Hyde United 1, Guiseley 0

A MUCH improved second-half display saw Guiseley go close to sharing the points with league leaders Hyde United on Saturday.

Phil Salt had put the home team in the lead from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time but it was goalkeeper Tim Mullock who denied Guiseley with two acrobatic saves in the second period as the visitors took the game to their hosts in the last half hour.

Simon Parke returned to the heart of the Guiseley defence after his recent lay off with Rudi Coleano moving over to right back. Immediately in front of him, Mark Stuart occupied the right midfield berth and it was from this area that most of Guiseley's troubles emanated as the skillful Matty McNeil exploited the gaps.

It was McNeil who went down as a the result of an alleged challenge from Stuart that led to the penalty. Salt stepped up and sent Lamb the wrong way from the spot.

McNeil posed a danger in the opening minutes as his shot was cleared off the line. Dave Henry had caused consternation in the Hyde defence as his low corner ricocheted around the six yard box before being cleared. The referee turned down Guiseley's appeal for a hand ball.

Kieran Delaney should have given Hyde the lead midway through the half but blazed the ball over the bar and Neil Tolson went close with a header from Ian Pendlebury's cross.

Scott Jackson and Dave Henry again proved to be Guiseley's biggest threats but as all too often their efforts went unrewarded.

The start of the second-half saw Guiseley once again under pressure but as the defence held firm the visitors gradually began to get the measure of their hosts. Jackson was inches away from converting Henry's through ball.

Lamb made a good save diving at Andy Waine's feet to save a dangerous situation. The Guiseley 'keeper also stood his ground and stopped John O'Kane's shot after he had taken advantage of Keiron O'Brien's lapse.

Parke lobbed an inviting ball into the area. Jackson turned on it and delivered a powerful shot that Mullock did well to tip over. The 'keeper then repeated the feat from Bruce Hogg's looping header to maintain Hyde's lead.

Henry beat three defenders and then instead of passing saw his shot blocked with three colleagues waiting for the cross. Stuart should also have done better with a header at the far post as he put the ball the wrong side of the post from four yards out.

Guiseley came away pointless and slipped to 14th, one place below the promotion slots for next season's revamped UniBond Premier Division.

Guiseley 1, Leek Town 1

GUISELEY climbed back into the all important promotion places with this draw over high riding Leek Town on Tuesday.

The Nethermoor faithful were looking for their side to notch a home win after taking league leaders Hyde United so close on Saturday.

Simon Parke, who returned after another lengthy injury lay-off to play at Hyde, was ruled out of this game with 'flu.

Guiseley however were full of optimism when young Bruce Hogg gave them the lead lobbing the ball over the 'keeper from inside the penalty area in the 25th minute.

Guiseley however are no longer the feared defence they used to be and they soon succumbed. Goalkeeper John Lamb could only parry the ball in a goalmouth scramble and poor defending allowed David McPherson to net the equaliser.

Guiseley played some neat football at times but in general lacked the killer punch near goal and chances again went begging.

There were loud appeals for a penalty when the fit again Peter Atkinson appeared to be hacked down in the penalty area two minutes from the end.

l On Saturday Guiseley entertain Chorley who are seven places below them in the table. Then the following Tuesday they travel to Ossett Town, a side managed by former Guiseley boss Steve Richards.