A narrow 1-2 defeat to Macclesfield meant Guiseley lost ground in the race for a place in the play-offs, writes David Bridson.
Alex Curran slotted home following a defensive slip-up from Aiden Walker to open the scoring for the visitors in the 17th minute.
Debutant Luke Mariette equalised with a superb long-range strike into the top left corner in the 47th minute but The Lions ultimately succumbed to a late winner.
A pacey Macclesfield counter attack saw the speedy Kane Drummond fire past Ollie Battersby in the 82nd minute to gift the away side three crucial points.
The Cheshire side began the day just a place and a point below The Lions in seventh but overtook them following the victory.
Guiseley were close to finding a quick equaliser through Michael Afuye in the 19th minute but his shot was superbly blocked by the organised visiting defence.
Just a minute later Jameel Ible headed over from point-blank range at a corner. As the Lions pushed to level Ible’s effort was cleared off the line in the 32nd minute.
Curran nearly doubled Macclesfield’s lead in the 36th minute as he forced Battersby into a fine save with a fierce attempt.
Guiseley’s best chance to level came five minutes before the interval as Mariette’s attempt struck a defender, smacked the bar then somehow went out for a corner.
An action-packed first half was followed by a frenetic second as both teams pushed for the win.
The visitors bombarded the box with several shots culminating in a sensational Ollie Brown defensive clearance in the 57th minute.
Away ‘keeper Dylan Berry clung on to the ball following an intense goalmouth scramble midway through the second half.
With both sides frustrated referee Jordan Crossley’s paitence was tested with a brawl following visiting midfielder Paul Dawson’s booking in the 66th minute.
Several fiery Liam Tongue shots following his introduction in the 79th minute were denied several times by determined defensive blocks.
Despite great endeavour Guiseley couldn’t rescue a point or find a winner following the Silkmen’s second goal near the end of a pulsating game of football.
The Lions next travel to league leaders Radcliffe on Saturday 3rd February before returning to Nethermoor for a West Riding County Cup clash with Ossett United three days later.
Guiseley 1-2 Macclesfield | Saturday 27th January 2024 | Nethermoor
Attendance: 1007
Team: 1. Ollie Battersby, 2. Ollie Brown, 21. Reece Kendall, 4. Leigh Whelan (80′ Tongue), 5. Aiden Walker, 6. Jameel Ible (C), 7. Michael Afuye (83′ Denton), 8. Prince Ekpolo, 9. Kallan Murphy, 10. Luke Mariette and 11. Jordi Nsaka (54′ Moore).
Subs: 12. Josh Ashman, 14. Kofi Moore, 15. Tom Denton, 16. Liam Tongue and 17. Callum Chippendale.
