MARK Bower could hardly contain his pride as Guiseley hit back from 2-0 down to beat Chorley 3-2 in the Vanarama Conference North play-off final at the aptly-named Victory Park.

Substitutes Liam Dickinson and Nicky Boshell were among the scorers as former Bantams skipper Bower became the first Lions manager to lead the club into the country's highest non-League tier.

Bower said: "I thought we deserved it on our second-half performance. I'm proud of the players and so proud to be involved with this club.

"We were 2-0 down at half-time but we had a talk and I could see that the lads weren't down.

"I could see that they felt they could turn it around and we had created some good chances – in fairness it could have been 5-3 at half-time.

"But we had struggled on a poor pitch, a pitch that I don't think was fit to play a final on, and we had to adapt.

"I thought we got to grips with it and gained control of the midfield through Andy Holdsworth and Danny Boshell.

"Once we got it back to 2-1, I didn't think we could get a draw and take it into extra time – I thought then that we'd win it."

The victory elevates Guiseley to the Conference Premier, which will be rebranded the Vanarama National League for the coming season.

The Lions will be crossing swords with the likes of Wrexham, Torquay United, Lincoln City, Macclesfield Town, either Bristol Rovers or Grimsby Town and, of course, neighbours FC Halifax Town.

Bower knows what challenge awaits him and his players and said: "When you look at the names in the division, you know just how hard it will be – but we're looking forward to the challenge.

"You look at Altrincham, who went up last year, and they have consolidated up there with the core of the squad that got them promoted.

"I hope we can retain the mainstay of our squad but I know we will have to add players. There will be comings and goings over the close season, I'm sure of that."

Guiseley chairman Phil Rogerson added: "I'm happy, almost on cloud nine at the moment, but I'm just thinking about how much work we have to do now.

"Also the added costs – but those will be offset by increased revenue streams.

"It's an exciting time for the club and I'm sure it will all start to sink in properly over the next few days."