Guiseley supporters, despite miserable conditions, were eager to see the last game of the season at Nethermoor Park, with their team already cemented in playoff places.
However, The game got off to the worst possible start for the Lions when Gainsboroughs, Declan Howe, cooly stepped up, converting a penalty after just 17 minutes. The penalty being given away by youngster Sam Bentley.
Gainsborough, just missing out on playoff places, still felt they had lots to prove. As only 6 minutes later Lewis Butroid doubled the visitors’ advantage after a well worked move from the left hand side.
The Lions only had one half chance before minute 45, when Jack Emmett came closest to scoring all half for Guiseley from a corner. But, his effort could not stay on target meaning Gainsborough saw out the first half with a comfortable 2-0 lead.
The second half was a stalemate. The two early Trinity goals knocked a lot of steam out of the Guiseley sails, who were really struggling to find an opening through the Gainsborough backline.
Trinity had a very clear gameplay from the start, 3 massive defenders man marking made it a resolute defensive performance.
The only real chance of a Guiseley comeback was a penalty waved off by the referee in the 70th minute. The foul was clearly not harsh enough from the referee who didn’t see enough contact to make the call.
The full-time whistle blew and ultimately, Guiseley was not at the races on the day. Gainsborough clearly were not interested in any free handout points, even without having anything to play for, with Trinity unable to go down or reach playoff places. Meaning the last league game at Nethermoor this season ended 2-0 to the visitors.
The final day at Nethermoor had 612 people in attendance. The result did not favour the home support, yet there is still hope for Guiseley in the playoffs.
Macclesfield ran away with the season, becoming centurion champions the previous week at Nethermoor Park against Guiseley. Ollie Brown, Guiseley fullback stated: “Macclesfield ran away with it this season so it’s obviously been playoffs from the start. Finish as high as you can in playoffs to gain double home fixtures.”
Worksop Town clinched best of the rest, uncatchable in second place meaning they will play all playoff rounds at home, giving them the best advantage to push for promotion.
Worksop will also face Ashton United in the first round of the playoffs, giving them even more belief in securing promotion.
The Lions are now guaranteed to finish 4th or above going into game week 42, with Ashton trailing more than 3 points behind them. The Lions could still leap frog Stockton Town however to snatch 3rd if results go their way.
The last league match the lions face is on the road at FC United of Manchester.
Guiseley are set to face Stockton Town in the semi-final round of the Northern Premier League playoffs, despite whether they or Stockton clinch 3rd.
However, If the Lions can finish higher than promotion rivals Stockton, they will gain the home advantage for the playoff bout.
Ollie Brown still fancies his teams chances in the playoffs, even if the club are in the away dressing room for the occasion:
“Once the lads get all their heads on and we’re all ready for it, we can probably go anywhere and do a shift, it’s just about keeping the lads together.”
There is still much on the line for all teams reaching the playoffs, with a young confident Guiseley side having many obstacles to climb if they seek promotion to the Northern Premier League.
