Ian Richards said his Guiseley players totally deserved to pull off on of the shocks of FA Cup first-round weekend.

The Lions reached the second round of the FA Cup in dramatic fashion, but there was nothing fortunate about their 1-0 win over Sutton United.

The only goal of the game was a Jordan Thewlis penalty in the fourth added minute, but a home win was a fair reflection of how Guiseley outperformed a team two divisions above them in the Conference.

"I think the performance deserved the result," commented manager Richards.

"I know we scored in the closing minutes with a penalty but their first shot on target came from 25 yards in the 92nd minute. I thought we had some excellent chances. We had a couple of penalty shouts prior to that one.

"We had excellent chances in the first and second half where we could have won the game.

"What I was really pleased with against a top National League side who played the strongest team, changed the personnel (during the game), changed the shape of the side that kept a clean sheet.

"That's credit to the players.

PRIDE: Guiseley manager Ian Richard (right), with captain Lebrun Mbeka (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

placeholder image — PRIDE: Guiseley manager Ian Richard (right), with captain Lebrun Mbeka (Image: Jonathan Gawthorpe)

"Again we called on sub to continue that momentum, so another squad effort and the club's really proud of them.

"They've created history, they've created memories and they've created even more connections with the supporters and people within the club.

"They're a really honest group and I'm so pleased for them.

"For me the cups are for the fans, the club and the players to have those memories.

"Obviously as a manager my priority will always be the league and I've got to think about that very soon. But for the players and the club we need to enjoy these memories.

"It's a short career as a player but it's the third time this club has got to the second round of the FA Cup so we need to mark and celebrate the history that's been made.

"I thought the last 10 minutes we've been so much stronger.

"They really struggled with the pace and the energy that we're playing with. Our identity came through and that's what wins the penalty.

"It was a bit like when we were schoolboys. He's won it, he takes it. Cam Wilson's our penalty-taker but Jordan's good from the penalty spot.

"I was very calm. Even when the (unused) players ran on and celebrated. I was very calm there."

And on top of the win which puts Northern Premier League Guiseley in Monday's second round draw – the lowest-ranked side whose place was confirmed on Saturday - there was another element which delighted Richards.

"The one thing I've been disappointed in is the brilliant run we've had is the last five games we've conceded goals, maybe soft goals or preventable goals," he said.

"Clean sheets win you promotions, win you big cup games like this. We kept a clean sheet. We always know that from front players and attacking players as well, we're going to score at some point."