The Emirates FA Cup second qualifying round: Staveley Miners' Welfare 0 Guiseley 4

A FIRST hat-trick for Guiseley midfielder Kingsley James helped the Vanarama National League North side safely into the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup after a tricky first half in a very tricky tie.

The second qualifying round draw had thrown up a banana skin of a tie for the Lions, who were in England’s fifth division last term – the National League – as they were handed a trip to Inkersall Road, Chesterfield to face Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division outfit Staveley Miners' Welfare.

The Trojans are counterparts of Guiseley’s neighbours Thackley, Eccleshill United, Albion Sports and Liversedge and play their football four divisions lower down the non-league ladder.

It was Lions striker Rowan Liburd who had the first sight of goal with a fifth-minute free- kick but his effort flew over keeper Myles Wright’s goal.

The next opening was created by the home side but Adam Baskerville, who had scored for the Trojans in all three previous rounds, rushed his attempt and sent a volley over Joe Green’s net.

Liburd’s involvement came to an end midway through the first half when he pulled up, holding his hamstring, and he was replaced by assistant manager Paul Clayton.

Liburd was visibly frustrated and kicked out, damaging the dug out – an action that he later profusely apologised to the home side for.

Guiseley edged in front in the 36th minute when Scott Smith netted a half-volley after a free-kick had been headed down and was only half-cleared by the home defence.

Smith picked up a yellow card five minutes into the second half for a foul on the home keeper but that was soon forgotten as James took centre stage.

The former Halifax Town midfielder doubled the Lions’ lead following a 54th-minute corner.

James stooped to nod in his second and drilled home a low shot deep into stoppage time to complete his treble.

Guiseley joint manager Russ O’Neill said: “We’re really happy to get into the next round.

“Our injury list has been getting longer and we had five Academy lads involved today, so to win as we did, getting four goals and a clean sheet is pleasing.

"They (Staveley) made it hard for us in that first half – fair play to them – but I think that our ability showed through in the end.”

James said: “I’m obviously delighted to get the goals but I’m just happy to go through.

“It’s nine games unbeaten now and we just want to keep the juggernaut going.

"This is my first hat-trick and I’ll be taking the match ball home with me, after getting all the lads to sign it.”