GUIDE POST COME BACK FROM MID WEEK DISAPPOINTMENT WITH MUCH STRONGER TEAM PERFORMANCE IN THE DIVISIONAL CUP AGAINST LONGHOUGHTON RANGERS
Guide Post came up against strong opposition in the first round of the NEYD Divisional cup in the form of Longhoughton Rangers.
The home side started with a strong line up with Adam Dixon and Reece Brown forming a formidable back four along with Jack Taylor and Andrew Robson.
With Aaron Dunning and Reece Bosomworth out wide and both Ryan Young and George Allsopp up front the plan was to get dangerous crosses and through balls in to the strikers. Ross Moore and Callum Pattison anchored the midfield and both started the game well.
Early exchanges in the game were going the way of the visitors but most of their attacks simply crashed like waves against the rocks of the Guide Post defence who were coping well with the excellent link up play of the visitors. Gradually Callum and Ross in midefield began to get the upper hand and chances began to come Guide Posts way.
An early substitution had to be made when Ryan Young was clattered from behind and took a knock to his 'dodgy' hamstring. Adam Boyd came off the bench and slotted in at left back allowing Jack Taylor to push up front.
The home side held their own and closed down the visitors at every chance frustrating their link up play. Andrew Robson in particular had an excellent first half showing great anticipation, speed and determination. Just before half time Guide Post won a corner on the right which was taken by Ross Moore who was putting in a fiery and gritty performance. An excellent cross was swung over and a failed punch from the keeper fell on to the head of Callum Pattison who from eight yards headed into the roof of the net. The whistle went soon after and Guide Post were worthy of their lead.
No changes were made at half time with the game finely balanced. The vistors came out for the second half full of determination but yet again were frustrated by the home side who's team spirit and work ethic was impressive. The visitors definitely had the balance of possession in the second half but Guide Post coped well with this and constantly harried and pressed as soon as the ball was lost. Late in the game the visitors finely got the equaliser which was a well taken goal from the edge of the box as the ball fell to the strikers feet with a yard of space he drove low and hard into the corner of the net.
The visitors then what was a hotly disputed penalty decision in the last ten minutes. A sliding tackle from Adam Dixon (I think !!) seemed to both win the ball and catch the forwards feet at the same time. The striker went flat on the floor and the ref awarded the penalty. The penalty was well taken into the corner giving Liam no chance.
With five minutes to go Ryan Young was brought on up front in a final attempt to score. Two corners in succession in the last two minutes almost produced the equaliser but it was not to be. The players were disappointed to lose but all should be given credit for an excellent all round team effort and performance.
Man of the match went to Ross Moore for yet another skilful and determined performance.
Particular thanks should be given to the two subs Connor and Lee who didn't get on the park today in such a tight game.
