Ian Richards cites strength in depth as Guiseley stun Bury in midweek comeback
Guiseley manager Ian Richards heaped praise on the quality of his bench after Jordan Thewlis’ 90th-minute winner secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over high-flying Bury at Nethermoor on Tuesday night.
Early goals from DJ Pedro and Kai Evans gave the Shakers a two-goal cushion inside seven minutes, before a double from the in-form Aaron Martin levelled the scores just after the half-hour mark.
With a draw looking likely as the game entered stoppage time, substitute Thewlis had other ideas when his effort from six yards deflected past keeper Mitch Allen to clinch victory in front of a four-figure crowd.
Tuesday’s result saw the Lions leapfrog Bury in the table, with the Shakers sitting just behind them on goal difference.
Commenting on his side’s performance that led to their second win of the season, Richards suggested that heart and determination got them over the line.
“The subs had a huge impact in the game - and the lads' work rate, desire and endeavour to win, it was absolutely brilliant,” he said.
“With Kyle [White] on the pitch, we had a natural left-footer. It was a brilliant ball in, and Jordan Thewlis does what Jordan Thewlis does. A great run across his man, in between his man and the keeper, and he scores the winner.
“They’ll probably say they deserved to get a point or win, but I think we edged it.”
Despite his disastrous back-pass leading to Bury’s opening goal as DJ Pedro comfortably slotted home, Richards was also keen to stress the importance of midfielder Adam Lund in his team’s midweek triumph.
“I know how much character, togetherness and commitment there is in that changing room, and we had to see all that in the first half,” Richards said.
“I thought Adam Lund led that. He held his hands up for the mistake and showed character in his performance from then on - which everyone else then pulled on through.”
Guiseley frontman Aaron Martin, who leads the early season Golden Boot race with five goals, also gave his reaction to a remarkable evening for the hosts.
“It’s a great win, especially against a big club like them. [It was] a bit sloppy from us to give away two goals in the first seven minutes, but we showed great character to get back in the game.”
The Lions return to action with a trip to Curzon Ashton on Saturday, while Bury are away at Gainsborough Trinity.