Stockton Town exited the Emirates FA Cup in a tight battle with Guiseley.
Adam Nicholson’s late goal proved to be nothing but a consolation as two second-half goals killed the Anchors off.
Stockton started the matchup the stronger side, seeing plenty of the ball and had an early opportunity when Ryan Barrett’s cross was nodded wide by Frank Nouble.
Nathan Harker was forced into a big save in the 34th minute when Jordan Thewlis made his way in-behind, but Harker denied him one-on-one with his leg.
Harker made another strong save moments later when Aaron Martin forced him to dive to his left and push a strike wide.
Half-time: Guiseley 0-0 Stockton Town
Three minutes after the restart, Guiseley were ahead when a misplaced header found its way to Kallan Murphy who neatly headed past Harker.
Thewlis nearly had a second two minutes later after a cross from the right, but Tom Coulthard’s sliding challenge was enough to poke it wide.
Barrett, who impressed all evening, was creating a number of opportunities in and around the box, but nothing clear cut to test Jack Hall.
Stockton pushed for an equaliser, but just before the 90th minute, Aaron Brown’s mistimed slide challenge gave Guiseley a penalty, which Amir Berchil converted and sealed the tie.
Substitute Callum Young nearly had his first senior goal when a strike from close range was incredibly blocked on the line.
Stockton did find a late goal when Adam Nicholson headed in a corner, but the whistle arrived too soon after and Stockton fell to defeat.
Full-time: Guiseley 2-1 Stockton Town
It’s back to league action on Saturday for the Anchors, as a lengthy trip to Warrington Rylands awaits.
