Guiseley squeezed past Buxton by the narrowest of margins. After James Walshaw had given them the lead, and having had the greater share of first-half possession, the Lions nearly blew it with a tepid second-half performance that saw Buxton grow in confidence and come close to equalising on three occasions before finally succumbing to virtually the last kick of the game.

Andy Holdsworth and Josh Wilson both tested Ian Deakin early on before the latter had the keeper scrambling at the foot of the post to keep out his well-directed header. The Lions’ dominance finally paid dividends on the half-hour. A corner was cleared to Mark Bower, who fed the irrepressible Wayne Brooksby and he delivered a cross that just begged to be headed home, James Walshaw obliging.

Walshaw also hit the post with Deakin beaten, but the second period saw Buxton grow in confidence. First, Sam Duncum had an effort clawed away by Steve Drench, then Neil Stevens and David Heggarty both headed narrowly wide from good positions. Scott Maxfield’s shot across the home goal caused some consternation, but with the clock ticking down Kevin Holsgrove got the better of Michael Towey on the right touchline and pulled the ball back for Nicky Boshell to fire home after Haggerty had blocked the initial cross.

Entertainment value: ***

Star Man: Marc Roberts (Buxton)

Teams: Guiseley: Drench, Holdsworth, McWilliams, Meynell, Ellis, Bower (Capt), Brooksby, Rea, Wilson (Holsgrove, 71) , Walshaw (N Boshell, 71), Rothery. Subs not used: Pearson, Dale, Parkinson, Giles, Robinson.

Buxton: Deakin, Black, Sandwith, Istead (Capt), Haggerty, Roberts, Keane (Reed, 58), Towey, Morris, Maxfield (Stevens, 72), Duncum (Lugsden, 72),  Sub not used: Bradbury.

Scorers: Guiseley – Walshaw, 30, N Boshell, 90

H/T 1-0

Att: 847

Referee: Mr Gary Beswick