GUISELEY’S 12-year stay in the Vanarama National League structure ended in dramatic fashion with a late defeat.

The Lions will now play Northern Premier League football next season after losing 2-1 to Alfreton Town on Saturday.

Steve Kittrick’s side went into the clash in Derbyshire knowing that only a victory would keep them up.

It was first blood to Guiseley as they took the lead from the penalty spot on 53 minutes.

Alfreton striker Matt Rhead tripped Andy Hollins in the box and Shaun Tuton gave Guiseley the lead with the resulting spot kick.

 

With Telford and Farsley losing Guiseley were now third from bottom of the table and safe as long as the outcomes remained the same.

But Afreton equalised through Conor Branson slotted past Mason with just two minutes of normal time remaining.

As Guiseley pushed for a winner, they suffered a killer blow. On 90 minutes, Yusifu Ceesay scored a second for Town to consign the Lions to defeat, resulting in their relegation.

Speaking after the game, Kittrick said: “It’s extremely difficult.

“It’s heartbreak. I have been here for four weeks and we have turned the corner with them. I’m gutted for them.

“I’m gutted we did not have enough time to sort it out.

“It’s been a fantastic response from the players. They have responded well. It just needed tweaking. It was not brain surgery.”

When asked about his future in charge of Guiseley, Kittrick, who took over from Marcus Bignot and Russ O’Neill until the end of the season in March, added it was up to the club ton decide on what direction they wanted to go in regarding the managerial role.