Guiseley suffer play-off semi-final heartbreak (From Wharfedale Observer)

Guiseley suffer play-off semi-final heartbreak

10:22pm Sunday 6th May 2012 in Sport By Ian Whiting

Guiseley 0 Nuneaton Town 1

(aet, Nuneaton win 2-1 on aggregate)

Guiseley’s dreams of promotion to the Blue Square Bet Premier were shattered in agonising fashion when Nuneaton produced a winner late in the second period of stoppage time of this play-off semi-final second leg.

Guiseley were runners-up in the Blue Square Bet North and favourites to progress to the final, alongside third-placed FC Halifax Town. But both were stunned in their home legs today and Gainsborough Trinity will host Nuneaton in a one-off game to settle the second promotion place.

The Lions will be licking their wounds after not being at their best in either leg of their clash with Nuneaton – who only just made the play-offs after being deducted points for fielding ineligible players.

They had chances in the first half, with Ciaran Toner shooting wide, Joe O’Neill having a shot saved and a Chris Senior header from a Jamie Clarke cross coming back off the bar.

There were more openings after the interval but Andy Holdsworth shot wide while the visitors’ keeper saved another header from Senior.

O’Neill had two shots saved and the final chance fell to Matt Wilson but his shot was also saved.

There were fewer chances in extra-time and, after a spell of pressure, Nuneaton’s Andy Brown converted a corner in the 117th minute.

Guiseley director Stuart Allen said: “They had their share of chances and it was a close game but we didn’t perform anywhere near as well as we can on the day.

“Next season there will be Avenue joining us and Halifax again and also Chester, who came up, and Kettering, who came down from the Conference, so some big names. It will be an even tougher division.”