Guiseley Secure 3-1 Victory at Stocksbridge Park Steels

Early January win boosts Guiseley’s league position

Guiseley AFC began the new year with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Stocksbridge Park Steels in a Northern Premier League Premier Division match held at Bracken Moor on 1 January 2026. The win marked an important result for Guiseley as they continue to push for a higher position in the league standings.

Match summary

The match was marked by a competitive and physical contest, with both sides showing determination. Early on, Stocksbridge defender Luke Rawson’s challenge on Guiseley’s Elliot Owen resulted in Owen being temporarily sidelined, though he returned to the field shortly after.

Guiseley created several chances in the first half. Joao Silva and Jordan Thewlis combined well, with Thewlis’s efforts tested by Stocksbridge goalkeeper Ben Townsend, who made an acrobatic save to keep the scores level.

The visitors took the lead after 30 minutes when Harrison Hopper delivered a free-kick that found Elliot Owen, who headed home to give Guiseley the advantage. However, Stocksbridge responded quickly. A defensive error allowed Daniel Deakin to set up Luke Rawson, who scored a well-placed shot to equalise before half-time.

The first half ended with heightened tensions, including a scuffle involving Harrison Hopper and Alexander O’Connor, leading to three bookings for Guiseley players.

Second half developments

Guiseley came out strongly after the break and regained the lead within five minutes. Hopper’s corner found Owen again, who headed the ball into the net. Stocksbridge pushed for an equaliser but were unable to convert their chances, including a notable effort from Samuel Kay that went over the bar.

Late in the game, Ollie Brown nearly extended Guiseley’s lead with a long-range strike that narrowly missed the top corner. The visitors eventually sealed the win when Jordan Thewlis set up debutant Archie Christie-Cranie, who scored after outpacing the goalkeeper.

Team line-ups and attendance

• Guiseley: Joe Cracknell; Lucas Odunston; Connor Ferguson; George Goodman; Elliot Owen; Jake Lawlor (captain); Harrison Hopper; Ollie Brown; Jordan Thewlis; John Lufudu (substituted by Bobby Moore, 72′); Joao Silva (substituted by Archie Christie-Cranie, 72′)
• Substitutes not used: Calum Hudson, Zac Rushworth, Derren Boyle
• Attendance: 448

Looking ahead

Following this victory, Guiseley will host Bamber Bridge at Nethermoor Park on Saturday 10 January 2026. Manager Ian Richards emphasised the competitive nature of the league and the importance of maintaining the team’s performance levels.

Richards said: “We’re focused on the next game now, being Bamber Bridge. We know anyone can beat anyone in this league and Bamber are doing well, they’re a good footballing team but if these players keep playing as they are they’ll be match ready.”