TT No.91: Mike Latham - Sun 16 November 2008: Unibond League Premier Division; Guiseley 2-2 FC United of Manchester; Admn: £7; Att: 1284; Prog: 32pp, £1.50; FGIF Match Rating: 4*
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All roads led to Nethermoor and a rare Sunday game in the UniBond League Premier Division- my favourite level of football- for fans of high-flying Guiseley and FC United of
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Segregation was in force though with the FCUM fans occupying the far terrace adjoining the cricket pavilion and the nearside goal, home fans and many neutrals in the rest of the ground. Sadly Nethermoor was hit by arsonists a few months ago and one third of the main stand was burned down. The club has made great efforts to rectify the situation and around one third of the original seated capacity was available with the priority given to those spectators who need a seat as they are unable to stand for the full game.
It wasn’t that long ago that Guiseley were in the Yorkshire League before becoming founder members of the Northern Counties East League in 1982 and going to achieve FA Vase success in 1991, the year they reached the UniBond League. The programme, rather sparse in editorial by the standards of the league, states that next season the club will celebrate its centenary and several events are planned to celebrate the occasion.
One of them is a book entitled A People’s History with fans’ recollections of their time supporting the club collated expertly in book form. I say expertly because a friend of mine, a local journalist, is in charge of the project and rest assured, especially considering his recently published works, it will be a splendid effort. Guiseley is his club and when not working he spends many hours at the club helping out in the myriad of tasks that need undertaking- sure enough he is busily selling programmes and helping direct spectators as I arrive.
Guiseley is a really friendly club rooted in the community and situated in a pleasant part of the world, close to Leeds and
One of the Guiseley stalwarts, Gladys Clapham sadly passed away a few days ago, described as “one of our most treasured volunteers” by the chairman in his programme notes. Her passing was marked, at the family’s request, by a minute’s applause before kick-off that was impeccably observed.
I am aware that FCUM attract healthy doses of scepticism from some, usually those who haven’t been to see them play. But I have seen half a dozen of their games this season and enjoyed every one. Under Karl Marginson they play attractive, attacking football and their fans that I have encountered are as passionate about their club and the benefits of non league football as any. And, travelling in numbers to swell the coffers of clubs, they help create an atmosphere and sense of occasion.
Guiseley’s previous three homes games had yielded attendances of 197, 254 and 456 respectively so over 1,200 helped swell the coffers considerably, albeit that the stewarding and police bill would have eaten into that considerably.
We saw a terrific game with two early goals and then seemingly the winner for the visitors from the impressive Kyle Wilson late on. But Guiseley equalised with two seconds of normal time remaining thanks to a screaming long range shot from Anthony Lloyd. The game was a terrific advert for UniBond football- some highly skilful and committed play and no lack of incident or excitement and all at a fraction of the price of a Premier League game.
Guiseley’s rise from Yorkshire League football to being in contention for a place in level two of the non league game over the last 30 years has been a remarkable story. They are a friendly club and deserve everything they achieve. A visit here is highly recommended. And if you get chance to watch FCUM catch them if you can because I’ve yet to see them involved in an average, never mind a poor game.
contributed on 16/11/08