Longbottom’s Late Goal Secures Win for Guiseley

December 7, 2025 Off By

Guiseley claim narrow victory over Leek Town at Nethermoor Park

Guiseley secured a 1-0 win against Leek Town thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Will Longbottom in a closely contested Northern Premier League Premier Division match on Saturday, 6 December 2025.

The decisive moment came deep into added time when Longbottom tapped in following a well-crafted move involving John Lufudu and Jordan Thewlis. Thewlis had made a strong run and delivered a precise cross, allowing Longbottom to score the winning goal and spark celebrations among the home supporters.

Match Summary

The Lions started the match at a high tempo, with Amir Berchil testing the Leek Town goalkeeper early on, including a volley that hit the crossbar. Jordan Thewlis had a goal disallowed in the fifth minute, and Longbottom had two early shots blocked by a resilient Leek defence.

Leek Town gradually grew into the game, with several chances including a header from Connor Heath that went just wide and a powerful shot from Adam Porter that was saved by Guiseley goalkeeper Joe Cracknell.

Both sides created opportunities throughout a sometimes scrappy encounter. Guiseley’s defence, marshalled by captain Lebrun Mbeka, held firm against Leek’s attacks, while the Lions struggled to convert their chances until the final moments.

Key Moments

Amir Berchil’s early volley rattled the crossbar.
Jordan Thewlis had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half.
Leek Town’s Connor Heath narrowly missed with a header.
Joe Cracknell made several important saves to keep a clean sheet.
Will Longbottom scored the winning goal in stoppage time.

Team and Attendance

The match was played at Nethermoor Park in front of 547 spectators. Guiseley’s starting lineup was:

Joe Cracknell (Goalkeeper)
Lucas Odunston
Connor Ferguson
Lebrun Mbeka (Captain)
George Goodman
Calum Hudson
Harrison Hopper
Jack Emmett
Jordan Thewlis
Will Longbottom
Amir Berchil

Substitutes used during the game included John Lufudu, Joao Silva, and Jordan Thewlis was replaced by Silva in the 80th minute. New signing Franklin Denison was an unused substitute. Calum Hudson, on loan from Scarborough, was named Man of the Match for his performance.