DESPITE their runaway start in Vanarama Conference North, a second successive defeat tomorrow could see Guiseley slip to mid-table.

The Lions are currently third but with all the clubs from fifth place to second on the same number of points, the early table is very tight. Visitors Gloucester City are a lowly 16th but, like their hosts, have only lost one game to date, with all four of their other games ending in stalemate.

Those draws have been against top opposition as the Tigers have drawn with leaders North Ferriby United and Bradford Park Avenue, who are level on points with neighbours Guiseley.

Gloucester's only defeat so far was against Tamworth and that was by the odd goal.

Lions boss Mark Bower was upset that his side lost their unbeaten tag to Gainsborough Trinity on Monday but he is backing his squad to come good.

Bower said: "It's obviously very disappointing when a run comes to an end but I thought we were a bit naive against Gainsborough.

"They put ten men behind the ball and looked to hit us on the counter-attack. We tried to thread it through the middle far too often instead of getting it out wide and getting crosses into the box.

"We got ourselves back in the game when Andy (Holdsworth) made it 2-1 but then we let another awful goal in.

"We had a fantastic home record and that's also gone. It's how we bounce back now.

"We did that really well when it mattered last season and we need to do it again with another home game against Gloucester.

"It will be a difficult game because they have brought players in over the summer and are a big, strong, well-organised side.

"They will come and do the same as Gainsborough – get bodies behind the ball and look to break.

"Credit to Gainsborough for the way they came and did a job and I think we are going to have get used to that because teams come here knowing a draw is a good result for them."