Guiseley took their unbeaten run in the BSN to fifteen games with this narrow win over a lively Droylsden side that came back from a goal down and then missed two good second half chances before conceding the killer goal with ten minutes left.

In a bright opening the Lions put the visiting defence under some intensive pressure and were rewarded after 19 minutes when a lack of communication between and keeper Paul Phillips and centre back John Hardiker led to the latter heading just wide of his own goal. From the resulting corner Walshaw out jumped him and directed his header past a prone Phillips for the opener.

The visitor’s custodian redeemed himself shortly afterwards as he clawed away Warren Peyton powerful shot that was heading for the top corner. Despite having the greater share of possession the home side were unable to add to their tally and were pegged back on 35 minutes when a lofted ball to the far post found the unmarked Cairan Kilheeney, who side footed the ball across goal for Lewis Killeen to convert an easy tap-in.

The goal gave the visitors the impetus that had been missing for the first half hour and Alex Brown missed a sitter at the far post early in the second half putting his shot the wrong side of the post. Luke Holden also had a good opening but shot straight at Steven drench with only the keeper to beat.

The hard working Joe O’Neill  got in behind the Droylsden defence and beat Phillips but as his shot trickled to wards the goal Mike Byron got back to clear just in time to clear.  The home side were not to be denied however and when Walshaw received the ball down the left channel he held off his marker before rifling an unstoppable shot inside the near post past Phillips.  

Substitute Darryn Stamp, who will miss the next three games due to his unwarranted sending off against Stalybridge, brought another good save from Phillips just before the end as the Lions dug out another hard earned victory that moves them up to second place in the table and level on points with leaders Alfreton.

1 – Steven Drench
2 – Ryan Toulson
3 – Dave Merris
4 – Warren Peyton
5 – Danny Ellis
6 – Simon Ainge
7 – Gavin Rothery (Stamp 87)
8 – Danny Boshell (James 69)
9 – Joe O’Neill     (Fitzgerald 85)
10 – James Walshaw  19  80
11 – Luke Sharry

12 – Jez Fitzgerald
14 – Darryn Stamp
15 – Matty James
16 – Joe Spivack