Vanarama National League: Southport 2 Guiseley 0

GUISELEY face a relegation battle against Chester FC at Nethermoor tomorrow after both clubs lost on Saturday.

The Lions were beaten at fellow strugglers Southport – a result that took the Port above Chester.

Mark Bower is aware that a home win would see his Lions leapfrog Chester, while another defeat could possibly see them in the drop zone.

He said: “It was a damaging defeat at Southport and, yes, the conditions were tough, but it was one of those that you have to grind out, and we didn’t.

“We have got to go into this game and, quite simply, we have to win it. We can take confidence from some of our previous performances at home but I’d take a scrappy 1-0 because this is all about the points, not the display.

“We’re not in the position we are because of Saturday but a quick turnaround gives us the chance to do something about it.

"There will be changes to the side, that’s for sure, and there is no point moping about. We have to grasp any opportunity to take points.”

Guiseley remain 18th after their defeat at Southport’s Merseyrail Community Stadium but they are now just three points above the trapdoor and have played a game more than Torquay United, who dropped into the relegation zone following a 5-0 defeat at Dover Athletic.

One goal in each half won Saturday’s game for Andy Bishop’s Southport.

Jonny Margetts netted in the 36th minute and his second-half replacement Craig Westcarr chipped Lions keeper Dan Atkinson for the Port’s second five minutes after the hour.

The Guiseley boss was very disappointed with both strikes, and said: “In the first half we were playing into a very strong wind and were lucky not to go behind in the first ten minutes.

“Then ten minutes before half-time we were reasonably content and thinking we will have the better of the conditions in the second half. Then we gave such a poor goal away. Both of the goals came from us having possession.

“Their lad has hit a great strike into the top corner but that’s come from us giving the ball away.

"We did it again for the second goal, and within minutes of that going in, Danny Lowe pulled his groin and we’re playing with ten fit men.

“There was no real way back after that. We just never got out of that rut we found ourselves in during the first ten minutes.”