‘So proud’ - Guiseley stun Kidderminster to reach FA Cup first round

The Lions, currently fifth in the Northern Premier League, upset higher-level, full-time opposition for the second successive round to set up a potentially meeting with a Football League side in the next round. 

Guiseley’s feat is even more impressive considering they have yet to concede a goal in this season’s competition. 

Entering at the first qualifying round stage, they enjoyed 3-0 victories over Ashton United and 1874 Northwich in their first two outings before producing a memorable performance at home to National League North leaders Scunthorpe United in the following round.

Jake Lawlor’s first-half goal was enough to see Guiseley past Scunthorpe in the last round, despite captain Lebrun Mbeka being sent off for two bookable offences midway through the second half.

And the Lions’ memorable cup run continued on Saturday, Will Longbottom scoring the only goal of the game against his former club six minutes from time to confirm their spot in the next round.

“[I’m] really proud,” Guiseley manager Mark Bower told the club’s official channels post-match.

“Performance-wise, we came under a lot of pressure and didn’t play as well as we can do by any stretch of the imagination.

“But what the lads did was they dug in and gave everything they had. We’ve got so many injuries and not a lot of options to freshen up and change things when we needed to, but the lads were immense.

“In the first half we rode our luck a little bit. While not having anything too clear-cut, they had some decent chances which, on another day, they could’ve taken. 

“We sorted one or two things out at half-time, and to be fair in the second half, I can’t recall them having anything in front of our goal. 

“We produced that little bit of quality and got the goal to win it.”

Guiseley were also indebted to goalkeeper Joe Cracknell, who kept out Ashley Hemmings’ first-half penalty with the scores still level. 

Discussing his heroics after the win, Cracknell said: “It’s amazing, a great feeling. The lads defended absolutely brilliantly today and held on for a great victory. 

“I’d done a lot of homework [for the penalty], but unfortunately he’s gone 50/50 both ways so it was a case of waiting. 

“I knew he’d stutter. I trusted my instinct, and thankfully I made the save and held onto the rebound.”

On the prospect of facing Football League opposition in the next round, Cracknell added: “I’ve not given it much thought, to be honest! I’m sure the club would like a big tie.

“If we get someone at home, we can give them more than a good game and fancy ourselves to keep going.

Of the four Northern Premier League sides remaining in this season’s FA Cup, only Guiseley were able to book their place in the next round. 

Macclesfield were beaten 4-2 at National League Tamworth while Gainsborough Trinity and Step 4 side Hednesford Town were held at home by Boston United and Gateshead respectively. Both replays will take place in midweek. 

The draw for the first round proper will be held on Monday evening at around 7pm, live on BBC Two. 

League One and Two sides will enter the competition at this stage, with Championship and Premier League teams not involved until the third round. 

Photo credit: The Yorkshire Photographer