GUISELEY Academy’s ten men battled for 75 minutes to overcome FC Halifax Town 4-0 in their opening league game of the season in the new Academies Super League.
After keeper Louis Simpson was red carded, Guiseley’s remaining players showed maturity beyond their years to push on for victory.
Without a sub keeper, they utilised midfielder Nick Brayshaw, who gave a fine all-round performance.
Guiseley rattled Halifax in the opening minutes, Josh Calvert’s corner hitting the side netting.
A long shot was fired at the keeper before Guiseley opened the scoring in the seventh minute, Adam Haw beating the keeper from close range. Haw worked another chance with a shot on the turn as Halifax were kept on their toes.
With a slender lead, it looked disastrous for Guiseley when Simpson got his marching orders but Guiseley remained calm and continued to break forward.
Harry Wilkinson shot just wide before a good block at the other end by Calvert prevented Halifax from scoring. Brayshaw then blocked a shot on the line as Halifax built pressure just before the break.
Halifax came out for the second half with renewed spirit but were soon quelled by the excellent play of a Guiseley side.
Guiseley widened the gap to 2-0 when left-back Nathan Newall’s corner could only be helped into the net by a defender.
Substitute Dan Watson then met a good ball into the box to head home with aplomb.
Guiseley netted a fourth late in the game when Calvert made a good run before putting a good strike into the far corner of the net.
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