GUISBOROUGH TOWN 2 WHITLEY BAY 1
Wednesday 17th September 2025
Report by Julian Tyley
Whitley's nine match winning run and their unbeaten start to the Northern League season came to an end as they suffered a narrow defeat at Guisborough, with the winning goal coming just eight minutes from the end of an enthralling and entertaining contest.
Something had to give in this 3rd v 1st contest, with Guisborough defending a 100% home record while Whitley were last remaining unbeaten side in the League.
Jay Bates was forced into several changes from the side that beat Shildon on Saturday, with Mikel Thompson, Callum Larmouth and Kieren Aplin all unavailable. This gave Luca Shilling the opportunity to make his full debut having come off the bench against Shildon.
Guisborough were quickly into their stride playing down the slope and with 15 minutes played, a long range shot from Ferguson brought a good save from Asikaogu.
Whitley immediately took play to the other end and forced a corner on the right. Livermore's ball into the six yard box was bundled over the line by Mackenzie Sharpe to put them ahead.
The lead lasted only six minutes though, as Wilshaw's shot from the left side of the box took a deflection off Errington and flew into the net with Asikaogu wrong footed.
Whitley so nearly regained the lead from another right wing corner by Livermore after 27 minutes when Forster's header was blocked on the line and from the rebound his effort flew inches wide of the far post.
Livermore then saw a shot deflected over the bar but this time the corner was defended more effectively by the hosts.
Guisborough were beginning to gain the upper hand and an excellent run into the box almost paid dividends but Asikaogu raced out to make a great block. Another chance came Town's way on the stroke of half time when a corner on the left by ex Bay winger Josh Macdonald was headed down by Frazer but the ball bounced just over the bar.
It was all square at the break and with everything still to play for.
Nine minutes after the restart, Guisborough's Willshaw cut in from the by-line and pulled the ball back across goal but Bailey's shot was blocked.
Layton Campbell had been allowed little space up to this stage but his pace down the right created a great chance when he got clear and crossed into the box but Sharpe with only keeper Catterick to beat, lashed his first time effort high over the bar.
Guisborough sub Osiyemi quickly made an impact after being introduced on the hour and when he cut in from the wing, his attempt flew just over the bar.
Whitley were aggrieved when Campbell burst through the Town defence but was brought down just as he was about to run clear. However, the referee waved away Bay appeals and allowed play to continue when a red card for the defender looked the likely outcome.
Whitley had another gilt edged chance to regain the lead with 14 minutes left when Livermore won the ball near the right by-line and drove it low across the box but Sharpe, much to his frustration, again put the ball over the bar. His scoring form has been outstanding so far this season but this was clearly not his night.
These missed opportunities were to prove costly when six minutes later a throw in on the Guisborough right led to a low cross into the box and Osiyemi poked the ball home at the back post.
Despite an improved second half performance, there was to be no late comeback for Whitley as the home side held on fairly comfortably to claim what was a hard fought victory, thereby moving up to second in the table, four points behind Whitley but with a game in hand.
WHITLEY BAY: Asikaogu, Stewart, Christie,(Harvey 73mins), Forster, Scott, Errington, Campbell, Kanda, Sharpe(Achuo 80mins), Livermore, Shilling
Subs not used: Higgins, Bates
Caution: Achuo
Referee: Anthony Duffy
Attendance: 325
