It was another disappointing evening for West Allotment as we fell to our fifth straight league defeat to leave us rooted to the bottom of the table with just one point that came in the season opener.
The head-to-head record between the two sides didn't bode too well before the game had even kicked off and just a few minutes into the match, Allotment found themselves trailing. Brad Plant was played in by Gary Redman and Plant found himself in acres of space. He was able to round Finn Hodgson and tap the ball home into an empty net putting the hosts 1-0 up.
Guisborough continued to show some dominance in the opening exchanges by keeping the ball well and neutralising any attacks that Allotment mounted. On 11 minutes, Allotment managed to get their first half chance. Wide midfielder Rui Martins found himself with the ball in a bit of space down the right. He took a shot which deflected out for a corner but could well have been goalbound.
The hosts continued to probe at the Allotment defence with some tidy passing moves as well as launching some through balls over the top which also appeared to be causing some problems. Despite looking good on the ball, Allotment's defence was standing tall and not letting much through. George Waites had an effort from long range after 25 minutes but it was a comfortable save for Hodgson.
On 28 minutes, Allotment had their best chance of the first half. Callum Larmouth picked up the ball down the left and drove into the box. His shot at the near post was blocked however, the ball rebounded back to him and he volleyed the ball towards goal but was denied by a diving save.
The hosts managed to catch out Allotment again 4 minutes before half time. A clinical counter attacking move split open the defence and Steve Roberts was there at the back post to slot home a second goal for Guisborough. The score at half time was 2-0 to the Priorymen.
For the second half, Allotment appeared to have a slight change of system with Gee Baltazar playing higher up in the pitch rather than at right-back where he started the game.
On 49 minutes, Guisborough were awarded a free kick in a very dangerous area just outside the box. Unfortunately for the home side, the shot was cannoned over the bar.
With the tactical changes made by the Allotment coaching staff at half time, the boys in green were able to take the sting out of the game and look much more solid and composed. This is also meant that for a large part of the second half, there was not much happening in terms of chances at either end.
Manager Jay Bates also made all three of his substitutions in the space of a few minutes in an attempt to get something out of the game. Marcio Dalia Lima was the first change as he slotted in at left back to replace Luke Parkinson who had been booked earlier in the second half.
A few minutes later, Michael Trodd and Ryan Higgins came on and replaced Jake Forster and Rui Martins. Towards the end of the match, Allotment started to threaten a lot more on goal.
On 77 minutes, Guisborough goalkeeper Robert Dean produced a brilliant save to keep out Callum Larmouth who's effort on goal looked like it was destined for the back of the net. A couple of minutes later after 79 minutes, Regan Paterson had a little bit of joy down the left. He beat his man and cut in on his right foot but the shot was blasted high and wide of the target.
Despite the late rally from the visitors, any hopes of a comeback were crushed in the 85th minute. Allotment lost possession of the ball in their final third and the hosts were quick to capitalise. Brad Plant grabbed his second goal of the game to put Guisborough out of sight at 3-0.
Allotment were afforded one more golden opportunity just before stoppage time to get a consolation goal. A corner from Michael Trodd was fizzed brilliantly to a dangerous area. Graham Williams was there to get on the end of it however he could not hit the target. That was arguably Allotment's best chance of the game.
Guisborough: Dean, Redman, Bell, Rowe, Dillon, Hood, Bartliff (c), Waites, Roberts, Plant, Green
Goals: Plant (3', 85'), Roberts (41')
Allotment: Hodgson, Baltazar, Parkinson (Dalia Lima 71'), Forster (Trodd 75'), Scott (c), Williams, Paterson, Errington, Hayton, Larmouth, Martins (Higgins 75')
Attendance: 241
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