By Matt Bishop
Paul Cox last night said he was “over the moon” after his ten-man Guiseley side shocked League Two promotion chasers Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup first round.
Lions goalkeeper Jonny Maxted stole the headlines by saving two penalties in a dramatic shoot-out win, but Cox was delighted with his whole squad as they battled in tough conditions at Stanley's Crown Ground.
In the pouring rain, the National League side looked to be up against it as John Coleman's side hit the woodwork three times before Chris M'Boungou was sent off on the stroke of half-time.
Guiseley were forced to play nearly 80 minutes with ten-men, but battled brilliantly and cancelled out Sean McConville's opener for Stanley when John Rooney scored from the spot – leaving Cox overjoyed with the team's performance.
“The players deserve all the accolades that are coming their way.” said the Lions boss, speaking to the club's website. “We came to a club that is flying in League Two, a superb side – and it was hard enough with 11 men!
“The belief in the players, their worth ethic, the desire, the way they never give up. Even if we had been knocked out late on, in extra-time, we would have still won.
“We are developing that team spirit that can move mountains. I'm so proud of the lads.”
It was a historic night for the National League side, who were backed by a vocal away following, with the 4-3 win on penalties completing a fairy-tale occasion.
Cox said: “Our fitness levels were good but you can't take away the fact of how hard we worked and the desire the players put in – not just for 90 minutes but for extra time and to then concentrate on penalties.
“I'm over the moon, and lost for words which is probably a first for me.
“I love it that this group of players has created a bit of history and we want that to snowball now – not just in the cups but in our league form as well. This group of players are developing and growing.”
