By Micky Ruddle
The Lions welcome title-chasing AFC Telford United to Nethermoor on Tuesday night (7:45) as Mark Bower’s side look to continue their push to the play-offs.
Bower saw his side suffer disappointment late on on Saturday as they surrendered a 3-1 lead to draw 3-3 against Oxford City at Court Place Farm.
Victory would have taken Guiseley into the play-off places but, as it stands, they have work to do to win their games in hand and extend their season. However, Bower remained upbeat despite Saturday’s disappointment.
“We’re bitterly disappointed but we have got to look at the bigger picture from 10 games ago. We’ve won seven and drawn three, it’s not bad really”, he said.
“We go into every game looking to win it but if we play as naively as we did towards the end of (Saturday’s) game, they will punish us and punish us badly on Tuesday.”
Guiseley currently sit in eighth place but are just a single point behind rivals Boston United, who occupy the final play-off position in fifth.
As well as Boston, Harrogate Town and Brackley are in the way of the Lions, sitting in sixth and seventh respectively on the same points but having played more games.
Elsewhere on Tuesday, in what could be a decisive evening in the play-off race, Altrincham take on Boston while Hednesford Town face Brackley.
However, AFC Telford look likely to provide a stern test for the Lions. Liam Watson’s men have bettered even Guiseley’s recent form, picking up 26 points from the last possible 30.
Their 2-2 draw with Leamington at the weekend ended a run of seven wins on the bounce and saw them relinquish top spot, but it leaves them just one point behind new leaders North Ferriby with a game in hand.
Nethermoor has become something of a fortress in recent weeks with Guiseley recording five straight wins on home soil and on Tuesday night they will be looking to gain revenge over Telford, who ran out 4-2 winners in the reverse fixture at the New Buck’s Head in February.
Tuesday’s match is kindly sponsored by Energy Plus Management
Remember, we’re offering half-price admission to those with season tickets for Football League and Premier League clubs.
