Birtley Town vs Guisborough Town

Recap

Birtley Town secured a deserved point as they welcomed Guisborough Town to DH3 on a chilly Friday evening.

It was the visitors who started the better of the two sides. Alfie Turnbull rounded Alfie Gordon after just seven minutes. The Birtley number one was able to force Turnbull wide before his effort came off Gordon and clipped the crossbar.  Joseph Pickett flashed a free-kick just wide as Birtley tried to ride out the early storm. The Hoops had their first chance of the evening as Shodeinde was played in by Nick Marley. Benji squared to Heslop but his effort was blocked, the rebound falling back to Shodeinde who managed to win a corner. At the other end, a goal line clearance from San Dinsley prevented Guisborough from opening the scoring. 

By the midway point of the opening half, Birtley had settled into the game. Shodeinde forced Robert Dean into a brilliant save as his thunderbolt was turned around the post. The energetic and industrious Kyle Wharton played in Benji Shodeinde but he was denied by a brilliant tackle from Dylan McAvoy, whilst at the other end Owen Lancaster produced outstanding defending of his own to deny Alex Hutchinson. The best Birtley chance of the first half came on 32 minutes. Shodeinde broke down the right and found Heslop. Heslop was forced wide by Robert Dean but he swivelled and fired an effort at goal. The shot was blocked but there was big appeals for a penalty from the Birtley striker, Heslop feeling the ball had struck the arm of a defender before hitting the Guisborough keeper. 

HALF TIME | Birtley Town 0-0 Guisborough Town

The Hoops would have been pleased with their first-half display against a strong Guisborough side. Birtley found themselves ahead on 54 minutes with one of their best goals of the season. Benji Shodeinde laid off Scott Heslop, Heslop instantly played a neat one-two with Shodeinde who was bearing down on goal. Shodeinde squared to Nick Marley who tapped home into an empty net. The Hoops pressed for a 2nd goal but it was Guisborough who were level on 74 minutes.  A long free-kick made it’s way wide to Joe Pickett, who evaded Matty Ward before firing a brilliant effort off the inside of the post. In fairness the goal was well deserved by Pickett who once again impressed against The Hoops. 

Both sides pressed for a winner, Matty Ward fired over from the edge of the area while Sam Hedley’s brilliant volley was blocked as it was heading goal bound. Joe Pickett fired a late effort narrowly wide of the post as both sides settled for a well-earned draw. 

FULL TIME | Birtley Town 1-1 Guisborough Town

A much improved Birtley performance under Interim Managers Paul Foster and Paul Bryson. The Hoops will now need to take this positive into a busy Christmas period. 

Attendance – 145

Player of the Match – Kyle Wharton

H2H vs Guisborough Town (at Birtley)
P5 W2 D1 L2 GF6 GA12

Next up…

Birtley play their final game before Christmas on Saturday as they travel to Crook Town.

Highlights