Solihull Moors 2 Guiseley 0

Guiseley lost their grip on second place in the Blue Square Bet North when they slipped to a surprise defeat at struggling Solihull.

It was a frustrating afternoon for the Lions as leaders Brackley suffered their first defeat of the campaign – 6-1 at Harrogate Town – and promotion rivals FC Halifax Town were beaten at home by Boston United.

Guiseley were the more creative in the goalless first half. Wayne Brooksby fired their first chance over, a Danny Boshell shot was saved and James Walshaw was just off target in a superb opening ten-minute spell for the visitors.

A determined Solihull soaked up a lot of pressure and began to restrict the openings. Guiseley had just three more before the break and failed to capitalise on any.

The best fell to Walshaw when he broke through in the 36th minute and made space for himself before seeing his shot well saved.

The home side turned the game with an early second-half strike. Just five minutes in, a concerted Moors attack had the Guiseley defence hacking clearances away but one dropped for Jay Denny and he rifled home through a crowded area.

Tom Kemp netted the home side’s second just after the hour mark and, though the Lions finished strongly, they could not find a way back into the game.

Walshaw, Gavin Rothery and substitute Josh Wilson were all foiled by good saves, timely blocks or their own inaccuracy.

Guiseley spokesman Stuart Allen said: “It was just one of those things, one of those days. We got the feeling that we could have played while midnight and not scored.

“Their goal came at a good time for them and it really lifted them and from then on they looked more like adding another than we did of getting one back.

“You can’t take anything away from Solihull because they defended well and took their chances.

“It would have been good for us to get something out of the game because I think Chester were the only one of the top teams to get any points.

“The important thing for us is that Steve (manager Kittrick) gets a reaction out of them for the FA Cup tie this Saturday.”