Guiseley 2, Ashton United 0: Guiseley extended their unbeaten run to eight games with their third successive win on Saturday. They soon cut Ashton United down to size and the winning margin could well have been doubled if leading scorer Ryan Senior had produced better finishing.

He was set up on at least three occasions by his new strike partner Lee Reilly as the 21-year-old leading scorer from the Reserve team soon gave Guiseley another dimension up front with his probing runs and willingness to work.

Reilly constantly ran at the Ashton defence and although he did not always get through against their giant defenders he caused an almighty nuisance in much the same way as midfielder Ben Thackwray did.

The young midfielder is always up for the battle and he proved it by bringing the 6ft and more Darren Royle, son of the legendary Joe, clattering to the ground.

Thackwray earned another booking in this game but his combative style has had quite a bit to do with Guiseley's resurgent form and has allowed the more delicate David Cooke to prove a nuisance in his own right.

Cooke had an excellent game and now he has been moved out of the striking role that was obviously not to his liking he is proving his real worth to the side. He plays a big part in the fluid way in which Guiseley are now performing.

Ashton included former Guiseley striker Phil Denney in their side but he had little chance to shine against a solid Guiseley rearguard in which young goalkeeper John Lamb, fresh from signing a two and-a-half year contract with the club, gave another confident display.

Old hands Clive Freeman and Simon Trevitt kept a firm grip on things allowing Ian McLean to get forward and with the midfield buzzing there was plenty of movement up front where Reilly posed problems for the Ashton defence and Senior was prepared to shoot from anywhere but too often from too far out.

He has the ability to get closer and he would reap even more goals with a little more steadiness. He has a phenomenal scoring rate since joining Guiseley with 15 goals in 18 games and at 20 is a great prospect. Senior is enjoying a rich vein of form and has scored six goals in the last five games.

He and Reilly provide one of the youngest strike partnerships Guiseley have had at this level of football.

The game was fast paced from start to finish and the pitch held up well after plenty of hard work from volunteers in the morning.

Ashton were given an early wake up when Reilly, in for Nicky Hey who moved to the subs bench, had a shot deflected wide. Guiseley did not have it all their own way in the early stages and John Lamb had to save from Phil Denney, Lee Blackshaw and Chris Cornelly.

At the other end Andy Johnston pulled off two great saves from Senior before a superb move by Guiseley gave them the opening goal in the 25th minute. McLean started the move in his own half and found Reilly who in turn passed to Stuart and he deftly found Senior whose shot went in off the post.

In the 32nd minute Cooke beat the defence to set up Stuart who produced a clinical finish which secured the points and leaves Guiseley chasing a promotion play-off spot.

Guiseley Chairman Phil Rogerson was disappointed with the size of the crowd for Saturday's game.

He said: "So what happened to the crowd? A drop of 60 from the last home game when we are on a winning run is extremely disappointing. Let's hope we get better support for the visit to Gainsborough on Saturday for the UniBond League President's Cup semi-final."

The club are running a coach to the game and seats are available at £7.50. Ring 01943-879236 for further details.

Manager Neil Parsley was pleased with his sdie's performance against Ashton but hinted that he may go against conventioin and change a winning side for Saturday's cup semi-final at Gainsborough Trinity.

He said: "There is a saying that you don't change a winning side but I rather go horses for courses and there may be changes.We are under no illusion that we face a tough task to reach the final of the UniBond President's Cup but if we play as we have been doing and touch lucky then we may find ourselves in the final.

"We did a professional job against Ashton after being a little sloppy in the opening 15 minutes. Lamby made some good saves and then we settled and took a grip. We looked solid at the back and did well going forward but we could have scored a few more goals.

"We are looking forward to Saturday's semi-final."

Guiseley Reserves have a home game on Saturday when they entertain Altrincham (3pm).