The punishing schedule has taken its toll on the squad and the club in general but no one at Guiseley wanted to release their hold on the West Riding County Cup so they had to accept last week's madness.

Four games in eight days left the players playing against Conference North side Harrogate Town in the semi-finals of the cup on Thursday, even though they had played on Tuesday.

The congestion led to just three points being gathered from three league fixtures and the County Cup being ripped from Guiseley's grasp.

"This week we gave the players Tuesday off and got them in for light training on Thursday to get them ready for today's game at home to Marine," said Guiseley

manager Neil Parsley.

"We hope that will have given them a chance, not just to recharge the batteries after the hectic week but also to spend time with their families.

"The limbs need the respite and the lads deserve a little break."

Any hopes of a play-off place in the UniBond Premier Division had already gone before the cup exit.

Parsley's job is now to lift the spirits of his players, ensure the supporters are rewarded with performances on the pitch and plan ahead for next year at the same time.

"What pleased me, almost as much as the three points, was the clean sheet against Matlock Town," added Parsley, a defender in his time in the pro game with Leeds, West Brom and Huddersfield.

"Without checking my records, I think that is the first nil we have managed for 11 games.

"We need more of the same to make sure we end the season as high as possible."