'It doesn't get any better' - Will Longbottom on Guiseley FA Cup heroics

The Northern Premier League side progressed to the next stage of the competition for the first time since the 2021/22 season after a 1-0 away win over Kidderminster last weekend.

Longbottom scored the only goal of the game but feels the plaudits should fall on the entire team.

On netting the winner, Longbottom said: “What a feeling. It doesn’t get any better than that really.

“I’ll be honest though, the goal isn’t about me. It comes from Joe [Cracknell] saving the penalty in the first half. If Kidderminster score that, it’s a different game.

“From then, the team spirit to go on and secure the win was second to none. We spent most of the game without the ball and we knew we had to concentrate and focus on the little things.

"We knew something would open up at around 60-70 minutes. The celebrations at the end say it all, and you can see how much it means to the players, coaches and the fans.”

Longbottom’s winner was his 11th in all competitions this season already.

The 25-year-old has put his fine form in front of goal down to how much he is enjoying his football at Nethermoor.

The winger arrived at the club having previously played for manager Mark Bower at Bradford Park Avenue, and he has credited his manager for making the transition to Guiseley an easy one. 

“To come into a team where I know the staff has helped me settle down, and we’ve got a great set of lads here too,” he said.

“The main thing for me was to enjoy my football, and I’m loving every minute of it. If I’m enjoying things on the pitch, then the goals and assists will come.

“I was itching to get on the scoresheet, so to get off the mark straight away [against Workington] was a bonus and I feel I’ve progressed week after week.

“Obviously it’s a bonus if I add to my goal tally, but for me it’s all about the team. I genuinely believe that as the season goes on, we’ll get better and better.”

Guiseley’s impressive FA Cup campaign will continue next month, as they travel to the Lamex Stadium to face League 1 side Stevenage.

They are one of three Northern Premier League representatives left standing in the competition, with Gainsborough Trinity and Hednesford Town overcoming National League opposition on Tuesday night to set up a meeting between one another in the next round.

The draw also means that there will be at least one NPL side in the second round proper.

The Lions are yet to concede in the competition this season, and ahead of the first round draw, Longbottom told the Northern Premier League of his desire to face big Football League opposition in the next round. 

While the Hollywood heights of Birmingham or Wrexham weren’t reached, he is looking forward to playing a side in the highest division possible.

“We are absolutely buzzing for it," he admitted.

“To be playing an EFL team is exactly what we wanted, and we’ll be going down with no fear and hopefully put in a good performance and show everyone what we are capable of.

“We want to play against the best and test ourselves. Beating full-time opponents in the last two rounds helps build confidence, and I feel we can go a long way.

“You don’t get many occasions like this as a non-league team, so it’s something we’ve got to enjoy."

Photo credit: Guiseley