MARCUS Bignot believes Guiseley will continue to get the balance right between the league and FA Cup as they face a stern test against one of his old clubs this weekend.

The Lions have been drawn against League Two side Cambridge United in the FA Cup first round proper at Nethermoor on Saturday, November 10. They reached this stage following a 3-1 home win over Stourbridge on Saturday in the fourth qualifying round with goals from Will Wells, Lewis Walters and Kaine Felix.

Guiseley may fancy their chances of a cup upset next month as the U's are fourth-from-bottom with nine defeats in their opening 15 league games.

But before then Guiseley will look to pick up league points and improve on their 11th place in Vanarama National League North.

This quest starts with a tricky-looking home clash against second-placed Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, followed by a further home encounter with Blyth Spartans next Tuesday.

Joint-manager Bignot said: "We have been able to manage to get the balance right between the FA Cup and the league so far this season. We have been fully committed in both competitions.

"The more matches we have puts more strain on the squad. By this stage of the season we have injuries and an accumulation of bookings.

"We are going nicely in the league and we have a good opportunity to further that on Saturday and try to get back-to-back league wins.

"We are delighted to be in the FA Cup first round. Cambridge is not the most glamorous of ties, but it's opportunity to replicate us beating Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup first round last season. I'm glad that we are at home too."

Bignot also had high praise for Saturday's opponents, Harriers, a side he is very familiar with. The former right-back has happy memories of his time at Aggborough, making 48 appearances for them in two spells during the 1996/97 season and 2010.

Key for Guiseley's success on Saturday could be stopping Harriers forward Ed Williams. The 23-year-old has already attracted attention from league clubs after his great start to the season, which has seen him score 10 goals in the first 12 games.

Bignot added: "I still have a lot of connections at Harriers. There has been a lot of talk about the boy Williams, he is a special talent.

"I think Kidderminster are a National League club in waiting. I expect them to gain promotion this year, so our game against them will be a really good indicator for us too.

"I will be forever indebted to Kidderminster for giving me an opportunity. They took me from Telford and I ended up leaving to go to the Championship. I have really fond memories of my happy time with them."