Guiseley hit back in title chase (From Wharfedale Observer)

Super-sub Chris Senior completes comeback win for Guiseley

7:43pm Monday 9th April 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Guiseley 3, Altrincham 2

A last-minute strike by substitute Chris Senior completed a sensational comeback by Guiseley after they had trailed 2-0 at half-time.

The Lions went into the game against Altrincham needing a victory to stay in the hunt for the Blue Square Bet North title and they never gave up in their pursuit of it.

Leaders Hyde FC also won, so Steve Kittrick’s men remain second in the two-horse race trailing by just two points.

Lee Sinnott’s visitors broke the deadlock with their first real goal attempt, mounting a counter-attack in the 13th minute with Nicky Clee lashing in a stunning 20-yard shot.

The hosts responded well and a Lee Ellington shot went over while Simon Ainge’s effort was deflected wide.

They also had the ball in the net in the 38th minute but James Walshaw’s strike was ruled out for offside.

Danny Ellis had a later effort cleared off the line before Altrincham launched another smash-and-grab raid.

This time it was former Guiseley and Farsley striker Damian Reeves who netted.

The two-goal cushion did not last long as Lions skipper Ainge powered a header in off the underside of the bar when Andy Holdsworth whipped in a 50th-minute corner.

And just two minutes later it was all square after a Walshaw cross-shot hit a defender and looped in.

Guiseley kept banging on the door and although keeper Stuart Coburn was in good form, the pressure finally told just into stoppage time.

Ainge began the move, Walshaw ghosted by a defender and whipped the ball into the area to where Senior was on hand to bury a right-foot shot.

The Lions will be distracted from league action when they take on Bradford Park Avenue in the West Riding County Cup final on Wednesday before their three remaining fixtures.