Grimsby Borough (U18s) 0-4 Guiseley (U18s)

Grimsby Borough (U18s) 0-4 Guiseley (U18s)
FA Youth Cup (Second Qualifying Round)
Thursday 30th September 2021

Guiseley emerged as comfortable winners in this FA Youth Cup Second Qualifying Round tie, played in pouring rain, thanks to goals by Josh Stones (2), Jakub Hebda and Harrison Leigh.

Despite a spirited showing from Grimsby Borough's youngsters who went into the game as underdogs and put in a decent first half performance; perhaps even being a shade unfortunate not to equalise on a few occasions, they ran out of energy as the game progressed and were worn down by their opponents.

Guiseley, who now face Ossett United in the Third Qualifying Round, weren't always assured defensively (and certainly rode their luck a few times) but they possessed more than enough quality in other areas to get the job done.

Their dimunitive midfielder (wearing No.15) played a key part as did their front pairing of Josh Stones and Jakub Hebda who made numerous enteries into the box thoughout the 90 minutes and combined for the opening goal midway through the first period. Hebda flicked a delightful through ball to his strike-partner using the outside of his boot and although Stones was initially knocked off balance for what looked to be a stonewall penalty, he quickly got back to his feet and was able to stab the ball home.

Guiseley always looked the more superior team in a game which because of the driving rain, ensured quite a few full-blooded sliding tackles were made - many of which went unpunished by the rather lenient referee. The visitors created plenty of further openings as they sought to add a second goal and having both hit the woodwork and seen a goal disallowed for offside, their front pairing combined again on the hour mark for an important second goal - this time as Stones fed Hebda inside the box for a well-worked finish.

Grimsby Borough weren't bad, by any means, and their spirit couldn't be faulted.

They'd had their chances and even rattled the crossbar from a speculative shot early into the second half whilst the game was still at 1-0. Conceding the second goal proved to be a killer blow for them, however, and the game was soon put beyond their reach when Harrison Leigh bundled home a third goal from point-blank range for Guiseley on 70 minutes.

Stones showed clinical composure to add a fourth goal as the scoreline took on an emphatic look and based on this performance it's fair to say that the West Yorkshire side, should they get past local rivals Ossett United in a Third Qualifying Round tie which will be played w/c 11th October, might pose a few problems to EFL academy teams who'll enter the competition at the First Round Proper Stage.