Guiseley’s curse against FC United of Manchester persisted as they suffered a last-minute defeat, losing 3-2 at Broadhurst Park. This loss brings an end to The Lions’ seven-game unbeaten run in the league.
An early breakthrough seemed promising for Guiseley when Tom Pratt’s composed finish in the fourth minute was disallowed for offside. Ten minutes later, Joe Stacey’s cross was fumbled by home goalkeeper Pat Boyes, but he quickly denied Kallan Murphy’s follow-up attempt.
In the 23rd minute, Murphy volleyed over the bar as Guiseley continued to apply pressure. Their persistence paid off in the 30th minute when Stacey found the right corner after his initial volley was blocked.
However, the home side equalized just six minutes later with a sublime finish from former Lion Charlie Ennis. Guiseley almost fell behind three minutes afterward when Oliver Brown’s passback nearly slipped beyond Oliver Battersby.
FC United took the lead early in the second half as Charlie Munro scored after Dan Lafferty’s effort hit the post. Guiseley pushed for an equalizer, with Prince Ekpolo attempting a long-range shot, and Gabriel Johnson unable to capitalize on a through ball.
The equalizer finally came in the 62nd minute as Ekpolo curled a beautiful shot into the bottom right corner, marking his first league goal for the club. Both teams relentlessly sought a winner in this intense contest.
Max Woodcock’s effort for the home side narrowly missed the post, and substitute Kofi Moore couldn’t break through the resilient home defense following Johnson’s pass.
In the early stages of the six minutes of injury time, away hearts were shattered as Johnson was judged to have handled the ball in the box. Home substitute Declan McLoughlin converted the penalty, securing the win despite Battersby diving the right way.
This defeat drops Guiseley to eighth in the Pitching In Northern Premier League. The Lions have now failed to win in four visits to Broadhurst Park.
Andy Welsh’s side aims to rectify the situation under the Nethermoor lights on Tuesday night when Matlock Town visits LS20.
