Guiseley reach FA Cup second round after late penalty

Jordan Thewlis scored from the spot in the 94th minute to give Guiseley a 1-0 home win over National League side Sutton United.

The late goal sent Guiseley into the second round of the Emirates FA Cup after a closely contested first-round tie at Nethermoor on Saturday, 7 November.

Thewlis had come on for Cam Wilson in the 78th minute. In stoppage time, he made a run into the penalty area and won a spot-kick after being brought down. The striker sent Sutton goalkeeper Spike Brits the wrong way to settle the match.

The victory marks the third time in Guiseley’s history that the club have reached the competition’s second round. It is also the first time they have done so while competing in the Northern Premier League, according to the club’s account of the match.

Chances at both ends

Sutton began with pressure and came close to making the breakthrough in the opening minutes. Joe Knight narrowly missed connecting with a cross from Jermaine Francis, while Emmanuel Osadebe later sent a shot just wide. Guiseley goalkeeper Jack Hall also dealt with several dangerous deliveries.

Guiseley threatened in response. Charlie Staniland tested Brits, and Ollie Brown and Jack Emmett had efforts as the home side grew into the contest. Neither team scored before the interval, with the first half featuring a series of midfield challenges and defensive clearances.

The start of the second half was delayed because of a medical incident. Once play resumed, Sutton continued to create openings, but Guiseley defended resolutely. Hall held a cross from Sam Folarin, while Sutton efforts from Staniland and Osadebe were dealt with by the home defence.

Guiseley also had opportunities. Harrison Hopper’s shot was blocked during a crowded spell in the Sutton penalty area, and Elliot Owen’s header was claimed by Brits. After his introduction, Kyle White forced a save from the visiting goalkeeper with a powerful effort in the 86th minute.

Sutton pressed in the closing stages, but Guiseley held on before Thewlis won and converted the decisive penalty. The match ended 1-0, with an attendance of 1,556 at Nethermoor.

Second-round draw

The second-round draw was scheduled for Monday 9 November, with Guiseley listed as ball number 32. The club’s next fixture was listed as an away match against Warrington Rylands in the Northern Premier League Premier Division on Tuesday 10 November, with a 7.45pm kick-off.