Guisborough push league leaders Consett all the way

FOR the majority of this game against the runaway league leaders Consett, Guisborough Town played well enough to at least have salvaged a point at the KGV Stadium on Saturday.

They more than matched the Steelmen but – as has so often been the case this season – they lacked the ability to apply any clinical finishes that some of their approach play deserved.

The Priorymen had responded well to the shock of conceding a goal after just one minute and 45 seconds when almost straight from kick-off Consett broke down the left through winger Darren Holden. Holden’s excellent cross found Colin Larkin virtually unmarked at the far post and he lashed the ball home on the half volley for 1-0 to the visitors.

Despite such an early setback, Guisborough then forced several corners and mounted some promising attacks but first winger Jack Blackford was unlucky in the eighth minute when he made a great run into the Consett box and got in his shot but it was deflected over the bar. Then just a minute later Guisborough captain J J Bartliff had a glorious chance to equalise when, frustratingly, he lobbed over the Consett bar with the goal at his mercy. Guisborough continued to dominate the first half but were found wanting where it mattered most – in front of goal.

Guisborough ‘keeper Robert Dean pulled off a good diving save in the 28th minute from a long range effort by Consett midfielder Alex Francis – a rare Consett attack following their flying start. And a minute later Bartliff spurned another good opportunity when he fired over after great work by James Risbrough had set up the chance for his skipper. In the 31st minute Bartliff, who seemed to be in the thick of the action all over the pitch, was booked for shirt-pulling. From the resultant Consett free kick visiting full back Calvin Smith got in a header which forced Dean into an excellent flying save to keep the score 0-1 at half-time.

Guisborough winger Jack Blackford shows a fine turn of attacking speed

In the second half the Priorymen continued to enjoy the majority of the play and in the 47th minute they went close to equalising when Steve Roberts floated over an excellent free kick and although Bartliff got in a good header Consett ‘keeper Kyle Hayes was equal to it. On 57 minutes Guisborough midfielder Ben Jackson, who had caused Consett problems with his trademark darting runs, got in a shot from 20 yards out but Hayes got down well to save.

In the 79th minute, Consett dealt a hammer blow to the Priorymen when following a frantic goalmouth scramble Daniel Capewell managed to poke the ball home from close in for 2-0 to the Steelmen. To their great credit, Guisborough battled on to the end and almost pulled a goal back five minutes from time when Jackson went on another brilliant run but his goal-bound shot was deflected for a corner, which just about summed up the Priorymen’s afternoon.

The attendance was a very creditable 270. Guisborough’s next match is this coming Saturday, February 26 at Seaham Red Star (ko 3pm). Guisborough’s postponed North Riding Senior Cup semi-final tie against neighbours Marske has been rearranged for Wednesday, March 23 at the KGV Stadium (ko 7.45pm).