Report by Joe Priestley

A LOOPING Gabriel Johnson effort was enough to wrap up three points on the road at high-flying Warrington Rylands for Guiseley on Saturday.

The Lions started the brighter of the two sides, winning a flurry of corners and putting pressure on the Rylands backline. A couple of set pieces, one given for a nasty challenge from Scott Bakkor, also floated into the hosts’ box, but Rylands held firm in the opening twenty.

Rylands slowly grew into the game with a spell of possession midway through the first half. Touray’s powerful shot from distance troubled Ollie Battersby, however, Guiseley responded with some key chances of their own. Chances fell to Jameel Ible and Johnson but neither was able to convert. Jordi Nsaka had the chance to score just before the half time break but keeper Luke Pilling kept the Lions out.

The hosts continued their ascendency in the second half, Joe Piggott beat goalkeeper Battersby but Tom Pratt was there to clear it off the line and the Guiseley keeper was forced into a crucial save down at his near post just four minutes later.

But just as it looked as if Warrington were going to try and wrestle control of the game, Johnson found himself with the ball at his feet and took advantage of all-at-sea goalkeeper Pilling, looping the ball over his head and giving the Lions the lead.

The Lions held out a tiring Rylands side for the rest of the match, resisting pressure, meeting every challenge, winning every battle on the pitch and even creating a few chances of their own. Liam Tongue came closest when he glanced a header towards goal but wasn’t able to find the target.

Ultimately, neither team was able to add to the scoresheet and the game finished 1-0 much to the delight of the travelling Guiseley faithful. The result takes the Lions up to seventh and within touching distance of the playoff positions.