Tranmere Rovers 2 Guiseley 1: Late heartbreak for Lions at Tranmere

A LATE penalty ensured there was last-minute heartbreak for Guiseley at Tranmere Rovers, writes Tom Feheany.
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The loss was harsh on Guiseley, who went to one of the bigger spenders in the National League and, for the most part, matched them.

Guiseley manager Mark Bower said: “Obviously I’m disappointed to concede so late in the game, I thought we played well and had some decent chances, we just got caught with one right at the end, the longer the game went on we looked more comfortable but we just couldn’t see it through.”

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After an even start, it was former Premier League player Gary Taylor-Fletcher who had the first opportunity, although his effort was saved well.

Guiseley took the lead when Danny Boshell produced a moment of magic when his 25-yard volley flew into the back of the net. Adam Boyes then saw his effort well saved by Scott Davies.

Then, with just moments to go until half-time, the hosts got their equaliser. James Norwood was found in the area with a cross and was able to flick his header past Guiseley goalkeeper Steven Drench.

The second half began with Guiseley on the offensive, with Gavin Rothery and Anthony Dudley going close.

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Substitute Liam Dickinson then saw his free-kick go narrowly wide of the goal.

It looked like the game was going to end a draw but, with just seconds to go, Norwood was brought down in the area by Drench – the striker able to get up slot home the penalty.

Tranmere Rovers: Davies, Riley (Maynard 69) Hogan, Jennings, Hill, McNulty, Mekki (Tomlinson 85), Harris, Norwood, Taylor-Fletcher, Mangan. Unused substitutes: Sutton, Turner, Margetts.

Guiseley: Drench, Hurst, Lawlor, Dudley (Brooksby 80), Lowe, D Boshell, Norburn, Hall (Lockwood 33), Boyes, Rothery, Smith (Dickinson 67). Unused substitutes: Craddock, Atkinson.

Referee: Karl Evans (Greater Manchester).