MICHAEL Rankine is in no doubt what his top priority is this season – helping Guiseley maintain their place in the Vanarama National League.

The powerful striker's late goal earned the Lions a 2-1 win over relegation rivals Maidstone United last weekend and lifted them to within a point of safety.

Adam Lockwood's men are now unbeaten in the last eight home league games but tomorrow take time out from their battle against the drop to face an FA Trophy second-round tie at Nuneaton Town.

Rankine stressed the importance of good results and said: "Any run in cup or league is good but what is most important for me, personally, is that we stay in this league. We must keep doing well there.

"Obviously it would be great to have a good cup run but it mustn't distract us from what we are doing in the league. The league is more important for me and that's my main priority."

The victory over Maidstone United came at the end of a week which saw Simon Walton and Jake Cassidy extend their deals at Nethermoor until the end of the season.

Another bonus saw boss Lockwood win the National League manager of the month award for December.

Tomorrow's opponents Nuneaton currently sit mid-table a division lower than Guiseley in National North, so the Lions will be favourites to progress to the third round.