Walshaw strike sends Guiseley marching on (From Wharfedale Observer)

James Walshaw strike sends Guiseley marching on

1:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in Sport By Sportsdesk

Bamber Bridge 0, Guiseley 1

Guiseley were by no means at their best but they earned victory by the narrowest of margins in this FA Cup second-qualifying round at Bamber Bridge.

They earned their place in last Monday’s hat thanks to James Walshaw’s 78th-minute winner at the Preston-based Evo-Stik Division One North outfit.

Although the Lions did create a lot of chances, visiting keeper Steve Drench still had to make a to decent stops early on.

But generally speaking, Guiseley dominated possession did create a lot of chances. Gavin Rothery was on the end of the first two openings but he planted a fourth-minute header wide before shooting just past the post minutes later.

England C international Walshaw was also lively but the home keeper thwarted him twice.

A Danny Ellis header hit the bar from an Andy Holdsworth cross before the former Huddersfield Town man sent in an effort of his own that was just too high.

Walshaw was proving to be a thorn in the side for the home side and two early second-half chances went close before Lions skipper Simon Ainge headed over from a corner.

With 12 minutes remaining, and some minds wandering towards a possible replay, Guiseley found the all-important goal.

Walshaw finished well from a tight angle to send his side through.

He almost put the gloss on the victory with a last-minute shot that was pushed out by the home keeper at full stretch.

Guiseley director Stuart Allen said: “It was a difficult game but we got the win.

“Wayne Brooksby went off at half-time and Nicky Boshell made his first appearance in the second half following his injury.

"The good thing is that they all had a week to recover before our next game.”