Guisborough Town 3-2 York City (WOODSmith Construction North Riding Senior Cup Second Round)

Match Report

Guisborough Town progressed to the next round of the North Riding Senior Cup with a deserved 3-2 victory over York City at the KGV Stadium on Wednesday night.  

It was an entertaining and highly competitive game with a youthful York side twice drawing level from being a goal down – but Guisborough grabbed the winner four minutes from time when defender Alex Nelson joined the attack to score the decisive final goal.

Earlier, Guisborough had taken a first half lead in the 37th minute when midfielder Joe Pickett produced a brilliant run down the right and squared the ball across the face of the goal where striker Sonni Coleman had the simple task of tapping home unchallenged from close range.

Just minutes after the interval, York drew level when a similar move to that which led to Coleman’s goal resulted in Mitch Hancox scoring easily from close range in the 50th minute.

But the Priorymen got their noses in front again in the 61st minute when Ben Cummins scored from close range at the second attempt after more good work on the right from the livewire Pickett, who had an excellent game.

York, however, refused to give in and equalized again in the 72nd minute when Zanda Sibiza took advantage of an uncharacteristic mistake by Guisborough goalkeeper Robert Dean to rifle the ball into an empty net from 25 yards out on the right.

Just as it looked like the game was heading for a penalty shoot-out Guisborough defender Alex Nelson took advantage of a dropped ball by York ‘keeper Mason Campbell to score from a tight angle left of the York goal.

‘GOOD RESULT’!

After the game, a delighted Guisborough Manager Steve Bell commented:  “This was a good result for us tonight and definitely well-deserved.  

“Although we were up against a young York side with a few experienced first teamers, I felt we dominated 90 per cent of the match.

“With 10 minutes left and the match level at 2-2, my Assistant Manager Paul Crager turned to me and asked ‘How are we drawing this game?’  He was right but thankfully Alex’s late goal ensured the result ended up the right one.

“I’m over the moon to reach the next round of this important cup competition,” added Steve.

The attendance was an excellent 286. Guisborough’s next game is a tough one is this coming Saturday, 4 November at league leaders Shildon.

Report: Bill Perfitt