REPORT: UNITED 0-1 GUISELEY AFC

PIC: Tom Flint

United suffered defeat in their last game before Christmas following a 1-0 reverse at home to Guiseley AFC on Saturday afternoon.

Gabriel Johnson scored the only goal in the game with an hour played, shortly after Remaye Campbell saw a penalty saved.

A series of early free-kicks threatened to warm the crowd on a windy afternoon but neither Kieran Fenton or Liam Tongue could trouble respective ‘keepers within the first ten minutes.

Jack Thomas then struck the woodwork, through more luck than intention, after a high, looping cross deceived Ollie Battersby in the away goal.

A first chance for the visitors saw a break down the left and when Johnson looked certain to tap home, but for a fantastic block from Henri Wilder at the back stick ensuring the scores remained level.

Some fantastic skill down the right from man of the match Toby Ritzema laid off Campbell, though his shot was blocked by some equally impressive defending from those in purple before more important blocks – again by Wilder – prevented Guiseley from the taking the lead.

Thomas then got in on the defensive act – laying his body on the line to shield Tongue’s hit from causing concern, and the teams went in at the break level.

Similarly to the first half, another audacious attempt – this time from Tongue utilising the wind – nearly caught Preston off-guard; the ‘keeper scurrying to superbly parry away the goal-bound hit and it looked to yield reward at the other end when some clumsy defending saw Prince Ekpolo handle in the area.

Campbell stepped up but saw his low spot-kick saved to spur the away side on and, minutes later, they took the lead.

A ball over the top by substitute Tom Denton was perfect for Johnson to race onto and he got in between ‘keeper and defender to kiss a volley off the far post and he wheeled away in celebration.

Owen Betts was replaced by Dom Roma, after an impressive 78-minute return following a long lay-off from injury and despite Aidan Walker heading straight at Preston unmarked, the game fizzled out and Guiseley headed back to West Yorkshire with maximum points.

Next up, we travel to Worksop Town on Boxing Day (3pm) before hosting Marine AFC at Greenwich Avenue at the weekend (1pm).

UNITED: Preston; Betts (Roma 78'), Frizelle, Fenton, Wilder; Ritzema, Lewis, Thomas, Wafula; Tyson, Campbell (James 61')
SUBS (not used): Tomlin, Goddard, Holmes

ATT: 252