Latest news with #Guiseley
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Guiseley fall just short in play-off final as side fail to make most of reprieve
GUISELEY were unable to grasp their second chance in the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs, after losing 2-1 at Worksop Town in the final. It means the hosts go up to National League North alongside champions Macclesfield, while condemning their visitors to a fourth consecutive season in the seventh tier of English football. Guiseley finished fourth in the regular season under Mark Bower, putting them into a tricky away play-off semi-final at third-placed Stockton Town last Tuesday. The North-East side won the game 1-0, but were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in captain Adam Nicholson, who should have been suspended for the fixture. After several days of deliberation, the NPL eventually ruled in favour of Gusieley, reinstating them into the play-offs in time for the Bank Holiday Monday final at Worksop. With home advantage after coming second in the regular season, Worksop started the brighter of the two sides, Liam Hughes flashing an early header wide. At the other end, Gabriel Johnson forced a save out of Tommy Taylor, while Prince Ekpolo cut inside and fired over the bar. Gabriel Johnson came close to giving Guiseley an early lead on what proved to be a devastating afternoon for them. (Image: The Yorkshire Photographer) The game burst into life just before the break, with Will Longbottom clearing a Worksop effort off the line, before the striker almost headed home at the other end. Adriano Moke then blazed Ollie Brown's cut back over the bar for the visitors, which proved costly as Worksop took the lead right on half-time, Jordan Burrow powering home a Joe Leesley set-piece. The home side doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half, Joe Cracknell making a cracking initial save after Ben Grist's throw-in caused problems, only for Burrow to head the rebound into the net. Guiseley's fans travelled in good numbers to Worksop, especially as their side only got reinstated in the play-offs on Saturday, but they must have known it was not going to be their day when Worksop went 2-0 up. (Image: The Yorkshire Photographer) Jake Lawlor and Lewis Whitham both had shots that went agonisingly wide for Guiseley, before the latter played through Longbottom, who halved the deficit after keeping his composure when in on goal. Taylor made a good late save from Whitham and Longbottom curled a shot over the bar in second-half stoppage-time as Guiseley failed to find an equaliser, meaning their season ended in heartbreaking fashion.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stockton Town respond to play-off heartbreak with review & 'exciting plans' promised
STOCKTON Town have apologised for the "administrative error" that led to the Anchors being kicked out of the Northern Premier League Premier Division play-offs. And the club say they will be fuelled by their heartbreaking end to the season and come back stronger, promising some "exciting plans" for the future. Stockton were due to be playing Worksop on Monday for a place in National League North next season but were ejected from the play-offs after fielding an ineligible player in last week's semi-final victory over Guiseley, who took their place in the final. Captain Adam Nicholson was sent off on the final day of the regular season but played against Guiseley, with Stockton saying their understanding was that his suspension wasn't due to start until Saturday, May 3. They were charged by the FA before attending two hearings. It was then decided by the league over the weekend that Stockton wouldn't be allowed to play in the final. RECOMMENDED READING: Stockton then released a fresh and lengthy statement on Monday morning, saying: "Stockton Town Football Club has this week found itself in a difficult position which arose out of an administrative error due to a complex chain of events. "We admit that this shouldn't have happened and apologise to our players, management, supporters and the wider community of Stockton that we have been left in the position of being disqualified from the end of season play-offs. "The club shall review and reflect on the causes of this and we are committed to act on findings to ensure as a club we improve and never again end up in this position. "The club would like to place on record its sincere thanks to all that hold this club close to their heart for their understanding, support and commitment to the club over the past week and we are truly humbled by all your messages of support." Stockton have enjoyed a remarkable rise over the course of the last decade and club bosses have vowed to learn from this week's setback and continue their upward trajectory. The statement continued: "Stockton Town Football Club has grown out of adversity and has experienced many difficult days over the years but we have never let any of those define us, and the events of the last week will be another of those. "We have exciting plans for the future and we believe a future that can bring further success and pride to our club and community, but this will only be achieved with the whole club pulling in the same direction. "The club is already well advanced with its plans for the 2025/26 season and we hope to be in a position to begin to share news of those plans coming to fruition in the next few weeks. "Finally we would like to wish both Worksop Town and Guiseley our best wishes for the play-off Final, may the best team win."


BBC News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Stockton Town FC disqualified from play-offs after fielding banned player
A football team has been denied a chance of promotion after being disqualified from its league's play-off Town FC had been set to play in the Northern Premier League (NPL) Premier Division play-off final, but was stopped after fielding captain Adam Nicholson in an earlier game when he should have been club appealed the decision, however the NPL upheld its ruling at a disciplinary meeting on a statement, the club said it was "disappointed" by the outcome and was considering further appeals. "We are currently reviewing the decision and will assess our position before determining next steps regarding the appeal process," it said."We would like to thank our players, staff, volunteers, and especially our supporters for your understanding and unwavering backing throughout this time."We remain committed to transparency and will provide further updates when appropriate." 'Exception circumstances' The breach occurred during the Premier Division semi-final game against Guiseley AFC, which Nicholson played in despite being sent off on the final day of the regular normal circumstances, a ban from playing would have kicked in seven days after the offence. However, the delay only applies during the regular season, meaning the ban also covered the were fined and Guiseley were given the play-off NPL said: "The club admitted the charge but cited what it believed to be exceptional circumstances leading to the ineligibility. "However, the panel found unanimously that the circumstances put forward by the club were not exceptional."The Premier Division play-off final between Worksop Town and Guiseley kicks off at 15:00 BST. Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.