The Lions produced a routine victory against relegation-threatened Droylsden at the Butcher’s Arms with goals from Andy Holdsworth, Phil Marsh and James Walshaw.

Although the home side played some neat football, their inexperience at this level was plain to see as they were reduced to taking pot shots at Steve Drench from outside the area, and although the visiting ‘keeper was the busier of the two, a Guiseley clean sheet never looked in any doubt.

The Lions nearly went ahead early on when Walshaw hit the foot of the post, but on 22 minutes Andy Holdsworth made no mistake with a sublime curling shot into the top corner from twenty yards out that left Dale Latham grasping fresh air. Phil Marsh opened his Guiseley account four minutes later with a fine finish, taking Walshaw’s pass down the right channel before advancing and shooting beyond Latham.

The third goal had an element of luck about it as Rhys Meynell’s cross-cum-shot struck Walshaw and ricocheted into the net, wrongfooting Latham on the way.

The second half was more of a non-event than the first, but it’s another three points towards the Lions’ quest for the Blue Square Bet Premier while leaving the home side deep in relegation trouble.

Hear Steve Kittrick’s post-match interview here

Team:

1 – Steve Drench

2 – Aaron Hardy

3 – Rhys Meynell (McWilliams, 45)

4 – Jake Lawlor

5 – Danny Ellis

6 – Mark Bower (Captain)

7 – Matt Wilson

8 – Andy Holdsworth (Rea, 57)

9 – Josh Wilson

10 – James Walshaw

11 – Phil Marsh (Dale, 75)

12 – Andy Pearson

14 – Jack Rea

15 – Zack Dale

16 – Andy McWilliams

18 – Jacob Giles

Goals:  Holdsworth (22), Marsh (26), Walshaw (44).