Bridlington Yown 2 v 4 Guisley
FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round
Report by Bailey Beaden. Photographs by Tom Fynn
Bridlington Town faced Step Three side Guiseley in the Isuzu FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round at Queensgate, hoping to continue their cup run.
Before kick-off a minute’s silence was held in memory of club legend Cyril Skinner who dedicated over fifty years of service to Bridlington Town.
Guisely started strongly and almost took an early lead when a chipped effort from the edge of the box beat Jonathan Dash, but Kasper Williams headed onto the crossbar and cleared to safety.
Town responded when Ahmed Salam fired just over from outside the area, before taking the lead in the 18th minute. A cross from the right was controlled by Salam, who turned and finished low into the corner to make it 1-0.
The visitors equalised later in the first half from the penalty spot, with Will Longbottom converting to make it 1-1 at the break.
The Seasiders regained the lead in the 57th minute. Michael Coulson found space on the edge of the box and his low strike trickled into the bottom corner to put Bridlington 2-1 up.
Guiseley then turned the game around in a devastating six minute spell. In the 65th minute, substitute Lewis Knight scored with his first touch after being set up by Jordan Thewlis to make it 2-2.
Three minutes later, Thewlis got on the scoresheet himself, beating two men before rifling a shot into the top corner for 3-2. In the 71st minute, Thewlis struck again from close range, once more assisted by Knight, sealing the 4-2 scoreline.
Head Coach Mike Thompson made changes as Bridlington pushed for a way back into the match. Matty Dixon and Will Annan came on, replacing Charlie Dunkerley and Michael Coulson. Later in the half, Wright and Lewis also featured from the bench, but the Seasiders could not find another breakthrough.
Said manager Thompson: “A little bit frustrated because we have led the game twice is probably the overwhelming thing for me, especially taking the lead in the sixty odd minute in the second half.”
