GABRIELE HAS ANSWER TO THE LIONS PRAYERS
GABRIEL Johnson popped up with a last-gasp winner as play-off chasing Guiseley defeated top-of-the-table Radcliffe Borough.
In injury time, Johnson was found in the area and turned before placing his effort into the corner, sending the home fans wild.
Lions manager Andy Welsh said: “We needed to win this game. Gabriel has kept his composure right at the end and we’ve beaten the team who will win the league. We’ve got to keep it going now till the end of the season.”
The game started evenly with both sides having a half chance early on. A cross by Prince Ekpolo found Reece Kendall in the area, but his shot on the half-volley lacked the power needed to cause real issues for the visitors and it was cleared.
A long ball over the top nearly led to a chance for Boro, with Jordan Hulme taking a touch, but Ollie Battersby sped off his line quickly to collect before a shot could be taken.
Just over half an hour had gone when a Nicky Adams corner found Olly Thornley at the back post. He headed towards goal with Battersby
beaten, but Ollie Brown, on the goalline, was able to loop a header in mid-air over the bar and out of play.
The final opportunity of the half again saw Brown clear off the line. Another corner wasn’t properly cleared and this time it was Rick Smith with a stinging effort that was denied.
There was a real battle in the midfield during the second-half. Radcliffe looked to take the lead when Josh Hancock took a shot from outside the area. His effort looked to be creeping in but instead went narrowly wide.
Guiseley then saw Johnson have a header deflected over after being found in the area. The game looked to be heading for a draw but a wonderful touch and turn by Johnson led to him scoring the late winner.
Radcliffe joint-manager Bernard Morley said: “We knew it would be a tough test. We’ve just lacked the concentration right at the end and that is how football goes. We both cancelled each other out for most of it.”