GUISELEY gained a much-needed boost in their battle to avoid relegation from the National League with a 2-0 away win over fellow strugglers Chester.

The Lions, who had been denied victory by a stoppage time goal in their opening fixture against Aldershot, again got off to a flying start.

The game was just three minutes old when Callum McFadzean, who has thrived since being deployed as a wing back, thumped a ferocious left foot shot into the top corner of the net after a throw in was only partially cleared.

Chester, beaten 4-0 at Halifax on Saturday, were struggling defensively as Guiseley continued to pin them in their own half.

A McFadzean long throw was deflected onto a post by a Chester defender beforebeing hacked clear.

With the energetic Alex Purver and Alex-Ray Harvey harrying the home side into errors, Guiseley kept up the pressure.

On-loan striker James Roberts increased the lead in the 16th minute when he harried towering defender Ryan Astles into an error.

The Oxford United youngster seized on his opportunity as he beat keeper Sam Hornby with a low shot.

Chester's afternoon took another turn for the worst when defender Reece Hall-Johnson received a straight red card for a tackle on the lively Roberts.

The momentum of the game seemed to change as Chester started to press with ten men.

Substitute James Akintunde, who replaced the injured former Bantams striker Ross Hannah, had a golden chance when he was sent clear, but he shot wide.

Akintunde also tested Jonny Maxted early in the second half, but the keeper was up to the test.

Guiseley continued to look dangerous whenever Roberts was on the ball. His 58th minute shot was well saved by Hornby while Purver's curler from the rebound was cleared off the line by Tom Shaw.

Maxted, Purver, Simon Lenighan and McFadzean were booked, but the Lions were good value for their win.