Match Report

Valiant Guisborough put up tremendous FA Cup fight but Redcar through by solitary goal

 Redcar Athletic 1, Guisborough Town 0

(Emirates FA Cup – Preliminary Round – Replay)

A super valiant Guisborough Town put up a tremendous fight at neighbours Redcar Athletic on Wednesday night in the bravest of bids to stay in the FA Cup.

In the end, it was a solitary Redcar goal scored by prolific marksman Adam Boyes in the 20th minute which was enough to send his side through to the next round by the narrowest of replay margins.

After going in 1-0 down at the half-time break, Guisborough fought back superbly in the second half and went SO close to equalising on several occasions.

And none was more closer than a fantastic Joe Pickett pile-driver in the 5th minute of time added on which – fortunately for lucky Redcar – thudded against the bar and bounced clear to ensure a slender 1-0 win for the home side.

It was rough luck on the Priorymen but they can hold their heads high after putting up such gallant performances against their higher league opponents over the two games.

The Priorymen suffered a serious blow in the first half when a clash between Redcar centre half Danni Lay and Guisborough midfielder Joe Ferguson – only just returning after injury – was not able to continue after bravely struggling on with a serious head injury following what looked like an elbow to the face.

Guisborough knew there was a big 45 minutes ahead after half-time and it was Redcar first to feature when ‘keeper Ryan Catterick – man of the match in the home tie four days earlier – pulled off a great save in the 48^th minute to keep the score at 1-0.

CAL’S GREAT STRIKE!

In the 57^th minute a great strike by Guisborough skipper Cal Martin produced a fine save by the Redcar goalkeeper.

On 60 minutes an Elliott Beddow free kick went over the Redcar bar and eight minutes later Guisborough defender James Frazer had a shot blocked from inside the box as the Priorymen went all out in search of an equaliser.

Then in the 78^th minute Frazer was involved again in a great move which ended with him striking the ball straight at the ‘keeper.

Guisborough were piling the pressure on Redcar and they almost got what would have been much-deserved reward in the 95^th minute when substitute Joe Pickett – continuing to make his long-awaited comeback – was so unlucky to see a brilliant shot strike the Redcar bar and bounce clear.

That was virtually the last significant act of the game but the Priorymen to a man could be so proud of their efforts over the two games in which they had ran Redcar so close but were just edged out by the only goal of the replay.

Redcar clearly are a very strong side which is why Guisborough matching them toe to toe over two ties is such a glowing tribute to the brave, battling Priorymen.

Guisborough Manager Nathan Haslam ‘very proud’ of his players pushing Redcar all way

Guisborough Town Manager Nathan Haslam described how very proud he was of his players after they narrowly bowed out of this season’s FA Cup following losing by the only goal in last night’s replay at Redcar Athletic.

Nathan commented:  “I think we performed admirably over the 90 minutes as a whole last night.  In the first 45 though I think we lacked a little bit of belief and we didn’t really push Redcar even though we had the wind to our advantage.

“We found ourselves 1-0 down at the break and, truthfully, Redcar were the better team and we didn’t really threaten them.

“At half time, I said to the lads that they had to rediscover their belief and to be brave, press higher and not to be afraid to get out of their comfort zone. I added that if it all went wrong and we got thrashed then it’s all on me.

“But the lads went out after the break and did what I’d asked of them – and they were absolutely brilliant in the second half.

“If truth be told, we definitely deserved to get a goal and to get back into the game based on the chances that we had.

GUISBOROUGH GAFFER ‘VERY, VERY PROUD OF LADS’

“We had Redcar under the cosh and we saw the true Guisborough team that I’ve come to know over the last few months.

“I think we were unlucky in the end but I’m very, very proud of the lads and I told them that in the changing room afterwards.

“I reminded them that they’ve played two games against a Redcar team that is well invested financially.  They’ve got an unbelievable strike force for the higher level that they’re operating at and way better than the Northern League they were members of just last season.

“And yet we’ve only conceded only one goal against them in 180 minutes of football.  Yes, we haven’t scored ourselves but we’ve certainly created good chances to score which is really, really positive for us.

“I said to the lads that we’ve now got to take that kind of form into Saturday’s game against Eccleshill in the FA Vase followed by getting back into league action at West Allotment Celtic the following Tuesday.

“While it’s nice to have good cup runs the league is our bread and butter this season but it will be an absolute bonus if we can do well in the Vase also this year.

“So, since what was last night’s ultimate disappointment, I’ve had time to reflect and it’s done now so no looking back we’re just going to move on,” added a philosophical Nathan.

Report by Bill Perfitt