Young Lions sink the pools
Source: Guiseleyafc

Goals from Danyaal Khan and Jack Mason helped Guiseley Academy come from behind to earn a hard fought 2-1 victory over Hartlepool United in the FA Youth Cup, writes Cayden Sands.

In perhaps the toughest tie they could have received, the Young Lions weren't phased by the challenge presented to them, with their reward being a place in the First Round Proper of the competition.

The game was always going to be an uphill battle, proven when after just four minutes, the visitors took the lead after forward Alfie Steel showed electrifying pace to take the ball and break away from the defenders before burying the ball past Callum Bradbury, stunning the hosts.

This setback failed to deter Guiseley, who did excellently to grow into the game so soon after going behind, playing good football and frequently asking questions of the Hartlepool defence.

Thanks to this persistence, the Young Lions were rewarded on 27 minutes after Khan used some fine footwork to beat several visiting defenders and hit a powerful shot that flew over Jake Wilkinson and into the net, giving the host some much needed momentum and a lead that they managed to hold on to all the way to half time.

Guiseley started the second half the way they ended the first and looked the more likely of the two teams to gain the advantage, an ambition that was realised on 57 minutes after Mason unleashed a monster of an effort that flew past Wilkinson at a difficult angle and into the goal to give the Young Lions a deserved lead.

The likes of Khan, Oliver Sturrs and Max Dickinson all had good chances to double the Young Lions' advantage, if not for the heroics of Wilkinson, particularly in the case of the latter.

Despite a long added time period and a heap of pressure from Hartlepool, the hosts would hold out for an impressive and deserved victory over a tough opposition, with their reward being a place in the First Round Proper of the FA Youth Cup and the possibility of a blockbuster tie against an EFL side.

Highlights courtesy of Hartlepool United.

Guiseley 2-1 Hartlepool United | Wednesday 18th October 2023 | Nethermoor

Team: 1. Callum Bradbury (C), 2. Marley Spence, 3. K'Marni Miller, 4. Sam Walters, 5. Lewin Storton, 6. Freddie Westfall, 7. Oliver Storr, 8. Max Dickinson, 9. Danyaal Khan (76 Lorriman), 10. Max Palmer and 11. Jack Mason.

Subs: 12. Mason Donaldson, 15. Ben Innes, 16. Jack Lorriman, 17. Sam Macauley, 18. Paddy Arnold, 19. McKenzie Aylward and 17. Denelle Godfrey.