1 day Ago
A Kevin Hayes stunner was the difference between the two sides as the hosts booked their place in this year’s play-off final. Guiseley’s draw against FC United of Manchester on the final day of the regular season resulted in the Lions losing home advantage for the semi-final, and they couldn’t quite get over the line at Stockton. The main drama arrived in the second half, with the Lions coming agonisingly close to the taking the lead in the 62nd minute, just two minutes before the hosts went ahead.
Jamie Spencer and Will Longbottom both had consecutive efforts cleared off the line by Stockton defender Josh Baggs, who retreated to the goal-line after the home side’s goalkeeper had been beaten. However, that spurred the hosts on, and Hayes put his side 1-0 ahead just a few minutes later. The midfielder collected the ball at the edge of the box before rifling a powerful shot into the top corner of Guiseley’s goal.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser, but it wasn’t to be. John Lufudu was shown a second yellow card in the 90th minute of the contest as Mark Bower’s side were reduced to ten men..
