Lawlor stops Leeds | Guiseley AFC

Guiseley secured a hard-fought victory over Leeds United Under 21s in their final pre-season meeting at Nethermoor, writes David Bridson.

Jake Lawlor’s long range volley in the 58th minute was enough to separate the two sides.

Vince Brockie’s son Devon had the first chance of the game for Leeds when he shot straight at Joe Cracknell in the fifth minute.

Opponent goalkeeper Darryl Ombang reacted well to stop John Lufudu’s header in the 17th minute as the hosts looked for the lead.

Home midfielder Joe Ackroyd was cautioned for a fierce challenge as the game approached the half-hour mark.

Just two minutes later, Lufudu’s mazy run past several Leeds defenders was stopped before he could slot a ball into the box.

Guiseley continued to create chances with Will Longbottom’s on-target header in the 34th minute, followed shortly after by Prince Ekpolo’s dragged effort from the edge of the box.

Harvey Vincent fired straight at Cracknell in the 37th minute, while Jordan Thewlis thought he had opened the scoring for the Lions shortly after, but his neat finish was ruled out for offside.

Lawlor was in the thick of the action when he somehow dropped the ball after Darryl Ombang parried a powerful shot into his path.

Cracknell equalized with a curling effort early in the second half from Dan Toulson, before a solid challenge from Leeds again thwarted Lufudu.

But it was Lawlor who put the Lions ahead with his smart finish as the hour mark beckoned.

Just a minute later the same player was available at the other end to bravely block a Leeds attack.

Rhys Chadwick’s 25-yard shot was fired over the bar in the 63rd minute as Leeds looked to be drawing level quickly.

Substitute Gabriel Johnson tormented the away defenders with some neat touches shortly after his introduction.

United’s Kris Moore’s header flew over the bar in the closing stages of the game before Jack Mason slid straight at Ombamg in the 86th minute.

Despite a late surge from Leeds, Guiseley held on to secure a third win of pre-season.

Guiseley next face Barnsley XI at Nethermoor on Tuesday 30th July, kick-off 7pm.

Guiseley AFC 1-0 Leeds United U21 | Saturday, July 27, 2024 | Nethermoor Park

Present: TB

Team: 1. Joe Cracknell, 2. Ollie Brown, 3. Reece Kendall, 4. Prince Ekpolo, 5. Jameel Ible (C), 6. Jake Lawlor (77′ Burrows), 7. John Lufudu (69′ Valsau), 8. Joe Ackroyd (73′ Walters), 9. Jordan Thewlis, 10. Will Longbottom and 11. Trialist A (32′ Grzelak).

Substitutions: 12. Kyle Burrows, 13. Danny King (GK), 14. Sam Walters, 15. Miguel Valsau, 16. Oliwier Grzelak, 17. Trialist B, 18. Gabriel Johnson, 19. Jack Mason and 20. Foley Nkem.