Guiseley, safely through to the third qualifying round of the FA Cup and fourth in Blue Square Bet North, have signed another experienced player.

Former Huddersfield Town skipper Andy Holdsworth has come to Nethermoor from Blue Square Bet Premier newcomers Alfreton Town, opponents of the Lions last season, who are managed by former Bantams boss Nicky Law.

The combative 27-year-old midfielder, once a target of Bradford City, has also plied his trade with Oldham and Morecambe and has already made 257 appearances.

Guiseley manager Steve Kittrick said: “Andy trained with us a couple of times in pre-season and he asked if there was anybody that I knew in the Conference, so it was me that pushed him to Alfreton Town.

“But then Andy rang me up and said ‘Is there a contract on the table?’, and I said yes, so Alfreton didn’t offer him what he wanted and we did.”

Holdsworth will be battling for a starting berth with fellow former Football League players Ciaran Toner, Danny Boshell, Gavin Rothery and Michael Burns.

Guiseley, who are at Workington Town in the league on Saturday, now know their opponents for a week on Saturday in the FA Cup.

They travel to Northern League Ashington, who beat Vauxhall Motors 1-0 in a replay on Tuesday.

Kittrick said: “We watched the match and the Northern League is one that goes under the radar a bit but it is a footballing hotbed and there are some good sides up there.”

The main casualty from Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup victory at Stalybridge Celtic was Danny Ellis, who dislocated a shoulder in what Kittrick called “a pure accident”.

The Guiseley manager added: “Danny is seeing a specialist today and we should know how long he will be out for, whether that be three weeks, six weeks or whatever.”

Guiseley are looking for a boost in their promotion tilt at relegation-threatened Workington.

The Lions are fourth averaging two points per game from their opening 11 fixtures but they are nine points adrift of the summit after losing their last two league games.

However, they should get back on track if Saturday goes according to form because their hosts are second-bottom, having won just twice so far.

Guiseley should be buoyant after receiving a boost to their title tilt by proxy at Stalybridge Celtic. Although that was an FA Cup tie, it should also act as a shot in the arm for the Lions’ league campaign.

The top two in Blue Square Bet North are Hyde FC and Stalybridge, and both are unbeaten in the league so far this season.

Guiseley’s cup success has given them heart as they are yet to face either of the top two in the league.

The down side of last weekend’s otherwise great away day was Ellis' dislocated a shoulder late in the game.

Spokesman Stuart Allen said: “We are hoping it isn’t a bad one but you can never tell with these kinds of injury.

“Steve (manager Kittrick) and Danny have spent most of the week waiting for medical reports but until you test the joint out you never know what the extent of the damage is.

"Alex Davidson also came off at half-time but that was illness rather than injury so he should be available.”