The Youth Academy have had a positive start to 2013 as they look to kick on and climb the Youth Conference Alliance League table.

After an impressive 4-1 victory against Boston United last time out, the young Lions were looking to keep their 2013 unbeaten run going but standing in their way was a strong FC Halifax Town side and their manager Des Hazel, an ex-Guiseley first team player.

Guiseley started strongly, but it was the visitors that took the lead when a through ball saw an onrushing Shayman thump the ball into the back of the net.

The Lions were determined to start the second half with a bang but suffered a serious blow when an almost identical move in the second half saw the visitors go 2-0 up. It was testament to Guiseley’s togetherness that they managed to snatch a consolation goal, Luke Porritt scoring from the spot.

Despite the setback, the Lions went on to face Stalybridge Celtic a few days later, with a much more positive result coming out of it.

During the first 30 minutes it looked as if the Academy boys were set to leave the game without any points after a defensive lapse saw the visitors’ striker calmly place the ball into the net out of the reach of Stewart. However, Callum Marshall equalised with a neatly-placed half-volley into the top corner.

Guiseley then got into their stride, retaining possession and looking the better team, and they got their reward before the break. Zack Dale made the scoreline 2 -1 when he curled the ball into the far side of the goal from out wide.

The second half started slowly but there there were more goals left in the game. Substitute Jake Ledger headed the ball over the line from close range making it 3-1. Celtic did grab one back, but by then it was too late and the Lions had secured their second League win of the season.