Guiseley 2

Harrogate Town 2

(after extra-time)

WHEN Guiseley again battled back from 2-0 down to level a game the home supporters expectations started to rise and the unthinkable almost happened again in this West Riding County Cup semi-final.

In the first-half Harrogate had held the upperhand and the Guiseley supporters were left to admire their sleek passing game. They were a pacy outfit with plenty of physical strength and the Guiseley defence had their hands full coping with the giant Mark Smith.

Harrogate gave Guiseley a taste of what to expect should they eventually gain promotion to the Conference North with some fluent football to counter the home sides frantic opening spell.

As the game settled down Harrogate were rewarded for their short passing game with Leigh Wood giving them a deserved lead on 21 minutes.

Guiseley struggled to make an impact against their higher placed rivals and it was no surprise when Dominic Krief finished off a passing move that took the visitors the length of the field in the 51st minute.

Manager Neil Parsley reacted by sending on Richard Chattoe for Dave Henry with an almost immediate impact as Jez Illingworth volleyed home into the far corner leaving 'keeper Nick Buxton rooted to the spot.

David Cooke came on for John Hunt and Guiseley started to play to their potential and put the visitors' defence under pressure.

Guiseley threatened time and again to get on level terms with the fresh legs and bravery of young substitute Danny Forrest helping out Simon Parke in attack.

Parke eventually finished off a sweet move to bring the home side level with a header from Chattoe's cross.

Town had a goal disallowed for off side just before the final whistle but it was Guiseley who looked the stronger side in extra-time, probably benefiting from Saturday's cancellation at Gateshead, without being able to find the decisive finish.

In this period Nathan Hay, Sam Denton, Lee Connor and Steve Ball were magnificent at the back while Forrest and Cooke had the pace to keep Harrogate stretched.

With extra-time failing to separate these two old foes this West Riding County Cup semi-final goes to a re-play at Wetherby Road next Tuesday evening.

On the balance of play, a draw was probably the right result so both sides have it all to do again to decide who will meet the winners of the Ossett Albion v Halifax Town - which takes place tonight, Thursday - in the final.

On Saturday Guiseley return to league action at Marine while the Reserves entertain Marine (3pm).

Guiseley Reserves' game against Vauxhall Motors last Saturday was abandoned in the 61st minute following an incident in which Guiseley's John Hunt was punched in the face.

At that stage Guiseley were leading the third placed team 2-0 with strikes from Craig Cosgrove and Dave Henry, on as a second-half substitute.

The referee sent the offender off as well as the Vauxhall manager and then booked another Vauxhall player before ending the game.