Guiseley Narrowly Defeated by Harrogate Town in Pre-Season Friendly

Pre-season match sees Guiseley edged out 2-1 by National League side

Guiseley AFC began their 2026 pre-season campaign with a closely contested 2-1 home defeat to Harrogate Town at Nethermoor on Saturday, 11 July. The match provided both sides with opportunities, but it was Harrogate who capitalised on their chances to secure the victory.

Match Summary

The game was evenly matched from the outset, with Guiseley creating early chances, notably through retained player Jordan Thewlis. However, as the first half drew to a close, Harrogate took the lead. A defensive error allowed Bailey Hobson to break free and score with a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

Both teams made extensive changes at half-time, with Harrogate introducing a completely new starting eleven, and Guiseley also making several substitutions. Early in the second half, Guiseley came close to levelling the score when Thewlis intercepted a pass from Harrogate goalkeeper Rory Watson, but his shot was cleared off the line by defender Warren Burrell.

Harrogate extended their lead with around 20 minutes remaining. A well-executed passing move between Grant Horton and Lucas Barnes set up Mason Bennett, who scored with a confident strike into the top corner.

Guiseley responded shortly afterwards, with trialist Cam Wilson scoring on his debut. A pass from another trialist found Wilson, who advanced into the box and finished past the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

Despite further attempts, including a shot from Amir Berchil that went over the crossbar, Guiseley were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.

Team Line-Ups

• Guiseley AFC (starting XI): Jack Hall (substituted 46′ by Michael Roxburgh), Ollie Brown (46′ Lucas Odunston), Kyle White (73′ Ollie Brown), Lebrun Mbeka (captain, 73′ Paul Iggulden), Adam Lund (73′ Ibby Origbaajo), Paul Iggulden (46′ Elliot Owen), Harrison Hopper, Derren Boyle, Jordan Thewlis (60′ Cam Wilson), Cam Wilson (46′ Charlie Staniland), Jay Rollins (46′ Trialist A)
• Substitutes: Lucas Odunston, Michael Roxburgh (goalkeeper), Elliot Owen, Charlie Staniland, Trialist A, Amir Berchil, Ibby Origbaajo

Attendance and Next Fixture

The match was attended by 571 spectators. Guiseley’s next pre-season fixture is scheduled for Tuesday, 14 July, when they travel to face Northern Counties East Premier Division side Tadcaster Albion.