goals. They fell behind to an early Harrogate strike before they had got into the game but then nippy young striker Brian Carr levelled.

Ed Neal played well in goal while substitute Phil Atkinson did well when he came on in midfield. Richard Beckram also had a good game.

Guiseley's team for this inaugural league game was - Ed Neale; Mike Clough, Andy Nadin, Richard Beckram, John Gallifant, Tom Wright, Joe Howard, Simon Mycunka, Brian Carr, Steve Barker, Matt Ames. Subs. Chris Tweedie, Chris Barr, Phil Atkinson.

The Academy side is due to entertain Pickering Town at Menston St Mary's School on Sunday (kick-off 2.30 pm).

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