James Haley
7 May, 2025
Sport

Worksop Town celebrate promotion to National League North

Worksop Town will be playing in the sixth tier of English football next season.

Tigers celebrating after the game - Photo by Lewis Pickersgill

They gained a brilliant promotion to the National League North with a 2-1 win against Guiseley AFC at the Windsor Foodservice Stadium.

Manager Craig Parry was understandably emotional after the win achieved his long-standing aim.

“What a feeling, and I’ve said it all year, this group of players and staff for three years made a promise to get the club back to where it belongs so to be able to do that today is a special moment.

“It’s even more of a special moment to do it with this lot in there, they’re unbelieve human beings so I’m just proud that we got over the line today to allow them to continue on their journey.

“I think obviously in such an occasion like this, It’s always going to be a battle, you never really get a pretty game, so we left everything out there and got over the line.”

The match began with early chances for both sides. Liam Hughes fired wide from a Joe Leesley cross, while Guiseley’s Gabriel Johnson saw his header comfortably saved by Tommy Taylor.

Defences held strong throughout the first half, with a key block from Josh Wilde denying Ollie Brown a clear chance in the 35th minute. Will Longbottom came closest for the visitors, heading just over the bar.

The breakthrough came just before halftime. Leesley delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the box, and Jordan Burrow rose highest to head home, giving the Tigers a crucial lead.

Worksop doubled their advantage early in the second half. A long throw from Ben Grist caused chaos in the box, with Wilde’s header drawing a fine save. Burrow pounced on the rebound to score his second of the game.

The Tigers nearly added a third when Regan Hutchinson’s cross found Hughes, whose header drifted narrowly wide. Guiseley pulled one back in the 75th minute, as substitute Lewis Whitham set up Longbottom, who finished neatly into the bottom corner.

Worksop's defence held firm in a nervy final spell, grinding out a memorable win that capped off a superb season with 83 points and two play-off victories.

The Tigers now look ahead to the Sheffield and Hallamshire Senior Cup final against Hallam FC, with a chance to complete the double at Hillsborough.