The Blue Square North Division draws to a close today but Guiseley’s season is far from over as they still have the opportunity to make it a double-winning campaign.

Steve Kittrick’s Lions have finished runners-up for the second season in a row and they are in the final of the West Riding County Cup for a third successive time.

They will want to defend their trophy and go one better by gaining promotion to the Conference Premier via the playoff route.

However, a double, even a single, will be hard-earned this term. Finishing as runners-up gives the Lions the plum draw in the play offs – second plays fifth with the all-important second leg at home – but the trouble is there is no advantage this year because of the quality of opponent.

Guiseley and third-placed Brackley Town will face either FC Halifax Town or Lee Sinnott’s Altrincham.

One onlooker who is independent and unbiased, alth-ough envious, is Bradford Park Avenue boss John Deacey.

“It’s a difficult one as all the clubs in the play-offs are capable of going up and would not be out of place in the higher division,” said Deacey.

“I wish Guiseley all the best, not just because they are our nearest neighbours but, as they have finished clear second for the second year on the trot, I feel they deserve to go up because they have been the most consistent.

“They have known they were going to finish second for some time and I think Kitty has been clever with his team selections ever since. I think he has rested players just at the right time to keep everyone fresh for the play-offs to peak again at the right time.

“Brackley are obviously a very good outfit and I wouldn’t be disappointed if they went up because it would mean we weren’t up against them next season. But Lee’s team (Sinnott’s Altrincham) have been in superb form coming towards the end of the season so must be in with a very good shout.

“I know Halifax have struggled a little with their congested run-in so they haven’t got the results they might have because they have been playing three games a week for the last month. But I have a sneaky feeling that they might just do something in the play-offs.

“We’re not involved but I’m looking forward to the games. Any of the four of them could go up – it’s a bookmaker’s nightmare.”