Match Report

‘Fergie’ red card a controversial turning point as gutsy Guisborough sunk by last-gasp goal

Penrith 2, Guisborough Town 1

(Northern League – Division One)

Ten-man Guisborough Town were unable to extend their winning streak to four games after losing 2-1 away to Penrith on Saturday.

Despite taking a 30^th minute lead through a fantastic Jaedon Faulkner goal, the Priorymen were unable to hold on to their advantage as Penrith equalised just three minutes later.

A hard-fought remainder of the game ensued which culminated in an agonising 91st minute goal for the ‘Bonny Blues’ of Penrith. A controversial flashpoint for Guisborough was the sending-off of midfielder Joe Ferguson just three minutes after half-time, which proved a massive blow to the Priorymen.

It was a changed Guisborough side from Wednesday night’s comfortable 2-0 victory against Thornaby, as Josh McDonald and Mason McNeil were absent and Kurtis Howes on the bench still nursing an injury.

Guisborough enjoyed most of the ball in the early stages of the game, and Penrith had few opportunities or ventures into the Guisborough final third. Their long ball strategy was dealt with comfortably by the Guisborough backline. Play was congested in midfield areas and few clear-cut opportunities opened up for either team.

However, this changed in the 30th minute when Town’s dominance in possession led to an opening goal. An intricate ball was played in to Elliott Beddow who showed awareness to flick the ball to exciting young winger Jaedon Faulkner. Despite having work to do on the edge of the box, he curled the ball magnificently into the bottom corner.

The lead was short-lived, however, for just three minutes later Guisborough suffered a lapse in concentration. A miscommunication between ‘keeper and defence allowed Lewis Jolly to slot the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area for 1-1.

Any half time instructions from Guisborough Manager Nathan Haslam were thrown into disarray after the dismissal of Guisborough midfielder Joe Ferguson just three minutes after the interval.

This was to prove a critical juncture in the game. Thereafter, the two sides tussled intensely for who could get the important second goal. However, despite pressure on the Penrith goal from Town, it was the hosts who would snatch the spoils and the three points away from Guisborough with a 91st minute winner from substitute Matthew Williamson.

A disappointed Nathan was nevertheless proud of his battling players and the spirited performance from his Guisborough team. He commented: “We made several enforced changes today and on the whole we played well.

“We played half the game with 10 men but our work rate was excellent and we didn’t look like we were the team with 10 men.  But in the end it was a step too far for us and sometimes you just have to take it on the chin.”

Nathan praised Guisborough’s excellent first goal by 17-year-old Jaedon and lamented a “very uncharacteristic error for Penrith’s equaliser from a Guisborough defence that have been outstanding all season.”

Despite the defeat, Guisborough’s manager said he was “looking forward” to the game against top of the table Whitley Bay this coming Wednesday, 17 September at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium (KO 7.45pm).

“We’ll have players back, which will be an important positive for us. Whitley Bay are unbeaten, are a good side and are free-scoring – but we are very good at home and with the players we have got it is a game we can win.”

Nathan noted that Town are creating enough chances to win games, but need to be more clinical in the final third.

After outstanding home support throughout the season at the Kevin Edward KGV, Guisborough will be hoping for another bumper crowd on Wednesday against the league leaders.

AN EVENING WITH NEIL ‘RAZOR’ RUDDOCK

Just another reminder, meanwhile – don’t miss out on another big night in the Priory Suite at the Kevin Edward KGV and join us as Craig Hignett hosts an evening with ‘Razor’ Ruddock.

The former Liverpool and Southampton centre half joins us on Thursday 18th September.  Secure your tickets now by emailing: [email protected]

See poster above for more details.

Match Report by James Cowan.