Guiseley’s first pre-season friendly was all about blowing off the cobwebs and working towards Monday’s visit of Bradford City.

That was the assessment of assistant manager Wayne Benn, who will be looking forward to the clash as much as any of the players. He began his career at Valley Parade and then spent almost a decade with Park Avenue.

“Tuesday against Liversedge was about getting a good work-out and minutes on the pitch under the belts of the players,” said Benn after Guiseley’s 3-1 win.

“We decided to hold James Cotterill and Ryan Crossley back because they are a couple of weeks behind the others. They may play some part against City but Steve (manager Kittrick) just wants to make sure they are ready for it.”

Crossley, who made the switch from neighbours Farsley Celtic in the close season, and Cotterill have been under the surgeon’s knife.

Both are now back in full training but the club do not want to risk any problems for the sake of a run-out in a friendly.

“Ryan had an operation on his back last April but has worked like a Trojan in training and deserves a game,” said Benn.

“James had a bad ankle towards the end of last season that was restricting him. He only had keyhole surgery and the recovery time from that is much quicker but we think they both need nursing back.

“They are both well on the way and are full of enthusiasm but we have had to hold them back for their own good.

“The rest of the lads are absolutely flying. They have trained hard and taken something from the first warm-up game at Sedge.

“We had the players in for two weeks before that game, just six training sessions, so it’s still early doors.

“We didn’t want pre-season to be too long so we didn’t get the lads back as early as some clubs. What we did do was arrange the first few sessions to be intense – more of a short, sharp shock – and everyone has enjoyed it so far.”