Rossendale United 1, Guiseley 4

After the setback against Ossett Town Guiseley redeemed themselves at a cold but sunny Dark Lane as they romped into a 3-1 half-time lead against a Rossendale side fourth from bottom in the table.

With Richard Chattoe on half-term holiday Guiseley included new signing Alex Nesovic to partner Alan Bailey up front. He was signed from Irish League club Shelbourne.

Guiseley had the best possible start scoring after just ten seconds. The on fire Dave Henry made a surge from the kick-off and his effort was deflected in by Rossendale's unfortunate Chris Fitzsimmons for an own goal.

Rossendale then held Guiseley at bay for 25 minutes before they went close again. Alan Bailey latched on to a wayward back pass and and hit the bar from ten yards out.

Play had been fairly even with Rossendale twice going close but on the half hour mark Nesovic beat two defenders in the penalty area before being brought down by the outstretched arms of 'keeper John Gillies.

Despite pleas from both sets of players and Guiseley supporters behind the Rossendale goal, referee Roberts brandished the obligatory red card and the home team were minus their goalkeeper.

Throughout the incident Mark Stuart remained focussed and promptly despatched the spot kick sending the stand-in keeper the wrong way.

Two minutes later Alan Bailey reacted before anyone else to volley the ball into the roof of the net for Guiseley's third.

Five minutes before the break Rossendale pulled a goal back when Craig Sargeson chased a long clearance from defence, brushed off a challenge and slotted the ball underneath John Lamb.

Nathan Hay pulled up with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Andy Shuttleworth. He was quickly into the action, shooting just wide from a good position when he might have been better crossing for Bailey.

At the start of the second-half Shuttleworth did combine with Bailey who shot just over.

Nesovic showed some deft touches on his debut. He crossed the ball from the left but his new colleagues failed to respond. The big striker then played a neat one-two with Bailey before the ball was deflected for a corner.

Guiseley were not to be denied however and Bailey produced a hard, low shot to the 'keeper's left for his second goal. As the visitors kept up the pressure Bailey forced a good diving save from the 'keeper who pushed his low shot round the post.

Lamb looked more assured than he had on Monday and did well to parry Sargeson's shot from Brook's cross. With ten minutes remaining Shuttleworth fed Henry who was in a good position but saw his shot smothered.

In the end it was a comfortable win for Guiseley. It went some way to avenging the 5-1 defeat by Rossendale last season and nicely sets up the return match at Nethermoor on Saturday. (3 pm)

New signing

Guiseley's new signing Alex Nesovic can certainly take one record off veteran defender Clive Freeman.

The 30 year-old striker has a colourful playing history which eclipses the previous clubs record of Freeman.

The Bradford-born Nesovic, who made his Guiseley debut at Rossendale on Saturday, has seen service in Scotland with Queen of the South, Albion Rovers and Partick Thistle; in Ireland with Bohemians, Dundalk, Finn Harps and Shelbourne and in England with Chester City, Barrow and Harrogate Town among others.

He won the double with Bohemians and Guiseley are looking to him to provide a spark for their push up the Division One table.