Two goals from striker James Walshaw saw the Lions come back from a goal down to defeat local rivals Harrogate Town at Wetherby Road on a pitch that made good football almost an impossibility.
The lively Michael Woods put the home side ahead after just six minutes with a header that went in off the underside of the bar, and the striker then proceeded to have a game-long tussle with Jacob Giles in the Guiseley goal, the keeper coming out on top in several one-on-ones to deny the Town striker.
Woods had another chance shortly after he had scored but pulled his shot wide of the upright, while Gavin Rothery’s effort at the other end was blocked by a posse of defenders. Guiseley lost Rhys Meynell to injury just before the break, Andy McWilliams coming on to replace him. Woods once again spurned a golden opportunity with the last kick of the half when having been set up by Colin Larkin his shot was saved by the outstretched leg of Giles, who then denied him once again with a smart tip-over.
Andy Holdsworth forced Craig Macgillivray into a save before Walshaw levelled matters on 52 minutes with an acrobatic overhead kick that saw the ball fly into the corner of the net past Macgillivray after Danny Ellis had headed a right-wing corner back into the mix.
Aaron Hardy cleared off the line for the Lions, but with the clock ticking down Walshaw wriggled free of three defenders just inside the area and planted a shot under Macgillivray for the winner. Even then, Woods had a final gold-plated chance to beat Giles after Ellis was adjudged to have fouled a Town player in the area, but the striker capped his night and decided not to bother Giles, blazing his spot kick way over the bar.
The situation regarding the Play-Off places is no nearer resolution as Altrincham beat FC Halifax 2-0 this evening. It puts them three points in front of the Shaymen, who play their remaining game in hand against Chester at the Shay on Thursday.
1 – Jacob Giles
2 – Aaron Hardy
3 – Rhys Meynell (McWilliams, 42)
4 – Jack Rea
5 – Danny Ellis
6 – Mark Bower (M Wilson, 69)
7 – Josh Wilson
8 – Andy Holdsworth (Captain)
9 – Kevin Holsgrove
10 – James Walshaw (Goals, 52, 88)
11 – Gavin Rothery (Carole, 79)
12 – Matt Wilson
14 – Andy McWilliams
15 – Seb Carole
16 – Paddy Mullen
18 – Steve Drench
