Boro Rangers 2-2 Guisborough Town

Match Report

Battling Guisborough Town came within a whisker of gaining sweet revenge for a last minute home defeat at the hands of Teesside neighbours Boro Rangers just a month ago but had to settle for a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture at Rangers’ Phoenix Park on Friday night.

The Priorymen looked to have won this game 2-1 when they scored in the 88th minute through recent signing Matty Tymon.  But barely a minute later Rangers equalised when for the second time they rounded off a set-piece with a goal.

Earlier in the first half, Guisborough had taken a 15thminute lead with a stunning goal from Sonni Coleman.  The front man was put through on the right hand side of the Rangers penalty area and he composed himself before striking a fierce diagonal shot with fairly rocketed into the far corner of the net.

But in the 24th minute Rangers drew level when Guisborough ‘keeper Robert Dean did well to tip a free kick behind for a corner but from the resulting kick Rangers’ former Guisborough defender Matty Lovatt headed home unchallenged at the near post for 1-1.

In the second half Guisborough tweaked their formation with three at the back and overall they dominated the second period with some excellent all-round team play.

But it wasn’t until the 88th minute that they deservedly got their noses in front 2-1 when a free kick by Cal Martin was deflected on by Joe Pickett and Matty Tymon got the final touch in a crowded goalmouth to spark wild Guisborough celebrations.

Tymon looks an excellent signing for Town, with his undoubted experience, strength and ability to hold on to the ball and lay it off intelligently holding out great promise that he will be an asset to the side.

Guisborough players (in their blue away strip) celebrate as Matty Tyman scores in the 88thminute

But the jubilation was short-lived as just a minute later Rangers equalised from another set piece when Guisborough conceded a poor free kick just outside their penalty area on the left and the ball was crossed into the near post where Stuart Rose headed virtually unchallenged into the net for 2-2.

The final result underlined Guisborough’s need to manage their games better when they are in a leading position.

After the game Guisborough Manager Steve Bell reflected:  “I thought it was a really tough game tonight, made even harder playing on Rangers’ 4G pitch.

“The surface makes for a frantic game at times and, if I’m honest, the first half lacked real quality apart from two good goals from either side.

“Early in the second half, we decided to change shape a little and go three at the back and from that point we mainly controlled the game.

“But when any side goes 2-1 up with only a few minutes to go and you then concede it’s tough to take.

“A neutral might say the result was just about right – but I’m not neutral so for me it was two points dropped rather than a point won,” added Steve.

The attendance was 184.

Guisborough’s next game is the Boxing Day clash at the KGV Stadium against North Yorkshire neighbours Northallerton Town (NB KO time 12 noon).

Meanwhile, with the New Year looming, Guisborough Town are hosting a spectacular New Year’s Eve special event at the KGV clubhouse featuring highly-regarded local band ‘The Fallen’ live.

Report: Bill Perfitt
Photos: Dan Clark