Match Report

‘It’s all about finding a way to win and three points’ says Manager Nathan as Guisborough grind out vital victory!

Guisborough Town 2, Northallerton Town 1

(Northern League – Division One)

Injury-hit Guisborough Town celebrated Manager Nathan Haslam’s decision to commit himself to the club for another season after the current one with a 2-1 Boxing Day victory over North Yorkshire rivals Northallerton at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium.

Guisborough were delighted to announce in midweek that Nathan has signed a contract extension which will keep him at the club to the end of the 2026/27 season.

And this latest win at the ‘fortress KGV  – the seventh in a row at home – came on the back of what Nathan himself described as “two fortuitous goals” which made it 40 points out of a possible 42 at home so far this season.

Both Guisborough goals came as a result of deflections – the first from Elliott Beddow after just nine minutes and the second a free kick from midfield powerhouse Joe Ferguson on 50 minutes after Northallerton had scored a shock equaliser just a minute before half-time.

After the game Nathan commented:  “The most important thing obviously is that we got another three points in difficult conditions for both teams with a really heavy pitch that effectively made it a 50-50 game.

“For us we got two fortuitous goals from two deflections but I think we earned them as sometimes you’ve just got to find a way to win and we did just that today against a resolute Northallerton side, who I think played really well on the day.”

Without the likes of leading scorer Kurtis Howes, midfielder Josh MacDonald and young starlets Tommy Birtles and Tommy Dowson through injury, another big name added to the casualty list during the game was striker Matty Willshaw who was substituted at half-time with Mason McNeill coming on.

Nathan continued:  “Matty has got a tight back – it’s that time of year when we are going to get these types of injuries with the cold weather and heavy pitches and the workload that we’re asking the lads to take on.

“But these things happen and as I’ve always said it’s squads with strength in depth that go on to achieve things with the team getting tested to the absolute maximum as we saw today.  At the half-way point of the season we now have 60 points which was our objective at the start of the campaign.”

On the worrying Willshaw injury Nathan commented:  “We’ll just how to see how Matty is over the next few days but thankfully now we have eight full days before our next game at Birtley in the New Year on 3 January, which will be another tough test for the squad,” added Nathan.

KEY MESSAGES FROM CLUB CHAIRMAN ANDY BELL

Regarding Nathan’s ongoing commitment to Guisborough Town, Club Chairman Andy Bell commented:  “Since taking charge, Nathan has played an absolutely key role in driving the club forward – both on and off the pitch.

“He has built a competitive squad and has fostered a strong, positive culture throughout the club.

“His commitment, leadership and vision align perfectly with our Club’s long-term ambitions.  Everyone at Guisborough Town Football Club looks forward to continuing this exciting journey together and we join together in wishing Nathan and the Men’s First Team every success as we build towards 2027 and beyond,” added Andy.

In a special Christmas Message, Andy wished all the Club’s players, staff, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and the wider community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

He continued:  “The year of 2025 has been one of hard work, dedication and passion – both on and off the pitch.  I’m incredibly proud of how our club continues to grow with the loyalty. energy and belief all combining to make this club so special.”

Andy gave a special word of thanks to all the club’s volunteers, citing their tireless efforts behind the scenes to help make everything possible.  He also singled out the Club’s coaches and players for their commitment to wearing the club badge with such pride.  In addition, Andy thanked the club’s sponsors and partners whose support was invaluable and truly appreciated.

“With everyone’s continued backing, we will keep on building something very special that we can all be incredibly proud of,” added Andy.

Meanwhile, the game against Northallerton attracted a bumper Boxing Day crowd of 604 and they only had to wait nine minutes for the first goal of the match, scored courtesy of a deflection from an Elliott Beddow shot.

Matty Willshaw sparked off the move that led to the goal, flicking the ball in behind for Beddow to pounce but his first shot at goal was saved by the Northallerton ‘keeper but Beddow was quick to strike from the rebound and his shot went in via a defensive deflection.

In the first real attack of the half by Northallerton, Guisborough’s ever rock solid defender James Frazer pulled off an outstanding last ditch tackle to preserve the Priorymen’s slender 1-0 lead.

Midway through the half came a classic piece of festive fun from the vociferous away fans behind the goal when a promising Northallerton attack was halted by the linesman’s raised flag, prompting the hilarious chant from the ‘Allerton supporters of “New flag for Christmas – he’s got a new flag for Christmas!” Those quick-witted fans probably had a point as the flag did look brand spanking new!

But then just a minute before the half-time break there was no flag as Northallerton swung over a great corner kick for Liam Darville to head home unchallenged from a few yards out and it was suddenly all square at 1-1 as the half-time whistle sounded.

SOMETHING OF A FLUKE (BUT WHO CARES!)

However, it took only five minutes after the break for Guisborough to restore their lead.  The Priorymen were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the Northallerton penalty area and up stepped Joe Ferguson to strike the ball fiercely and it took a wicked deflection off the defensive wall and then looped crazily over the ‘keeper’s head and into the back of the net for 2-1 to Guisborough.

It was something of a fluke but the Priorymen to their credit had surged forward on the Northallerton goal and fair play to ‘Fergie’ he struck the free kick with real venom so he deserved his stroke of luck as the ball deflected over the wall and into the net.

Before the game fan’s favourite Fergie had said he’d always rather score than make an assist so he did just that in this Boxing Day clash!

After that, Northallerton to their credit dominated much of the possession and made most of the attacking running and in truth Ryan Catterick in the Guisborough goal was not tested seriously by the visitors.

Overall, Guisborough deserved their win against the plucky Northallerton side to preserve their six-point lead at the top of the table.  But, ominously, second-placed Shildon have a game in hand on the Priorymen and after thumping Crook Town 5-0 the Railwaymen did their goal difference a power of good, moving to within three goals of Guisborough’s goal difference of 35.

Report by Bill Perfitt.