Guiseley AFC vs Stocksbridge Park Steels

Guiseley dominated the early exchanges, with Adam Lund setting the tone in midfield by winning every 50/50. The breakthrough arrived inside three minutes: Aaron Martin turned home from close range to open the scoring, giving Jack Hall a lead he barely needed to protect in a first half where Stocksbridge offered little going forward.

Charlie Staniland struck the crossbar from distance late in the opening 45 minutes as Guiseley pushed for a second. They didn't have to wait long after the restart. On 50 minutes, Cam Wilson stepped up to convert a penalty, doubling the lead and extending his impressive pre-season scoring run.

The Lions created several further chances from set pieces but couldn't add a third. Stocksbridge's only meaningful response came five minutes from time — a free-kick cross that was comfortably dealt with.

Martin's third-minute strike was the decisive moment. It forced Stocksbridge onto the back foot immediately and allowed Guiseley to dictate the tempo on their terms. The quick goal in a pre-season friendly — where rhythm is often slow to build — gave the Lions a platform to rotate personnel and experiment with patterns of play, which they did through six second-half substitutions.

Aaron Martin — Making his first Nethermoor appearance since 2020, the forward marked his return with a goal inside three minutes and looked sharp throughout his 45-minute shift. His movement in the early stages caused Stocksbridge persistent problems.

Cam Wilson — Continued his fine pre-season form with a composed penalty and linked well with the front line across his 90 minutes. The striker has now scored in consecutive friendlies.

Adam Lund — Dominated the midfield battle in the first half, winning every 50/50 and setting the physical tone that prevented Stocksbridge from building any sustained pressure.

Charlie Staniland — Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet after striking the bar from range late in the first half, and his energy in midfield was a key factor in Guiseley's control of the game.

The provider data shows a 2-0 scoreline with both goals scored by Guiseley, but the match report from Nethermoor reveals a more one-sided affair than the final margin suggests. Stocksbridge had no meaningful shot on target until the 85th minute, and Jack Hall remained largely a spectator. Guiseley's 11 first-half chances and multiple set-piece opportunities point to an xG that would have comfortably exceeded the two-goal tally. The six second-half substitutions from the Lions inevitably disrupted their attacking flow, which explains why the scoreline didn't widen further.

Guiseley's pre-season record now stands at two wins from three (W2 D0 L1), following a 2-0 win at Tadcaster and a defeat to Harrogate Town earlier in July. The fixture schedule continues to build intensity ahead of the competitive season.

Next up for Guiseley: A trip to Garforth Town on Tuesday 21 July 2026 (7:30pm kick-off, pre-season friendly). Stocksbridge Park Steels continue their own preparation for life in the NPL East Division after relegation from the Premier Division last season.

A thoroughly professional pre-season workout from Guiseley. The early goal from Martin set the tone, Wilson's penalty added gloss, and the clean sheet was never seriously threatened. With six substitutions deployed, Richards got the minutes he wanted into his squad — and the result suggests the tactical patterns are bedding in well. For Stocksbridge, the gap in sharpness to a side preparing for a step higher was evident, but the fixture served its purpose as a fitness-building exercise.

Match details

• Competition: Club Friendly (Pre-Season)
• Date: 17 July 2026
• Venue: Nethermoor, Guiseley
• Attendance: 339
• Score: Guiseley AFC 2-0 Stocksbridge Park Steels (HT: 1-0)

Goalscorers: A. Martin 3', C. Wilson 50' (pen)

Guiseley AFC lineup: Jack Hall (Roxburgh 67'), Lucas Odunston, Ollie Brown, Lebrun Mbeka (C), Elliot Owen, Adam Lund (Iggulden 46'), Jay Rollins (White 46'), Charlie Staniland (Boyle 67'), Aaron Martin (Trialist 46'), Cam Wilson, Amir Berchil (Origbaajo 67')

Attendance: 339