GUISELEY 1
Ible 15
STOCKTON TN 1
Coulthard 80
TOM Coulthard struck with ten minutes left as Stockton Town denied second-placed Guiseley victory in testing conditions.
The swirling wind was a common theme but, despite its presence, there were chances.
Stockton’s Michael Sweet was threaded through and on the angle he forced Joe Cracknell into a smart save.
Guiseley took the lead with a quarter of an hour gone. An Adriano Moke corner found the head of Jameel Ible, who powered home his
effort. The Lions could have doubled their advantage when a cross caught the wind and found Gabriel Johnson, who produced a diving header that went narrowly wide.
Just before the break, Stockton so nearly equalised. A throw found Adam Nicholson, who had made a number of impressive blocks at the other end, on the edge of the area. The ball sat up for him and on the half-volley his shot went just wide.
Driving rain greeted the players onto the pitch for the second-half.
Guiseley’s Leo Farrell produced a strong run and found the league’s top scorer Will Longbottom. He took a touch, but his shot was always going wide of the goal.
Stockton’s Sweet was again found in a good place, but Guiseley were able to defend and his shot was blocked.
However, on 80 minutes, an inswinging corner found Coulthard, who was free at the back post, and he had a simple header as Stockton got back on level terms.
The Anchors thought they had scored a winner with 90 minutes on the clock. A free-kick wasn’t held and eventually put in, but the linesman had his flag up to disallow it. Both teams pushed forward to try to grab a winner in added time but defences held firm.
Guiseley manager Mark Bower admitted: “I’m not happy. The conditions were really tough for both teams, it was a disjointed game.”
Stockton boss Michael Dunwell insisted: “I thought it was a fair result. I’m disappointed with the goal we conceded, but we got the leveller and to get a point at second place is pleasing.”
STAR MAN: Adam Nicholson (Stockton Town)
ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★
