Guiseley have five games left in which to seal their fate. A win at Matlock on Easter Monday to follow their win over Workington on Saturday would have taken them up to seventh from bottom.

As it was they had 80 per cent of the game but never looked like scoring and this threw away the chance to relieve some of the pressure.

There is a real battle going on and apart from Congleton - who already look down and out - there are a number of teams who could make the drop with them.

Farsley Celtic have started to falter and are in trouble while Eastwood, Winsford and North Ferriby have also dropped into the fear zone.

The positions at the bottom are now: Congleton 29, Gretna 38, Eastwood Town 41, Guiseley 42, Winsford 42, North Ferriby 44, Farsley Celtic 44, Kendal Town 46, Workington 47, Lincoln 48, Harrogate 50, Matlock Town 50.

Guiseley's worries were eased somewhat with a 1-0 win over Workington at Nethermoor on Saturday. Guiseley had plenty of early possession but suffered a blow when David Cooke had to leave the field after six minutes and may well miss the rest of the season. Gareth Pritchard had got in an early shot which was deflected wide. When Guiseley made their next telling attack Andy Shuttleworth was wide with a diving header. In this move Cooke had his hand trampled on breaking a finger and being studded through the webbing.

In the 16th minute Guiseley got their reward when Neil Parsley played a good ball to Dave Henry whose cross picked put Phil Denney and the big striker headed in for a much acclaimed goal.

Denney had another shot saved before the break.

In the second-half the wind got stronger and made play difficult and Denney and Pritchard both had chances to increase the lead. Guiseley also had a penalty appeal for hand ball turned down.

Guiseley moved on to Matlock on Monday night with all their rivals having played in the afternoon. They knew exactly what they had to do to improve their league position but it never came to fruition.

With the injured Cooke and Nettleton missing Benn Gallagher and Ben Thackwray were recalled to the bench and there they remained although Guiseley looked lightweight in midfield at times.

Denney was playing his last game of the season for the side as his loan period cannot be extended. Guiseley dominated the game but gave away two sloppy goals. The first when Simon Trevitt's mistake put Matlock in possession and Steve Taylor romped away. James Shutt came racing out making the striker's mind up for him when indecision must surely have paid and Taylor stroked the ball home.

The second killer goal came when Shutt ignored Parsley in space and chose to direct his clearance into the middle where Trevitt was put in trouble and Taylor again took advantage,

l On Saturday Guiseley entertain high flying Vauxhall (3 pm) and then on Tuesday entertain the much improved Winsford. Points from these games are vital for Guiseley's survival and if they can get support like they did last Saturday things may go their way. They had the second highest crowd in the division for the Workington game.