We're all greatly missing attending Guiseley matches at the moment so I thought I would reflect on happier times and my favourite away day following The Lions.
That day is always one I remember fondly. Hoards of coaches buoying a nervous Nethermoor as we sought play-off glory in Lancashire. The electric atmosphere outside the Fort that morning was one not seen since, well, the previous season when we were cruelly denied penalties at Altrincham. It's not as if we weren't used to it. Defeats to Telford, Nuneaton and Halifax had seen us become accustomed to play-off woe. It seemed like we couldn't smash the glass ceiling; instead we were hammering it looking for some luck.
The journey there was jovial as always, banter aplenty amongst fans determined to enjoy their day even if it did end in disappointment once more. But there was a confidence, not necessarily a swagger but we had belief. The team was arguably the best we'd presented in this scenario. Fan favourite Mark Bower led the likes of the consistently ruthless goalkeeper Steve Drench, defensive genius Andy Holdsworth, midfield maestro Gavin Rothery and strike hero Adam Boyes to name but a few. Guiseley supporters poured into the ground, bursting the Ashby Street Terrace to capacity.
But we couldn't have endured a worse first stanza. It took the home side just five minutes to take the lead. Nearly 20 minutes later they'd doubled it. Sure, just weeks earlier we'd beaten them 2-1 in the league at Nethermoor. But this was a different proposition without home advantage. We were dejected, certain we'd suffer once more. I distinctively remember my brother saying "If they score a third I'm getting back on the coach".
What emerged couldn't be written for any film or TV script. Boyes struck after the hour mark to give us crucial hope. Guiseley fans, always behind their team with exuberance, rocked the stand. When Liam Dickinson's header grabbed us an equaliser with 17 minutes left the place went crackers. Could this finally be our year? Nicky Boshell's winner completed an amazing game. Chorley seemed to have taken the game further when the ball went over the line after smacking the bar but that little bit of luck we needed saw us finally prevail.
Scenes of jubilation abounded. Fans hung from posts as the players proudly lifted the trophy and Guiseley joined the National League elite for the first time in their history. I'll never forget meeting the team back at Nethermoor as Drench and co. proudly displayed their winnings. It was such rich reward for such loyal supporters. Flags were flown proudly stating Guiseley's promotion. Dancing outside the Station Pub that evening rounded off what is in my opinion the most amazing away trip in club history.
That day is always one I remember fondly. Hoards of coaches buoying a nervous Nethermoor as we sought play-off glory in Lancashire. The electric atmosphere outside the Fort that morning was one not seen since, well, the previous season when we were cruelly denied penalties at Altrincham. It's not as if we weren't used to it. Defeats to Telford, Nuneaton and Halifax had seen us become accustomed to play-off woe. It seemed like we couldn't smash the glass ceiling; instead we were hammering it looking for some luck.
The journey there was jovial as always, banter aplenty amongst fans determined to enjoy their day even if it did end in disappointment once more. But there was a confidence, not necessarily a swagger but we had belief. The team was arguably the best we'd presented in this scenario. Fan favourite Mark Bower led the likes of the consistently ruthless goalkeeper Steve Drench, defensive genius Andy Holdsworth, midfield maestro Gavin Rothery and strike hero Adam Boyes to name but a few. Guiseley supporters poured into the ground, bursting the Ashby Street Terrace to capacity.
But we couldn't have endured a worse first stanza. It took the home side just five minutes to take the lead. Nearly 20 minutes later they'd doubled it. Sure, just weeks earlier we'd beaten them 2-1 in the league at Nethermoor. But this was a different proposition without home advantage. We were dejected, certain we'd suffer once more. I distinctively remember my brother saying "If they score a third I'm getting back on the coach".
What emerged couldn't be written for any film or TV script. Boyes struck after the hour mark to give us crucial hope. Guiseley fans, always behind their team with exuberance, rocked the stand. When Liam Dickinson's header grabbed us an equaliser with 17 minutes left the place went crackers. Could this finally be our year? Nicky Boshell's winner completed an amazing game. Chorley seemed to have taken the game further when the ball went over the line after smacking the bar but that little bit of luck we needed saw us finally prevail.
Scenes of jubilation abounded. Fans hung from posts as the players proudly lifted the trophy and Guiseley joined the National League elite for the first time in their history. I'll never forget meeting the team back at Nethermoor as Drench and co. proudly displayed their winnings. It was such rich reward for such loyal supporters. Flags were flown proudly stating Guiseley's promotion. Dancing outside the Station Pub that evening rounded off what is in my opinion the most amazing away trip in club history.
