Guiseley step up promotion bid (From Wharfedale Observer)

Guiseley step up promotion bid

9:22am Monday 2nd April 2007 in Sport By Rachel O'Connor

Matlock Town 0 Guiseley 3

Guiseley gained a superb win at Matlock on Saturday to step up their bid for one of the promotion play-off places.

With the UniBond League Chairman's Cup safely in the trophy cabinet Guiseley turned their attentions back to the important business of seeing off one of their promotion rivals and in what style.

Their unbeaten run through last month has seen them awarded the UniBond Club of the Month and Guiseley will be hoping this does not have the usual effect it has on teams who seem to lose the match when it is presented.

In fact some have gone so far as to ask if there is a precedent for refusing the award!

Guiseley dominated the first-half at Matlock creating a stack of chances. Mark Bett was the tormentor in chief of the home side. He netted the opener in the 15th minute but it was just one of seven times he threatened in the first period, driving in a left-foot shot after strike partner Marc Smith's headed flick on.

The second goal came before the first-half reached the midway point and the fact that it was steered in by a home player was confirmation of the pressure Guiseley created.

Skipper Richard Dunning whipped in a cross and Glen Kirkland turned the ball past his own 'keeper with a bullet header that flew into the roof of the net.

The Matlock player was merely attempting to prevent the ball reaching Smith, who was lurking with intent.

Chances were few and far between after the break, with Matlock dominating possession and territory but not working visiting 'keeper Steve Dickinson too much.

He made one save in the second-half, in the 75th minute, but by then Guiseley were already three goals to the good and on their way to a three-point maximum.

Dunning delivered a 71st minute free-kick which centre-back Sam Denton headed home.

So Guiseley now head to Whitby on Good Friday as the pressure begins to mount.

Manager Terry Dolan will have to utilise his full squad over the next couple of weeks with Whitby on Friday followed by a home game against Gateshead on Easter Monday, a County Cup final against Goole on Wednesday and another vital promotion battle at home to Burscough the following Saturday.

Interesting times for Terry Dolan's men and the Guiseley supporters.

At the Easter Monday game the title winning Guiseley Ladies team, who have achieved a second successive promotion, will be paraded before the crowd.