Guisborough Town 1-2 Northallerton Town

Match Report

Guisborough Town’s dismal run of form continued at the Kevin Edward KGV Stadium on Wednesday evening when North Yorkshire rivals Northallerton Town inflicted a surprise 2-1 defeat on the Priorymen.

This latest setback means Guisborough have now lost seven out of their last eight games ever since a scintillating 4-0 win at Teesside derby rivals Boro Rangers early in the New Year.

But since then, the Priorymen’s form has dropped off alarmingly and their high hopes of getting into the end of season play-offs have been well and truly shattered.

In contrast, Northallerton have now won three out of their last four games to climb well clear of the Division One relegation zone.

Things started off well enough for the Priorymen when they took a 13th minute lead as Dale Milburn and Cole Kiernan surged clean through the Northallerton defence and after a desperate goalmouth scramble it was Cole Kiernan who eventually swept the ball home for 1-0 to Guisborough.

The lead, however, was short-lived as Northallerton got back on level terms when Guisborough goalkeeper Robert Dean uncharacteristically punched the ball into his own net for 1-1.

And worse was to follow for Guisborough just two minutes before half-time when Northallerton left back Terence Galbraith joined in the attack following a corner and the ball fell kindly for him and he rifled home for 2-1 to the away side.

There were no further goals in the second half but there were plenty of chances at both ends with Guisborough having the best opportunities but first Kiernan hit the side netting and then Jason Blackburn headed over when well-placed.

“GUTTED WITH THE OUTCOME”

After the game Guisborough Manager Steve Connolly commented: “We’re gutted with the outcome to the game.

“We dominated play but just weren’t clinical enough in the box. Then we’ve given two very cheap goals away from set-pieces. Just not good enough!” added Steve.

Victory for Northallerton avenged a 3-1 home defeat on them by Guisborough in the first match of the season way back in July last year.

The attendance at the KGV on a miserably wet night was a very creditable 225.

Guisborough Town’s next game is at Blyth Town this coming Saturday, 1 March (KO 3pm).

Report: Bill Perfitt