Match Report

NEWTON AYCLIFFE 3, GUISBOROUGH TOWN 2

Guisborough Town Manager Nathan Haslam was critical of his side after seeing the Priorymen beaten 3-2 at Newton Aycliffe on Saturday.

“I thought we started the game brightly with some great switch-outs of play and a good early start for us with a third minute goal from Alfie Doherty.

“But after that Aycliffe grew into the game more – they looked fitter than us and also more aggressive.

“The main takeaway from our point of view is that we’ve still got a long way to go. Too much reactive work from us and I’d like to see much more proactive play from our players.

“In a way, I’m happy that it’s happening now at this stage of pre-season so that we can work on things and look to make progress as we approach the first ‘proper’ game of the season at home to Thornaby in the FA Cup,” said Nathan.

He continued: “It’s good to get game time into legs but we haven’t got a lot of time before the new season is upon us so we need more urgency from the players.

“They need to train in their own time when they’re not at the KGV. It’s disappointing that we’ve kind of flatlined against Aycliffe today.

“We’ve only got three more friendly games to go before that opener against Thornaby in the FA Cup.  So, I’ve got to start being a bit more ruthless and picky with the players so that’s what I’ll do.”

Looking ahead to the John Butterfield Memorial match against Marske next Tuesday, 14 July (KO 7.45pm) at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium, Nathan said he was looking for a really good performance with plenty of energy – and no excuses.”

Nathan paid a huge tribute to Guisborough’s volunteer grounds team who he said were doing a fantastic job on the Kevin Edward KGV pitch.

In the game itself at Aycliffe, the home side equalised from the penalty spot after Doherty’s early opener.

In the second half Aycliffe added two more goals with Noah Cunningham getting a second for the Priorymen.