Harrogate Railway Defeat Guiseley in West Riding Cup

Guiseley Lions exit West Riding County Cup after 5-1 loss

Guiseley AFC’s first team were eliminated from the West Riding County Cup following a 5-1 defeat to Harrogate Railway at the Dagger Diving Stadium in North Yorkshire on Tuesday, 28 October 2025. The Lions, managed by Dave Currie, fielded a youthful side that included three first-team players but were unable to contain a strong Harrogate Railway side.

Match Summary

Harrogate Railway took an early lead after just eight minutes when Elliot Holmes’ free kick found Alex Ingham, who scored from close range. The hosts continued to dominate the opening stages, with several attempts on goal, including efforts from Dom Creamer and Ben Parkes.

Harrogate Railway doubled their advantage shortly after when Harris Eggleston capitalised on a defensive error to score. Guiseley responded quickly, with Joao Silva providing a low cross that Amir Berchil converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The first half remained lively, with Guiseley creating chances through Silva, Berchil, and Lucas Alexander, but they were unable to find an equaliser before the break. Two substitutions were made at half-time, with Bailey Thompson and Ronny Skelton replacing Berchil and Connor Ferguson.

Second Half Developments

• Harrogate Railway extended their lead in the 60th minute when Alex Ingham scored his second goal, following a shot from Dom Creamer that was parried by Guiseley’s goalkeeper Harry Churnin-Ritchie.
• Shortly after, Railway captain Sam Drake scored a remarkable goal from the halfway line, increasing the lead to 4-1.
• Guiseley’s Freddie Westfall was sent off in the 68th minute for a challenge on Dom Creamer, leaving the Lions with ten men for the remainder of the match.
• Alex Burton added a fifth goal for Harrogate Railway in the final stages, finishing off a cross from Eggleston.

Team Line-ups and Substitutions

Guiseley AFC Starting XI:

• Harry Churnin-Ritchie (Goalkeeper)
• Mohamed Mfondi
• Connor Ferguson (subbed off 46’ for Bailey Thompson)
• Ibbie Origbaajo
• Freddie Westfall (Captain, sent off 68’)
• Lawrence Ford
• Lucas Alexander (subbed off 78’ for Lewis Spellman)
• Derren Boyle
• Zac Rushworth
• Joao Silva (subbed off 70’ for Dan Fotherby)
• Amir Berchil (subbed off 46’ for Ronny Skelton)

Substitutes: Bailey Thompson, Daniel Bray, Dan Fotherby, Ronny Skelton, Lewis Spellman

Next Fixture

Guiseley will return to league action on Saturday, 1 November 2025, hosting Hednesford Town in a Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division match. Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm at Nethermoor Park.