DISAPPOINTED but not downhearted was the mood in the Guiseley camp after they returned from a long mid-week trek to Workington. They created enough chances to have won this game comfortably but then succumbed to a sucker punch with just five minutes of the game remaining.
The side showed one change from Saturday with Gary Shaw unable to make the early travelling time and he was replaced by club skipper James Nettleton who is recovering from a badly grazed leg sustained whilst go-karting on holiday.
The trip to Workington was no holiday but Nettleton and his defensive colleagues gave an excellent display against a fast raiding Cumbrian attack. Guiseley have welcomed the return of the prodigal son and Peter Atkinson had an outstanding game against the speedy Workington forwards while Simon Trevitt and Clive Freeman used all their experience to keep them at bay.
It was in midfield where Guiseley lacked a little despite the industry of David Cooke. Dave Henry struggled to get into the game and Mark Stuart was below par.
Up front new signing Robert Pell is starting to create an impact along with last season's young striking sensation Ryan Senior but Senior failed to convert any of the numerous chances that came his way.
Manager Neil Parsley must have been pleased however that by and large the efforts were on target, they just lacked venom or real direction at times.
Guiseley started well enough building on a the well earned point gained against the much fancied Radcliffe Borough on Saturday.
In the fourth minute Pell, the former Rotherham United apprentice from Burley-in-Wharfedale, had his right foot shot saved. Guiseley dominated the early stages but then the home side forced their way into the picture before Guiseley resumed their domination going into the half-time break.
It was in this crucial period that Guiseley should have established a lead. Simon Trevitt headed over, Pell hit the side netting and then had another shot deflected over while James Elliott and Ryan Senior also had efforts saved in this spell.
The small band of travelling Guiseley supporters were optimistic that some of their chances would be wrapped up in the second-half but it was to be the same story.
Senior broke through only for the 'keeper to save with his feet. Trevitt then had an excellent volley saved before Cooke shot wide. In the 80th minute Senior was one-on-one with the'keeper but managed to put his effort wide. Pell had another shot deflected before James Shutt was for once left exposed and Guiseley paid the penalty with an 85th minute strike from Craig Potts taking the points for the home side in front of a crowd of 339.
Guiseley had little time to conjure a reply but Senior and Nettleton both put headers wide in the closing minutes.
Guiseley: James Shutt; Peter Atkinson, Clive Freeman, Simon Trevitt, James Nettleton, David Cooke, James Elliott, Dave Henry, Ryan Senior, Robert Pell, Mark Stuart. Subs (unused): Lee Reilly, Ben Thackwray, Peter Sumner.
Guiseley 0, Radcliffe Borough 0: GUISELEY bounced back after their defensive nightmares in their last two pre-season friendlies to gain a well-deserved point in their opening game of the UniBond Division One campaign.
Their side, which included new signings Gary Shaw, Robert Pell and Peter Atkinson, had a defensive stability which was absent when they let in 14 goals in just four days against Gresley and Bradford Park Avenue.
Both sides tended to play cautiously throughout and goal chances were kept to a premium.
Guiseley's best opening fell to last season's leading scorer Mark Stuart but his effort was well saved by Danny Hurst.
At the other end, Atkinson showed his quality by being in the right place at the right time to clear Ian Lunt's shot off the line
Guiseley: James Shutt; Peter Atkinson, Clive Freeman, Gary Shaw, Simon Trevitt, David Cooke, James Elliott, Dave Henry, Ryan Senior, Robert Pell, Mark Stuart. Subs: Lee Reilly, Ben Thackwray, Peter Sumner
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