Guiseley Academy 1 South Shields 1

GUISELEY secured the National League Youth Alliance Division J crown when they shared the spoils with their title rivals at Ilkley Town’s ground on Monday.

Both teams had the distinction of finishing the season unbeaten, but the Lions took the crown by virtue of a superior goal difference after they scored 107 times during the campaign.

Guiseley now go on to play in the National League Champion of Champions Play-Offs to reward the work of manager Dave who has seen his side finish runners-up on four occasions.

He and his coaching staff Danny Ellis and Ben Walker, the latter a former Academy player, have produced a side who have shown great discipline and skill in an unbeaten run that stretches back a whole year.

Goals have come from all areas of the pitch with Kayle Price finishing as leading scorer with 25.

Guiseley were watched by first-team manager Sean St Ledger as well as a host of former Academy players.

Will Wells, currently on loan to Farsley Celtic's first team, and Albert Ibrahimi, who was signed by Bradford City earlier in the season, cheered the Lions on

This tight game between the division's top two sides was entertaining for the large crowd as both sides went all out for glory.

Guiseley opened the scoring in the first-half with a headed goal from midfielder George Gomersall and he and combative midfielder Scott Smith showed a maturity in their play which has been honed by being loaned out to play senior football this season.

The whole team worked hard throughout but Shields bagged an equaliser in the closing stages.

Guiseley held out in a tense finish with goalkeeper Fletch Paley, who has made it into the first team squad this season, standing firm.

Manager Currie said: "This is a wonderful feeling, the lads have worked so hard and deserve so much credit.

"They would never give up, I am so proud of them all, they deserve this moment to celebrate."

P W D L F A PT

Guiseley 18 15 3 0 107 13 48

South Shields 18 15 3 0 89 8 48

FC Halifax Town 18 14 2 2 89 15 44

FCUM 18 10 0 8 45 41 30

Gateshead 18 9 0 9 56 38 27

Rochdale 18 8 1 9 48 59 25

Darlington 18 7 1 10 40 80 22

Maltby Main 18 5 0 13 32 64 15

Farsley Celtic 18 1 0 17 15 85 3

Harrogate Town 18 1 0 17 14 132 3