Alfreton Town 0 Guiseley 1

GUISELEY moved up to 13th in the Vanarama National League North after their first away win of the season came courtesy of an early Rowan Liburd goal.

It was not just any win as it came against Billy Heath’s Alfreton Town, who were in the top four after a run of four straight victories.

The Reds finished with ten men after substitute Harry Middleton picked up a straight red card for a late tackle on Guiseley midfielder Kingsley James.

The Lions were already in control of the contest by then though. They had broken the deadlock early and negotiated a difficult first half, while the second period never got going as both sides struggled to raise their game.

The home side started well but were undone by a defensive error. Tom Platt under hit a back pass and Liburd nipped in to slot home.

Alfreton’s Bobby Johnson was lively and he created chances for the hosts. He placed a shot just wide before seeing a later effort well saved by Lions’ keeper Joe Green.

He then sent in a cross that Tom Denton headed goalwards, only to see it expertly tipped over by the agile Green.

Guiseley had new signing Lewis Walters in their starting line-up and he almost claimed an assist on his debut as his cross picked out Liburd, whose header was superbly saved by Alfreton keeper Sam Ramsbottom.

Walters almost netted just before the break but his flick was palmed away by Ramsbottom. The hosts just about survived the resulting corner.

Middleton was brought on just after half-time but only lasted for 19 minutes. His sending off ended the home side’s chances of a comeback, making it a good return to the Impact Arena for Lions’ joint manager Russ O’Neill.

O’Neill was on Alfreton’s management team for over a decade and he said: “It’s a really difficult place to come and they didn’t disappoint us because as we expected it was a very tough, physical battle.

“But I thought we stood up to the physical side and showed our quality on the ball. We got 1-0 up and I thought it could have been two or three as their keeper made two or three great saves in the first half.

“But we’re really pleased – it’s a clean sheet and three points. It was a great finish from Rowan and I know just what he’s capable of and he took it really well. I thought that we deserved the win.

“It’s nice to come here. I spent ten years at this club and I’ve got some great memories. The people here are great. But it doesn’t make the win any sweeter – it’s the same three points wherever it comes.”